This page provides information about Ofcom’s approach to procurement and how potential suppliers can access tendering opportunities.
Ofcom procures in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations (PCRs), in addition to all other relevant legislation and regulations and its own policies and procedures. The Commercial Team ensures that value for money is achieved for the organisation when contracting with third parties whilst minimising commercial and legal risk.
This is underpinned by clear and robust procurement processes.
Procurement Approach
Ofcom uses a broad range of suppliers, including SMEs, appointed following suitable competitive tendering processes. Table 1 summarises the threshold approach taken to manage the procurement process, ensuring fairness, transparency, value for money and adherence to Ofcom procurement rules and the PCRs. Ofcom is committed to ensuring potential suppliers are given equality of opportunity to compete for Ofcom’s business.
Procurement Thresholds
Value Threshold
| £0 - £10,000 | These requirements are procured by the business and generally do not require the input of the Commercial Team. A minimum of three written quotes must be obtained wherever possible. Depending on the requirement, quotes may be obtained via an Invitation to Quote (ITQ) process or via emailed quotations. This does not apply to requirements that are procured under any of Ofcom’s framework agreements as these are conducted under a defined mini competition process regardless of the expected total cost. |
| £10,000 - £50,000 | These requirements are also procured by the business and generally do not require the input of the Commercial Team (although there are some exceptions). A competition is usually conducted following an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process but may also be via an Ofcom framework or other framework (e.g. procured by the Crown Commercial Service or another public body). |
| £50,000 and above | All procurements over £50,000 require the involvement of the Commercial Team. A competition is usually conducted following an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process but may also be via an Ofcom framework or other framework (e.g. procured by the Crown Commercial Service or another public body). Procurements for supplies and services over £214,904 (including VAT) are likely to be subject to a fully compliant PCR procurement process. |
Consultancy and Professional Services
In addition to the involvement of the Commercial Team, specific approval is required before proceeding with the procurement of Consultancy and Professional Services requirements. The full process is detailed in Ofcom’s internal Financial Authorities Framework.
Working with us
As a contracting authority, we expect our suppliers (and their sub-contractors) to:
- share our approach to corporate responsibility and commitment to equality and diversity through their policies, principles and actions;
- understand and comply (or have plans for compliance) with all legislation relevant to their business (and their interactions with our organisation) covering such matters as environmental protection, discrimination, employment, minimum wage, health and safety, modern slavery/human trafficking in the supplier chain, equality of treatment for all the diversity strands including making reasonable adjustments for disabled workers and to have policies, where appropriate, and to actively monitor performance against such policies;
- communicate openly and honestly with us so we can support and develop our mutual commitment to corporate responsibility; and
- manage their suppliers of products and services responsibly.
To support this, we have developed a code of conduct (PDF, 281.2 KB) which sets out our expectations of our suppliers and how we’d like to work together.
Modern Slavery
Ofcom is committed to continually improving its policies and practices to play our part in tackling the serious issue of modern slavery. We do not tolerate slavery or human trafficking in our business or supply chains. We assess our contracts to identify risks and if any are found, we will work with our suppliers to monitor and manage them effectively. We publish an annual modern slavery statement to demonstrate our progress against these commitments.
Environmental Policy
Ofcom understands that we are in challenging times in terms of global environmental impacts. We all have a part to play in addressing threats to our planet’s natural systems and biodiversity. Ofcom is therefore committed to assessing, understanding and improving its environmental performance including via the delivery of contracted supplies and services.
Online Tendering system
Ofcom conducts its procurement process through an eSourcing portal which is hosted by Jaggaer (BravoSolution). Your organisation will be required to register on this portal to participate in procurement processes.
Ofcom’s eSourcing Portal is hosted by BravoSolution. Your organisation will require prior registration (only once).
Standard Terms and Conditions of Contract
Services Terms and Conditions (PDF, 405.6 KB)
Supplies Terms and Conditions (PDF, 446.8 KB)
Contact us
Should you have any queries please email us: Procurement@ofcom.org.uk