There are a few things you need to know if you are about to bid for a contract under Competitive Dialogue: If you don’t understand what is going on, it can be very expensive; but on the other hand, it’s a great way to reduce your risks and costs by finding out much more about the buyer and their needs.
There are rules to be followed and games to be played. Although the basic structure of Competitive Dialogue is defined in statute, there are many ways that an authority can implement it. Sadly many of the implementations we have encountered have been counter-productive both for the buying authority and bidders.
Stablebridge consultants have been privileged to have advised buying teams on a number of successful competitive dialogue supplier selection processes. In far more cases we have had to watch on in silence as opportunities to contract with great bidders have been thrown away. Buying teams frequently lack the understanding to make best use of innovative legislation which was designed to make life easier and deliver perfect projects.
So our experience is based not on what should happen, but more on what can happen.
We have been involved in the selection of bidders since the procedure was first sanctioned in 2006. Contracts have involved the selection of suppliers for projects as varied as IT systems integration, sports stadia and multi-site catering, retail and leisure services. Our support can be as ‘close in’ as you wish. We can integrate with your team, or lead it through the process. Or we could support you from the other end of a telephone. The choice is yours.