TPPL Framework bidding guide

TPPL Framework Tenders – Supplier guide for bidding

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in participating in a TPPL framework tender process. This guide provides essential information to support suppliers in understanding the tendering process, typical TPPL expectations, and how to submit a competitive bid.

About TPPL Frameworks

TPPL (The Procurement Partnership Limited) collaborates with leading Centralised Procurement Authorities to deliver national frameworks that are transparent, efficient, and scalable. Framework tenders are published openly via the Find a Tender Service (FTS) and Contracts Finder, with all documentation released at the time of the Tender Notice.

Our Frameworks are usually tendered via the Delta eSourcing portal (www.delta-esourcing.com) or when we work in partnership with the North East Procurement Organisation via the Open portal (www.open-uk.org).

In all circumstances our Frameworks shall be advertised using the Central Digital Platform, and visible on the ‘Find a Tender’ system (https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Search/Results).

The Central Digital Platform (CDP)

In accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), suppliers wishing to participate in TPPL framework tenders must ensure they are registered on the Government’s Central Digital Platform (CDP).
The CDP is used to publish procurement notices, advertise opportunities through ‘Find a Tender’, and for suppliers to input their details, including business details, financial standing, connected persons, and exclusion grounds.
Registration is required for participation with PA23 tenders and should be completed (or updated if you have already previously registered) prior to starting a tender response. All TPPL Framework tenders will require provision of CDP generated ‘Share Code’.

To register:

• Visit the Cabinet Office’s Central Digital Platform here: https://signin.account.gov.uk/sign-in-or-create
• Follow the supplier registration process and ensure your organisation profile is complete
• Ensure the registered email matches the one used for tender submissions to avoid communication issues

Suppliers that are not registered on the CDP may be excluded from consideration. TPPL recommend completing registration as early as possible to ensure access to all notices and updates relating to the Frameworks TPPL manage.
For further guidance on registering on the CDP please watch these official videos from the Government Commercial Function. These detail the registration process and how to create a ‘Share Code’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxsbVW4q-k0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qlgZehQyoo

TPPL Framework tenders issued via Delta, will request provision of a CDP generated Share Code on a page like the following image:

What to Expect in a TPPL Framework Tender Pack

A typical TPPL framework tender includes:

• Invitation to Tender, overview, procurement timetable, and participation rules. Key details such as lot structure, thresholds, and the scoring split (Quality, Cost, Social Value) will be stated clearly.
• Procurement Specific Questionnaire, containing ‘Conditions of Participation’ including eligibility criteria, declarations, financial standing.
• Award Questionnaire, quality and social value questions tailored to the framework in question, evaluated using published scoring criteria detailed.
• Cost Submission Spreadsheet, structured cost inputs relevant to the individual framework lots with clear evaluation methodology detailed in the invitation to tender document.
• The Framework Agreement, this document sets out the overarching terms governing the framework between TPPL and successful suppliers. It includes:

1. Specification: Defines the service/product scope, performance requirements, and compliance obligations
2. Call-Off Contract Templates: Drafts for member authorities to use during individual drawdowns, reflecting the framework’s terms while allowing for local adaptations
3. Pricing and Payment: Details of pricing methodologies, indexation mechanisms, and payment arrangements across different use cases
4. Framework Lifecycle: Covers duration, extension options, and termination provisions
5. Legal and Statutory References: Incorporates PA23-compliant clauses, including safeguarding, equality duties, and transparency obligations

Clarifications

Suppliers can submit clarification questions during the designated period, typically this ends one week before the tender deadline. Any requests for clarification are to be received no later than the close of the clarification window. Queries received after the end of the window will not be accepted and will not be responded to.
The tender portal is to be used for all communication. TPPL will not be responsible for contacting your organisation through any route other than via the tender portal being used.

Scoring Methodology

The scoring methodology is detailed within the procurement documents for each tender. Typically, TPPL use the following approach for written qualitative questions within the award questionnaire:

The methodology associated with the evaluating cost submissions varies depending on the Framework, and on the goods/services being procured. Full details regarding the cost evaluation methodology to be used will be disclosed in the procurement documents.

Submission Requirements

To submit a valid and compliant bid, suppliers must submit, via the tender portal being used, and by the published deadline the following:

• A response to all mandatory questions and pricing elements
• Any requested files in the stated formats (e.g. Excel, PDF, Word) whilst following any file naming rules stated
• If applicable, a declaration you have used any AI-generated content within your submission
• Completed pricing/cost submission which is aligned to the tender specification

Late, incomplete, or non-compliant submissions will not be evaluated and will not receive an Assessment Summary.

Post-Submission and Evaluation Process

Further detail regarding the evaluation criteria and process for a specific Framework tender is always provided within the associated procurement documentation.

After bid submission and the tender deadline has passed the following process is undertaken:

• Compliance Review, submissions are checked for completeness.
• Eligibility Assessment, Conditions of Participation reviewed on a pass/fail basis.
• Evaluation Panel Scoring, responses scored and moderated against published criteria.
• Cost Submission, evaluation of the cost submissions received in accordance with the stated methodologies.
• Assessment Summaries Issued, feedback provided to all compliant bidders, if your application was ineligible (your submission did not meet the Conditions of Participation) you do not receive an Assessment Summary.
• Contract Award Notice Published, triggers standstill period of eight working days.
• Framework Agreements Signed, Contract Details Notice follows final award.

Best Practice Tips When Bidding

The following are some points to consider when bidding in response to any tender:

• Read all documentation thoroughly before drafting responses. If you are unclear on any element, raise a clarification through the tender portal being used.
• Provide structured, direct answers aligned to each question. If the question uses sub-bullets/points, ensure your response matches and responds to the points clearly.
• Answer the question(s) raised, not the questions you want to answer. Using stock responses can save time but can evaluate poorly and not properly address award criteria.
• Use quantified evidence wherever possible, for example: state delivery capacity, mobilisation speed, resources available, and support responses with quantifiable examples of success elsewhere.
• Avoid promotional language; focus on substance over style.
• Tailor responses when bidding across multiple lots.
• Treat social value requirements as integral to your bid, ensure the responses you provide are specific, measurable, and where appropriate make firm commitments.
• Triple-check pricing for consistency, coverage, and completeness.

Most importantly of all. Do not leave making your submission until the last day of the available tender window. Leave ample time to finalise the submission, therefore accommodating any unforeseen system or resource issues you might experience.

Performance Reporting and Contract Management Requirements

Under PA23, suppliers awarded high-value call-off contracts (typically exceeding £5 million) via TPPL frameworks may be required to assist Members with their ongoing performance reporting obligations.

This may include:

• Providing structured performance data aligned to the authority’s contract management processes
• Supporting publication of Contract Performance Notices (‘CPN’) where applicable, including delivery outcomes and compliance against KPIs
• Participating in formal performance reviews, including reporting against service levels and agreed contract milestones
• Maintaining detailed records to support transparency, auditability, and continuous improvement

Suppliers should be prepared to adapt their reporting to meet individual Member expectations, especially when awarded high-value contracts under PA23.