QMU Procurement Report - Section 4: Supported Business

Higher value procurements, regulated procurements (between £50k and OJEU threshold and those equal to and above the OJEU thresholds) are conducted in line with Routes 2 and 3 respectively of the Procurement Journey. Both Routes 2 and 3 mandate the use of the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD (Scotland)). The ESPD covers exclusion, selection and award criteria and includes questions relating to companies self-certifying themselves in terms of size (micro, small or medium), or whether they are supported businesses.

The institution reviews each procurement to determine whether it could be fulfilled by a Supported Business, whilst remaining compliant with EU and Scottish Procurement Legislation and ensuring value for money for the institution (using the only Supported Business register currently available and published by Ready for Business).

The University aims to increase its contract uptake through the Supported Business framework agreement. In tandem, the University will research opportunities for awarding contracts to third sector bodies including social enterprises.