Advice for suppliers

TIPS FROM PROCUREMENT

General tips

Be aware of the broader sector: participate in industry events, join local clusters and industry groups.
Know where you sit within the supply chain: identify your customers - are they developers like Sofia, Tier 1 suppliers or others within the supply chain? Establish who will issue the relevant invitations to tender (ITTs).
Identify who you need to talk to: find the right people within a project/organisation.
Be aware of project timelines: understand timescales for tender activities and opportunities.
Register your company details on supply chain directories like Sofia's.
Where information is provided to potential customers – pitch yourself in the right way, be clear and concise.
Anticipate future market needs (floating, far from shore, digital) & shape your offering accordingly.

Pre-qualification

Respond to pre-qualification requests in a timely manner.
Cross-check that your response provides all requested data such as financial accounts.
If the pre-qualification requests are not clear then send a clarification asking for details. Be sure to communicate.
Where appropriate, use the pre-qualification response as an opportunity to show-off the capabilities of your company.
Tailor your response to the specific opportunity.

Invitation to Tender

Thoroughly review the ITT to ensure a good understanding of the tender documents.
Raise any clarifications ASAP after receipt of an ITT.
State clearly any assumptions made that relate to your tender response.
Ensure that departures to specifications are made in the correct place.
Respond to all tender returnable schedules with requested data.
Be clear on price breakdown and payment plans.
Check and check again before issuing your response.

SUPPLY CHAIN ENGAGEMENT SURVEY

In early 2021 Sofia, via NOF and Energi Coast, issued a survey to learn more about what suppliers see as good supply chain engagement. More than 120 responses were received with the feedback providing valuable to highlight what topics are of most interest and benefit to suppliers, how engagement can be improved and what more can be done to ensure the UK, and particularly the North East, supply chain is best placed to take part in the project’s contracting opportunities. You can see the survey and responses in the Sofia Survey Response Report. The Sofia team will utilise and refer to the feedback for ongoing supply chain activity.

Information for potential suppliers to Sofia

TIPS FROM PROCUREMENT

General tips

Pre-qualification

Invitation to Tender

SUPPLY CHAIN ENGAGEMENT SURVEY

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