Contracts

Types of Contracts

Barnsley schools enter into various types of contracts:

• a one-off purchase of a given quantity of a product or service by a specified date
• a regular requirement over a given period
• a framework contract over a set period

Contract Award

Schools award contracts to the contractor/supplier who offers the most economically advantageous tender based on a combination of price and quality. For the award of Framework Contracts, schools follow the new European Union (EU) Directives.

Becoming a contractor/supplier  the tender process

Before becoming a contractor for Barnsley schools you may be required to submit information regarding your company, usually in the form of a pre-tender questionnaire, or as part of an invitation to tender. The type of information required might include all or some of the following:

• basic company details
• financial information, including the accounts
• details of insurance cover
• health and safety practices
• business and management structure
• resources and staff training
• environmental issues
• equality and diversity 
• race relations matters
• references.

How we pay our contractors / suppliers

Payment terms are normally set out in the contract documents, but they may be stage payments, annual / quarterly / monthly payments, or payment on completion. Payment is usually within 30 days of receipt of a correct invoice, unless otherwise agreed.

To ensure that your payment is dealt with efficiently and to avoid delays, please ensure that you:

• submit the invoice in the format agreed in the contract
• quote the order number and / or contract title
• address it to the correct officer and location
• ensure that it is calculated correctly
• include as much information as possible regarding the payment
• Schools make payment either by cheque or BACS (Bank Automated Clearing System). The latter method is increasingly preferred by schools as it ensures that payment is made directly into the contractors/suppliers bank account.