[Question] Gov Supplier Database

[AliceSham]

Hi

I'm new to this forum. I am considering applying to be registerd on the prov. supplier database. I want to operate as a sole prop due to previous blacklistings and so on. They require so much of documents and have little idea of how to go about doing this registration. Is there anyone that has knowledge of this registration that can assist me in doing so or advise me of the best route to take?

Many thanks in advance...

[wynn]

I personally am very wary of supplier data bases for government departments because they can then keep tenders in house and even in coterie so only the approved friends get the chance to quote.
I believe all tenders should be public and adjudicated transparently.

Wishfull thinking I am sure.

[Miro Bagrov]

Which industry are you in? What is the service or product?


They tell me "bribery" is a good way start.

They are required to phase their suppliers through every 3 years. Then there is a tender process to make things fair. That's a long wait to get anywhere.

[Dave A]

As mentioned above, getting on a government database doesn't mean you'll get any tenders. It can make the process of tendering a bit smoother though and once you've built up a good track record - it's gold.

Years ago we went through a process of registering on pretty much any supplier database we could, private corporate and government. I can't say it produced a stream of work, or even enquiries.

However, the effort did pay off in the end - quite a few years later arising from two events that had nothing to do with being on the databases concerned.

They require so much of documents and have little idea of how to go about doing this registration

It's a lot. It's a grind. But it's not particularly complicated.

You just have to grind your way through it item by item. And you either have what they need, or you don't.

[Miro Bagrov]

I agree. Truth is, no one has time to read 10 000 suppliers.

You need to approach them directly (first) - equine about their actual plans and needs and see if realistically they are interested in your offer.
There is no point in registering anywhere or spend time/effort on any supplier form unless you were instructed to do so.

If they are interested (in reality), they will tell you the process they want you to follow. The supplier forms is what they will use to back-up that they selected you in a fair way
All the other applicants no one will ever read - but they can't say that it was unfair, because they also "applied".

So, go direct.

[Dave A]

Probably worth pointing out that when it comes to those big private companies, the form for registering on the supplier database when you've got an order is often one heck of a lot shorter than the one you get when you're just canvassing.

(And I suspect the long ones are never actually captured - they sit in a to-do pile until someone has a clean out and archives / dumps them).

With gov. departments, it's pretty much the same info every time.

Which reminds me - On tips: If you go to all the trouble, make sure you get and don't lose your database registration number.