How do I contact Pro5?

For contract specific enquiries, one of the Pro5 members will lead the procurement process on behalf of Pro5. The details for the responsible party will be confirmed in the User Guide or Contract Schedule. In the first instance you should contact the named individual.

What are the benefits of using a Pro5 framework?

Is there a cost to use a Pro5 framework?

Where can I learn about the current frameworks Pro5 has in place and frameworks available in the future?

Is there any procurement guidance available for schools?

Why has Pro5 established a framework when there is already a national solution in place?

How do I know that the framework is more beneficial than simply engaging the market myself?

Benchmark data will be made available via Pro5 and the HM Treasury. A high level of procurement duplication is not resource efficient and will be scored accordingly under the Use of Resources Assessment within the current CAA.

How do I choose a supplier if there is more than one listed in the framework? Do I have to use a further competition, or can I select the one which best meets my needs on the basis of the information in the User Guide?

This depends on how the framework was established. User guidance is available for most of the frameworks, but if you are unclear, you should in the first instance contact the relevant buyer. The User Guide will make clear how the call-off needs to be undertaken to ensure a compliant result that will not be vulnerable to any potential challenge for ineffectiveness.

The firm I want to use isn't shown in the framework - can they be added? Or can I include them in my mini tender, alongside the framework suppliers?

I know who I want to use, and they are on your framework, can I just call off?

You should check that the framework made provision for this (some frameworks may require a mini-competition to be conducted see the relevant user guide).

What are the implications for my consortia with the creation of Pro5? Can we join?

Membership needs to be manageable and representative.

Do you have a template tender document?

Some frameworks will have template documents, but in the first instance you should contact the relevant Pro5 buyer.
Whether you can award without further competition will depend on the framework and whether there are priced solutions already available. The user guide will provide further information.

Can you help me with my tender documents? If I send it to you to read, could you offer comments?

Do I have to inform Pro5 if I have used a particular framework?

Yes, it is very important we get feedback to feed into the contract review process.

Can Pro5 tell me who has used a particular contract and how much spend has been placed against it?

Can I change the evaluation scheme (the criteria and /or the weightings) to suit my particular requirements, or do I have to participate in the scheme used for setting up the framework?

My council is not specifically named in the ITT, therefore are we able to use the framework?

The PBO's are Central Purchasing Bodies as defined in the Directive. Provided the public body falls within an identifiable 'class' of customer, this is acceptable as long as the market understands the 'scope' of the contract.

Can I see the OJEU notice to satisfy myself/my lawyer that my council is able to use the framework?

If you are not able to locate a copy on Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) website, a copy of the OJEU notice is available on request from the Pro5 procurement lead for that particular framework (as specified in the user guide or contract schedule).

Can I evaluate price in a different way?

Yes, you must however disclose the methodology in the mini-competition ITT.

What is the complaint procedure if a supplier under a Pro5 framework isn't performing satisfactorily? Who do I speak to in the first instance?

In the first instance please contact the buyer responsible for establishing the contract at the relevant Pro5 organisation.

How will Pro5 monitor supplier performance over the lifetime of the framework?

The lead party will take responsibility for contract management but will seek views from counterparts in the other Pro5 members, and will also seek any feedback from users where applicable.

I've filled out the access agreement, what else do I need to do? At what point do I need to keep Pro5 involved?

Customers will register with their respective Pro5 member with the actual customer registration and process subject to each PBO requirement.
In using the framework, you will be invited to feedback and comment when reviewing and developing the framework.