Supplying the Arts Council

We procure goods, services and works by either requesting invitations to quote or issuing competitive tenders in line with UK government policy and all relevant legal requirements.

How it works

How it works

Our procurement activity aims to obtain value for money while achieving our goal of delivering great art to everyone.

For procurement opportunities valued up to £10k we will invite written quotations.

For procurements opportunities valued £10k and over we will invite formal tenders via Delta.

We may also advertise procurement opportunities over £10k in Contracts Finder.

In addition procurement opportunities that meet or exceed the procurement threshold limits will also be advertised in the Find a Tender notice portal.

Procurement opportunities

Want to find out more about our current procurement opportunities or respond to a tender? Have a look at Bravo.

Payment – ‘No PO No Pay’

Payment – ‘No PO No Pay’

We have implemented a ‘No PO No Pay’ policy to help improve efficiency in our payment processes and to ensure that all payments are made to suppliers promptly.

Suppliers must ensure that they have quoted a valid PO number on the invoice in order to receive payment. Any invoice received without a valid PO number will result in delays.

Procurement Policy

Procurement Policy

We are fully committed to government policy on procurement.

We have three basic objectives, namely to: 

  • achieve continuing improvement in value for money based on whole life cost and quality 
  • enhance the competitiveness of suppliers through the development of procurement systems and practices
  • develop our use of e-procurement as a way of improving efficiency

Procurement Procedures

We take a number of approaches to sourcing our requirements depending on the nature, cost or complexity of what is being purchased. This includes using Central Government contracts and working collaboratively with other public bodies as well as inviting bids in our own right.

There are some general principles that we apply when inviting bids: 

  • All tenderers will have the same chance of success and be invited to bid on a level playing field
  • Tenders will be clear and easy to understand and we will avoid over specification
  • Specifications will focus on the required output and not input 
  • Sufficient tenders will be invited to ensure reasonable competition

Contract Terms and Conditions