How to buy through the SEDPS
This page explains the call-off process for buying through the SEDPS and how it works for external buyers.
What is a call-off?
A call-off is a competitive tender opportunity issued through the SEDPS. Under dynamic purchasing system rules, we cannot directly award work - every requirement must be issued as an open call-off competition.
Only suppliers who are pre-approved in the relevant SEDPS category can take part, ensuring fairness, transparency and equal access to opportunities. Each call-off sets out the buyer’s specific needs, and eligible suppliers are invited to submit bids for evaluation.
How the call-off process works for external buyers
Once a buyer has confirmed eligibility and gained access to the system, we support them in developing the request for quotation (RFQ) documents. These are issued to suppliers within the relevant category.
During the bidding window, suppliers may submit clarification questions. We collect and anonymise all questions before sending them to the buyer.
The buyer drafts responses and returns them to us within two working days, after which we publish the answers to all participating suppliers so everyone receives the same information.
After the submission deadline, we gather all quotations and share them with the buyer for evaluation. The buyer then assesses the bids using the SEDPS quality score methodology and identifies the successful supplier or suppliers.
Once the evaluation is complete, we issue the formal notification letters. After notifications have been sent, the contract is awarded, marking the end of the call off process.
