The SPD:

• used to be referred to as the ESPD
• is a standard questionnaire
• is used by buyers to ask exclusion and selection questions
• cannot have questions added or existing questions amended by the buyer and therefore should only contain questions that are relevant and proportionate to the procurement exercise
• should contain minimum requirements for certain selection questions where relevant e.g. if a procurement exercise had insurance requirements the buyer will include the insurance levels needed
• is a self-declaration process i.e. bidders do not need to provide up-front evidence.  Normally only the supplier who is likely to be awarded the contract will be asked for this information by the buyer at the award stage
• you are expected to answer all questions truthfully
• data previously submitted in an SPD can be re-used by the bidder (as long as it is relevant and correct for the new current procurement exercise).

SPD Process in Summary

• the buyer will determine which standard SPD questions are required
• the buyer will include any minimum requirements in either the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) SPD Module or in the Contract Notice
• the contract notice is published via PCS by the buyer
• you decide whether to submit a bid
• you must respond to the SPD in the format the buyer has specified
• the buyer will normally only request evidence/certification before contract award.

Hints

You should:

• register on PCS and PCS-Tender
• raise any queries with the buyer
• allow as much time as possible to raise clarifications/complete your bid
• ensure responses are relevant to the particular procurement exercise
• double-check all responses before submitting your bid.