Advance is seeking proposals from firms to be the Statutory External Auditors for the Association. In accordance with our Financial regulations the Board is seeking to retender these services for a period of at least three years with an option to extend for up to a further 2 years. The contract for the service will commence with the current financial year 2026/27, relating to the year ending 31 March 2027. A proposal should be provided to Advance on a fixed-price basis. Advance reserves the right to accept any proposal, whether or not the lowest, or not to accept any.

Renewal: Period of at least three years with an option to extend for up to a further 2 years. The contract for the service will commence with the current financial year 2026/27, relating to the year ending 31 March 2027. Award criteria: The proposals will be evaluated against each other in an objective manner. Although cost is important, factors such as quality of service, account management and service delivery arrangements are vital. The proposals will be evaluated by Advance to identify the contractor providing the best value for money and the best fit for the organisation. All submitted tenders will undergo an initial screening (Stage 1) to ensure that: • The tender has been submitted on time, is correctly completed, and materially complies with the requirements set out in the Invitation to Tender. • The submission is sufficiently complete to allow evaluation in line with the published criteria. • The bidder has adhered to the rules and procedures outlined in the Invitation to Tender. Incomplete or non-compliant tenders may be excluded from further consideration at this stage. Stage 2: Quality, Price Evaluation, and Presentations Tenders that pass the initial screening will proceed to a detailed evaluation in accordance with our criteria and weightings and will be on the basis of: Price (40%) Quality of service (60%) A shortlist of firms will be drawn up based upon the experience, expertise and proposed approach, and successful firms will be invited to make a presentation to a panel comprising Members of the Board and officers during the week as set out in the timetable.

Procurement Act 2023

Below threshold - open competition

Light touch

submit by email to: [email protected]

our website: www.advanceuk.org Bidding documents: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-23632