YPO (Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation) provides procurement solutions to the public sector across the UK. Established in 1974 by grouping 13 initial local authorities who wanted a better route for procuring goods and services, along with the associated benefits of economies of scale.
Their members (those who require services) have now expanded across the country and across the majority of the public sector. The core business is setting up competitive and easy-to-use frameworks which public sector buyers can trust as providing a quality service, value for money and social value while ensuring procurement compliance.
The Grounds Maintenance Services DPS (Dynamic Purchasing System) is a highly successful and well-used framework across their members. This approved framework is for the supply of grounds maintenance services.
What is YPO Grounds Maintenance Services Framework?
This framework is substantial in value, estimated between £100m - £500m, over a maximum of 7 years which it could run for if contract extensions are taken advantage of.
The framework covers a broad range of grounds maintenance services from lawn care and landscaping to gritting and snow clearance. The agreement is broken up into 4 categories:
Category 1 - General Grounds Maintenance and/or Core Services.
Category 2 - Winter Grounds Maintenance Services.
Category 3 - Specialist Grounds Maintenance and/or None Core Services.
Category 4 – Multiple Grounds Services and Associated Services (to include one or more of the above Categories).
Across all lots or categories, there are currently 112 suppliers, though as a DPS this will change over the term of the agreement.
When are applications open for YPO Grounds Maintenance Services Framework?
This national DPS officially runs until December 2022, however, it has 4 12-month extensions meaning it has the potential to be open until 2026. With such a long contract, which is also a DPS (therefore continually open to new suppliers or regularly re-opened to new suppliers), it is a great option for Grounds Maintenance Contractors looking for new opportunities.
How do YPO Grounds Maintenance Services Framework work?
Like any framework or DPS, you first need to become approved by submitting a bid. You will be asked for company details, references, commitments to YPO values, terms, insurances, pricing, social value commitments, approach to quality and technical and professional ability. You need to submit the best bid possible in order to pass this stage and be awarded a place on the framework. At Thornton & Lowe we can help you with your grounds maintenance pricing, as well as our wider bid writing services.
Your submission will be evaluated based on 50% cost / 50% quality. Quality includes but is not limited to customer service, delivery, account management, corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Once you are awarded the framework/ DPS, you will start to receive opportunities from YPO when their members (such as Councils, Housing Associations and Universities, for example) require services. You will need to respond to these, still providing both a price and quality submission, though this is now specifically created for the contract in question.
With this Grounds Maintenance DPS, there is no direct award option, so there will always be a mini competition, which is great for suppliers as it encourages engagement. You will have a minimum of 10 days to respond. These bids will then be evaluated and you will be notified of the result via the e-portal.
The YPO uses Proactis – Procontract Due North – you can register today to look at the specifics of this DPS and many more grounds maintenance tenders.
Think this sounds like a great opportunity but not sure where to start?
Get in touch with us today for advice and support.
Bid writing support for YPO Grounds Maintenance Services Framework
Thornton & Lowe has been working on grounds maintenance bids on a weekly basis for over 10 years and we have been successful with numerous YPO frameworks and the associated grounds maintenance mini-competition responses. In addition to YPO Grounds Maintenance Services, we have also secured our client's contracts via:
- Fusion21 Grounds Maintenance Framework
- ESPO Grounds Maintenance Services Framework
- Crescent Purchasing Consortium Grounds Maintenance Framework
- Northern Housing Consortium Grounds Maintenance Framework
We have produced a case study of what we have achieved for one grounds maintenance client, which can be found here.
Or take a look at our top tips on finding and winning facilities management tenders.
