Summary of routes to market

19. After significant engagement with users, four routes to market have been developed to procure goods and services on behalf of the Authority as part of the Procurement Service Order. There will be occasions where the business need, the anticipated cost,
or the level of risk associated with a requirement do not fit neatly within these routes and the specified thresholds. Where this occurs, the Commercial and Procurement team will advise the customer on the most appropriate alternative options. The routes are:

Route 1 - Purchasing card: This route is available for all small or one off purchases, where a contract is not in place, up to £1k (exc VAT). It is also available at the discretion of a member of Corporate Management Board (for example in the resolution of emergency incidents for purchasing additional services out of hours).
Route 2 - Self Service Quotes: This route is for unregulated procurements which are low risk, non-repetitive and valued anywhere up to £10k (ex VAT).
Route 3 - Assisted Procurement: This route is generally for purchases valued between £10k to £50k (ex VAT), and provides standard documentation and processes for the customer to follow, with the assistance of the Commercial and
Procurement Team where necessary.
Route 4 - Formal Procurement: This route is for requirements valued over £50k (ex VAT). The Commercial and Procurement will lead the sourcing exercise in conjunction with customer inputs.

20. Guidance on the use of each is available on the Authority’s intranet.