Comprender el vocabulario y la terminología de la contratación del sector público es esencial para prosperar en el sector B2G y ganar contratos gubernamentales.
Este glosario define los términos clave que encontrarás al vender al sector público, desde compradores y contratistas hasta oportunidades y marcos de trabajo. Cada término incluye su definición, sinónimos comunes y cómo Hermix utiliza estos conceptos para proporcionar inteligencia de mercado.
Con esta guía de referencia intentamos organizar los términos por categoría para facilitar la navegación, ya que sabemos lo ocupada que puede ser la vida a veces.
Tanto si eres nuevo en las licitaciones públicas como si eres un oferente experimentado, este glosario te ayuda a comprender la terminología de contratación y cómo se conectan estos conceptos en el mercado B2G.
Empecemos…
Conceptos clave del mercado B2G
El mercado de la contratación pública gira en torno a tres conceptos fundamentales:
Comprador
Una organización pública que adquiere (compra) servicios, productos u obras. Los compradores gastan dinero para cualquier tipo de propósito en el mercado de empresa a gobierno (B2G).
- Comisión Europea, Parlamento Europeo, ministerios, ayuntamientos, fundaciones del NHS
- También llamado: Autoridad, cliente, donante, entidad contratante, organización pública, organismo público, administración pública, agencia gubernamental
- Cómo utiliza esto Hermix: Los perfiles detallados de compradores muestran el historial de compras, los patrones de gasto, los proveedores preferidos y los ciclos de renovación de contratos
Contratista
Adjudicatario de un procedimiento de contratación (oportunidad). Proveedores de servicios, productos o obras para un comprador. A veces un contratista es tu competidor, a veces un socio potencial.
- Puede ser una ONG, una empresa privada o incluso otro comprador público que preste servicios a otros compradores
- Los contratistas privados suelen tener número de IVA, dirección registrada, número de teléfono y otros datos oficiales
- También llamado: Vendedor, proveedor (en la adjudicación de un contrato), licitador, participante (en una oportunidad), beneficiario (de una subvención)
- Cómo utiliza esto Hermix: Los perfiles de contratistas revelan el historial de adjudicaciones, los valores típicos de los contratos, el enfoque geográfico y las redes de asociaciones
Grupo de Contratistas
Un grupo de contratistas con probabilidad de actuar de manera concentrada en el mercado del sector público. Las corporaciones multinacionales son el ejemplo típico.
- El Grupo IBM consta de cientos de empresas y filiales ubicadas en 177 países
- Cada filial de IBM es una organización independiente con información específica de dirección y registro
- Todo controlado en última instancia por una única empresa matriz (International Business Machines Corporation, registrada en Nueva York)
- Los miembros del grupo normalmente no compiten entre sí debido a la política interna y a las normativas de contratación formal.
- También llamado: Marca
- Cómo utiliza Hermix esto: Los grupos se consolidan para mostrar el verdadero panorama competitivo y evitar el recuento erróneo de competidores.
Oportunidad
Una oportunidad de negocio en el sector público. Típicamente un procedimiento de contratación para la adquisición de servicios o productos específicos, pero también puede ser una convocatoria de propuestas, una convocatoria de soluciones o una subvención.
- Pueden ser licitaciones futuras, pasadas, posibles, abiertas o cerradas u otros procedimientos de contratación
- Tiene uno o varios lotes
- Puede dar lugar a que no se adjudique ningún contrato o a la adjudicación de uno o varios contratos
- También llamado: Licitación, procedimiento de contratación, procedimiento negociado, raramente contrato o proyecto
- Cómo usa Hermix esto: Las alertas de monitoreo automatizado le avisan sobre oportunidades relevantes que coinciden con sus criterios en los portales europeos
Tipos de documentos de adquisición
Aviso
Pieza individual de información oficial sobre contratación. Puede ser un anuncio de licitación, anuncio de información previa, anuncio de adjudicación, información de pago, rectificación o adenda a otro anuncio.
- También llamado: Aviso de licitación, anuncio de licitación, anuncio de contrato, aviso de adjudicación
- Cómo usa Hermix esto: Monitorea avisos en múltiples portales para ofrecer una cobertura integral de oportunidades
Anuncio de contrato
Anuncio oficial de una oportunidad de contratación que contiene los detalles completos de la licitación, los requisitos, los criterios de evaluación y los plazos de presentación.
- Publicado en los portales oficiales de contratación
- Señal de inicio del proceso de contratación competitiva
- Cómo utiliza esto Hermix: Las alertas diarias le notificarán sobre nuevos avisos de contratos que coincidan con sus filtros
Anuncio de Información Previa (AIP)
Notificación previa de la intención del comprador de lanzar una futura licitación. Proporciona visibilidad temprana de las próximas adquisiciones.
- Permite a los proveedores prepararse antes de que se publique la oportunidad formal.
- No es un compromiso vinculante de adquisición
- Cómo usa Hermix esto: Rastreado para proporcionar una advertencia temprana sobre las próximas oportunidades
Aviso de Adjudicación de Contrato
Anuncio del adjudicatario(s) del procedimiento de contratación. Muestra qué contratista ganó, el valor del contrato, la duración y los términos clave.
- Publicado tras la firma del contrato
- Proporciona inteligencia competitiva sobre los resultados del mercado
- Cómo usa esto Hermix: Los datos de adjudicación revelan el rendimiento de la competencia, los puntos de referencia de precios y las preferencias de los compradores
Fe de erratas
Rectificación o modificación oficial de un anuncio de licitación publicado. Modifica los requisitos, los plazos u otras condiciones de la licitación.
- Todos los licitadores deben ser notificados de los cambios
- Se puede ampliar el plazo de presentación si los cambios son significativos
- Garantiza que todos los proveedores tengan acceso a información correcta
Términos de la estructura de adquisiciones
Lote
Una licitación puede constar de varios lotes. Por lo general, los contratistas pueden presentar su candidatura para cada lote de forma independiente. Cada lote se adjudica a uno o varios contratistas o consorcios.
- Separe los requisitos y el presupuesto para cada lote
- Permite a los proveedores más pequeños competir por porciones de contratos más grandes
- Los compradores suelen reservar lotes específicamente para pymes
- Cómo utiliza Hermix esto: Estructura de lotes mostrada en los detalles de la oportunidad
Consorcio
Agrupación de contratistas que participan conjuntamente en una licitación para firmar de forma conjunta un único contrato con el poder adjudicador.
- Formado por varios contratistas denominados miembros del consorcio
- El primer contratista de un consorcio suele denominarse líder del consorcio
- Combina capacidades para satisfacer requisitos que ninguna empresa por sí sola satisface
- También llamado: Agrupación, asociación, colaboración
- Cómo utiliza esto Hermix: el análisis de asociaciones muestra qué empresas colaboran en consorcios
Adjudicación de contrato
El resultado de un procedimiento de contratación (oportunidad). Un contrato es adjudicado por un comprador a uno o varios contratistas o consorcios compuestos por varios contratistas.
- Especifica el valor del contrato, la duración y los términos clave
- Posibilidad de adjudicación múltiple si la licitación tenía varios lotes
- También llamado: Contrato
- Cómo usa esto Hermix: Los premios históricos proporcionan inteligencia sobre los patrones de los compradores y el rendimiento de la competencia
Contrato
El resultado de la adjudicación de un contrato. En cada lote, el orden de los contratos suele ser importante. La ejecución suele realizarse en cascada desde el primer contrato hasta el último.
- Define obligaciones, entregables, condiciones de pago y requisitos de rendimiento
- Puede ser un contrato único o parte de un acuerdo marco
- El orden importa cuando se adjudican múltiples contratos en el mismo lote
Acuerdo Marco
Un contrato que se ejecuta a través de varios pedidos individuales independientes o contratos específicos.
- Establece los términos aplicables a múltiples compras durante el periodo del contrato
- Por lo general, dura de 2 a 4 años con un valor total estimado
- Pedidos individuales denominados contratos específicos, llamadas de suministro u órdenes de compra
- También llamado: Contrato marco
- Cómo utiliza Hermix esto: Adjudicaciones de marcos de trabajo rastreadas para mostrar patrones de acceso al mercado
Orden de compra
Partes de un contrato marco. Pedidos individuales realizados bajo los términos del marco.
- También llamado: Pedido, contrato específico, solicitud específica
- Utiliza los términos establecidos en el marco de referencia
- Puede implicar una minicompetencia entre proveedores de marcos de trabajo
Tipos de procedimientos de contratación
Procedimiento abierto
Un procedimiento de contratación en el que cualquier proveedor cualificado puede presentar una oferta. No se requiere fase de precalificación.
- Tipo de contratación más transparente y competitiva
- Todos los criterios de evaluación deben publicarse por adelantado
- Common for straightforward, well-defined requirements
- Suitable for goods and simple services
- How Hermix uses this: Procedure type shown in opportunity details to help you understand competition level
Restricted Procedure
A two-stage procurement process. First stage pre-qualifies suppliers, second stage invites only selected suppliers to submit full bids.
- Stage 1: Suppliers submit Selection Questionnaire showing capability
- Stage 2: Shortlisted suppliers (typically 3-5) invited to tender
- Used for complex requirements requiring proven capability
- Reduces evaluation burden on buyers
- How Hermix uses this: Historical use of restricted procedures by authority indicates they favour proven suppliers
Competitive Dialogue
An iterative procurement process for complex requirements where the solution isn’t predetermined. Buyer conducts dialogue with shortlisted suppliers to develop solutions.
- Multi-stage process with successive rounds
- Allows refinement of requirements through dialogue
- Used for major infrastructure, complex IT systems
- Eventually leads to final tender based on developed solution
- Also called: Competitive procedure with negotiation
Negotiated Procedure
A procurement procedure where the buyer negotiates terms with one or more suppliers rather than evaluating fixed proposals.
- May be with or without prior publication
- Used in specific circumstances (extreme urgency, technical exclusivity, etc.)
- Less common due to transparency requirements
- Often requires justification for use
Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)
An electronic system for commonly purchased items that remains open to new suppliers throughout its duration.
- Suppliers can join at any time during system lifetime
- Individual competitions run within the DPS
- Common for IT services, consultancy, office supplies
- Reduces procurement timescales for repeat purchases
- Also called: DPS
Invitation to Tender (ITT)
Formal invitation to submit a bid. UK term broadly equivalent to Request for Proposal.
- Contains full tender specifications and requirements
- Includes evaluation criteria and weighting
- Specifies submission deadline and format
- Also called: ITT
- How Hermix uses this: ITT documents from EU Funding Portal can be downloaded as ZIP files
Grant-Related Terms
Grant
A sum of money given by a government or other organisation for a particular purpose.
- Specific type of opportunity aimed to fulfil needs of the contractor
- Contractors typically called beneficiaries
- Buyer also called donor
- Evaluation criteria differ from traditional procurement
- How Hermix uses this: Grant opportunities monitored alongside traditional procurement
Beneficiary
In the grant context, the contractor receives grant funding. Delivers project outcomes using grant funds.
- Subject to reporting and compliance requirements
- Can be NGO, research institution, or private company
Donor
In the grant context, the buyer provides grant funding. Sets grant priorities and evaluation criteria.
- Examples: European Commission research programmes, national innovation agencies
Pilot Project
Mixed project opportunity combining characteristics of both grants and tenders. Finances a private entity to fulfil a general public interest need.
- Tests innovative approaches before wider implementation
- May lead to subsequent larger procurement opportunities
- Sometimes called programmes when very large in scale
Classification and Categorisation Terms
Industry
Largest classification level for services and products procured on the public sector market. Contains domains and topics. Forms part of hierarchical classification structure.
- Examples: Construction, IT
- If an opportunity is classified to specific topic, it is automatically classified to parent domain and parent industry
- Also called: Vertical
- How Hermix uses this: Filter opportunities by industry to find relevant tenders
Domain
Contains a grouping of topics (CPV codes) as defined by official Common Procurement Vocabulary. Direct correspondent of CPV division in official classification.
- Example: For Construction industry, domain is “Architectural, construction, engineering”
- Full official specifications available at official CPV documentation
- Also called: CPV division
- How Hermix uses this: Refine searches within industries to specific domains
Topic
Specific classifications of all public procurement services or products, as defined by official Common Procurement Vocabulary.
- Most detailed classification level
- Example: For Construction industry, in “Architectural, construction, engineering” domain, topic is “Architectural and related services”
- Full official specifications available at official CPV documentation
- Also called: CPV code
- How Hermix uses this: Search by topic for precisely targeted opportunities
Market Analysis Terms
Fragmentation
Measures the degree of diversity of project opportunities on a specific market segment. Shows diversity of buyers and opportunities.
- Indicates how many and how varied or diverse are opportunities, products, services, delivery locations on specific market segment
- High fragmentation means many diverse opportunities
- Low fragmentation means concentrated, similar opportunities
- How Hermix uses this: Analytics show market fragmentation to assess opportunity diversity
Diversification
Measures the level of competition on a specific market. Shows degree of diversity of the market from the point of view of contractors.
- Low diversification means few suppliers (less competition)
- High diversification means heavy competition
- Indicates how many suppliers are active on specific market segment, from how many different locations services and products are delivered
- How Hermix uses this: Competitive analysis reveals market diversification patterns
Renovaciones
Opportunities for contracts that have specific duration and which are likely to be continued through another procurement opportunity very similar to the initial one.
- Occur when existing contracts expire
- Typically similar requirements to original procurement
- Predictable based on contract duration
- How Hermix uses this: Renewal forecasting shows when contracts expire and retendering likely occur
Organisational Terms
Contracting Authority
A public body with legal authority to conduct procurement. Must follow procurement regulations when spending public money.
- Also called: Buyer, authority, public body
- Examples: Government departments, local councils, NHS trusts, universities
- How Hermix uses this: Authority profiles show complete procurement history and patterns
Public Bodies
Organisations in the public sector that may conduct procurement. Includes central government, local authorities, devolved administrations, and other public sector organisations.
- Subject to public procurement regulations
- Must ensure transparency and competition
- How Hermix uses this: Coverage across all public body types
SME (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise)
Companies with fewer than 250 employees and turnover under €50 million.
- Public sector increasingly focuses on SME participation
- May face barriers around qualification requirements
- Often access opportunities through lots or consortium membership
- Also called: Small and medium-sized enterprises
- How Hermix uses this: Data helps SMEs identify SME-friendly buyers and appropriately sized opportunities
Evaluation and Award Terms
MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender)
Evaluation approach balancing quality and price, not just selecting lowest cost. Considers whole-life value and benefits.
- Replaced by “most advantageous tender” in Procurement Act 2023
- Typical weightings: 60-70% quality, 30-40% price
- Reflects value for money rather than just cheapest price
- Standard approach for services and complex goods
- Also called: Most advantageous tender, quality-price evaluation
Award Criteria
Published factors used to evaluate and score proposals. Must be stated in tender documents.
- Examples: Technical approach, relevant experience, team qualifications, pricing
- Each criterion has defined weighting
- Must be objective and related to contract subject matter
- Cannot discriminate against any supplier type
- How Hermix uses this: Historical analysis reveals which criteria specific buyers weight most heavily
Weighting
Points or percentage allocated to each evaluation criterion, showing relative importance.
- Example: Technical 40%, Experience 20%, Team 15%, Price 25%
- Must be published in advance
- Guides bidders on where to focus proposal effort
- How Hermix uses this: Past tender analysis shows typical weighting patterns by authority and contract type
BAFO (Best and Final Offer)
Final round where shortlisted bidders are invited to improve their offers after initial evaluation.
- Typically requested from top 2-3 ranked bidders
- May involve clarification meetings before BAFO submission
- Cannot introduce new requirements at this stage
- Final scores determine winner
- Also called: Best and final offer, final tender
Pass/Fail Criteria
Mandatory requirements that automatically disqualify non-compliant bids regardless of other strengths.
- Examples: Required certifications, insurance minimums, security clearances
- No discretion in application
- Must be clearly identified in tender as mandatory
- Also called: Mandatory requirements, essential criteria, minimum standards
Technical Capacity
Ability to deliver the required technical solution based on qualifications, experience, and resources.
- Demonstrated through case studies, certifications, facilities
- May require specific technical accreditations
- Often includes CVs of key personnel
- Part of supplier qualification assessment
Economic and Financial Standing
Financial stability requirements ensuring contractor can deliver without financial failure risk.
- Typical requirements: Minimum turnover (often 2x contract value), specific insurance levels, credit ratings
- May require audited accounts, bank references
- Parent company guarantees can satisfy requirements
- Protects buyer from contractor insolvency during delivery
Qualification and Selection Terms
PQQ (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire)
First stage document assessing supplier capability before invitation to tender. Used in restricted procedures.
- Assesses technical capacity, financial standing, relevant experience
- Determines who progresses to ITT stage
- Typically results in 3-5 suppliers being shortlisted
- Also called: Pre-qualification questionnaire, expression of interest stage
- How Hermix uses this: PQQ usage by authority indicates preference for proven suppliers
SQ (Selection Questionnaire)
Standard UK form for supplier qualification, replaced previous PQQ formats to create consistency.
- Part of Procurement Act 2023 standardisation
- Covers exclusion grounds, selection criteria, insurance, financial standing
- Intended to reduce burden on suppliers
- Also called: Selection questionnaire, standard selection questionnaire
Exclusion Grounds
Reasons a supplier can be rejected from procurement regardless of their proposal quality.
- Mandatory grounds: Criminal convictions, tax non-compliance, insolvency
- Discretionary grounds: Poor past performance, serious misrepresentation, conflicts of interest
- Must be declared by suppliers in SQ
- Can result in automatic exclusion from competition
Turnover Requirements
Minimum revenue levels contractors must demonstrate to qualify for tender.
- Commonly 2x annual contract value, sometimes 3x
- Assessed over 2-3 year period
- Can be aggregated across consortium members
- May be challenged as disproportionate barrier to SMEs
- How Hermix uses this: Historical turnover requirements help SMEs identify accessible opportunities
Financial and Commercial Terms
Performance Bond
Financial guarantee (typically 5-10% of contract value) that contractor will deliver according to terms.
- Bank or insurance company issues bond
- Buyer can claim against bond for non-performance
- Returned after successful contract completion
- Common for construction and high-value contracts
- Also called: Contract bond, tender bond
Parent Company Guarantee
Legal commitment from parent company to back subsidiary’s contract obligations.
- Allows subsidiary to satisfy financial standing requirements
- Parent guarantees payment if subsidiary defaults
- Common when subsidiary’s turnover doesn’t meet requirements
- Must be properly executed legal document
- Also called: PCG, corporate guarantee
Insurance Requirements
Mandatory coverage levels contractors must maintain throughout contract delivery.
- Professional indemnity: Typically £1-10 million depending on contract
- Public liability: Typically £5-10 million
- Employers’ liability: Minimum £5 million (UK legal requirement)
- Must be in place before contract commencement
- How Hermix uses this: Historical analysis shows typical insurance requirements by authority and contract type
Retention
Percentage of payment (typically 5-10%) withheld until satisfactory contract completion or defects period.
- Released after successful delivery and acceptance
- Protects buyer against defects or incomplete delivery
- Common in construction, less common in services
- Also called: Retention money, holdback
Payment Terms
Contractual terms defining when and how contractor receives payment.
- Public sector typically: 30 days from invoice
- May be milestone-based or time-based
- Some authorities commit to faster payment (10-14 days)
- Late payment interest applies under UK law
- How Hermix uses this: Contract terms visible in awarded contracts
Timeline and Process Terms
Standstill Period
Mandatory 10-day pause between award decision notification and contract signature, allowing unsuccessful bidders to challenge.
- Required for above-threshold contracts
- Starts when all bidders notified of decision
- Contract cannot be signed during standstill
- Allows time for procurement challenge
- Also called: Alcatel period, cooling-off period, voluntary standstill (for below-threshold)
Contract Commencement Date
When delivery must start and contractor obligations begin.
- Specified in contract or determined after signature
- May be several weeks after signature (mobilisation period)
- Important for resource planning
- How Hermix uses this: Contract dates shown in awarded contracts help forecast when retendering likely
Contract Period
Duration from commencement to end date, excluding any extension options.
- Typical durations: 1-5 years depending on contract type
- Must be stated in tender documents
- Separate from extension options which may add 1-2 years
- How Hermix uses this: Contract duration data powers renewal forecasting calendar
Extension Option
Pre-agreed ability in original contract to extend duration without new competition.
- Must be specified in original tender (cannot add later)
- Typically 1-2 years additional duration
- Usually at buyer’s discretion, not automatic
- Counts toward total contract value for threshold calculation
- How Hermix uses this: Extension options tracked to forecast actual contract end dates
Post-Award Management Terms
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
Metrics measuring contractor performance against defined standards throughout contract delivery.
- Examples: Response times, uptime percentages, customer satisfaction scores
- Specified in contract with target levels
- May be linked to payment (performance deductions)
- Reported regularly (monthly/quarterly)
- Also called: Key performance indicators, performance metrics
Service Levels
Required performance standards defining acceptable delivery quality.
- Example: 99.5% system availability, 4-hour response time
- Breach may trigger service credits or remedies
- More specific than general KPIs
- Form part of contract monitoring
- Also called: Service level agreements, SLAs
Contract Management
Ongoing oversight of contract delivery ensuring contractor meets obligations and buyer gets value.
- Includes performance monitoring, issue resolution, change management
- Usually assigned contract manager on buyer side
- Regular review meetings between parties
- Critical for successful delivery
Variation
Formal change to contract scope, price, or terms after signature.
- Requires written agreement from both parties
- Significant variations may require new procurement (avoid circumventing rules)
- Must be justified and documented
- May extend contract value or duration
- Also called: Contract variation, change order, amendment
Contract Mobilisation
Period between contract signature and service commencement where contractor sets up delivery capability.
- Typical duration: 4-12 weeks depending on complexity
- Activities: Staff recruitment, system setup, training, transition from incumbent
- May have specific mobilisation deliverables
- Critical for smooth contract start
- Also called: Mobilisation period, transition period
Subcontracting and Supply Chain Terms
Prime Contractor
Main contractor holding the contract directly with the buyer and responsible for overall delivery.
- Legal relationship with buyer
- Manages subcontractors
- Carries delivery risk
- Also called: Prime, main contractor, lead contractor
Subcontractor
Company delivering part of contract scope under the prime contractor, not directly contracted to buyer.
- Contractual relationship with prime, not buyer
- May be specialists for specific work elements
- Must often be declared in bid
- Buyer may have approval rights
- Also called: Sub-contractor, supply chain partner
Tier 1 Supplier
Prime contractor level with direct contract to buyer.
- First tier in supply chain
- Holds overall delivery responsibility
- Also called: Tier 1, first tier
Tier 2/3 Suppliers
Subcontractors (Tier 2) and sub-subcontractors (Tier 3) in the delivery supply chain.
- Tier 2: Subcontractors to prime
- Tier 3: Sub-subcontractors to Tier 2
- Further removed from buyer relationship
- How Hermix uses this: Consortium analysis reveals prime-subcontractor relationships and typical supply chain structures
Supply Chain
Network of companies involved in delivering the contract, from prime through all subcontractor tiers.
- Includes all Tier 1, 2, 3+ suppliers
- Buyers increasingly require supply chain transparency
- May have specific SME or local supplier requirements
- Also called: Value chain, delivery chain
- How Hermix uses this: Partnership graphs visualise supply chain relationships across multiple contracts
Additional Terms
Alias
A different name for exactly the same organisation. Both contractors and buyers have aliases.
- Examples: Abbreviations, trading names, former names, legal name variations
- How Hermix uses this: Aliases consolidated to show complete organisation history under unified profile
EC (European Commission)
The executive branch of the European Union. Major buyer of goods and services across all member states.
- Publishes thousands of tenders annually
- Uses specific procurement portals like eTendering and EU Funding Portal
FTS (Financial Transparency System)
Financial Transparency System of the European Commission. Database showing EC payments and contracts.
- Covers grants, contracts, and other financial commitments
- Provides historical data on EC spending patterns going back 19 years
- How Hermix uses this: FTS data integrated to provide complete view of EC procurement and analyse partnerships
Project
A business project implemented through several contracts, some in parallel, some subsequent. Large projects sometimes called programmes.
- Multiple related contracts delivering single objective
- Can span several years and involve multiple contractors
- Also called: Programme (for very large projects)
Programme
Very large business project implemented through several contracts. Similar to project but larger in scale.
Legal and Compliance Terms
Procurement Challenge
Legal challenge to procurement decision, claiming process was flawed or unlawful.
- Must be raised during standstill period or within 30 days
- Grounds: Breach of procurement regulations, unfair evaluation, inadequate reasons
- Can result in contract set aside or damages award
- Relatively rare but significant risk for authorities
- Also called: Legal challenge, procurement dispute
Remedies Directive
EU law (retained in UK) allowing challenges to procurement procedures and providing remedies for breaches.
- Gives suppliers right to challenge before and after contract award
- Sets time limits for challenges
- Defines available remedies (set aside contract, damages)
- Enforced through High Court
Transparencia
Requirement to publish procurement information publicly, ensuring openness and accountability.
- Includes tender notices, award notices, contract details
- Published on Contracts Finder, Find a Tender, authority websites
- Contract values, winners, and key terms must be public
- Core principle of public procurement
- How Hermix uses this: Transparency requirements enable comprehensive market intelligence by making data publicly accessible
Non-Discrimination
Principle that all suppliers must be treated equally regardless of nationality, size, or other characteristics.
- Cannot favour local/national suppliers in evaluation
- Cannot set unnecessary barriers favouring specific suppliers
- Evaluation criteria must be objective and justifiable
- Core principle of fair competition
Public Contracts Regulations 2015
UK law governing public procurement from 2015 until Procurement Act 2023 implementation.
- Transposed EU procurement directives into UK law
- Defined procedures, thresholds, remedies
- Largely replaced by Procurement Act 2023 (from late 2024)
- Still governs contracts awarded before new Act implementation
- Also called: PCR 2015, 2015 Regulations
Value and Social Impact Terms
Social Value
Benefits beyond core service delivery, such as jobs, apprenticeships, community investment, or local economic impact.
- Weighted criterion in many evaluations (typically 10-20%)
- Required consideration under Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012
- Examples: Creating apprenticeships, supporting local SMEs, reducing carbon
- Becoming more prominent in Procurement Act 2023
- Also called: Added value, community benefits, wider benefits
Sustainability Criteria
Environmental requirements and evaluation factors addressing climate and ecological impact.
- May include carbon reduction targets, circular economy, biodiversity
- Increasingly weighted in evaluations
- May be pass/fail requirement or scored criterion
- Net zero commitments driving stronger sustainability requirements
- Also called: Environmental criteria, green criteria
Local Suppliers
Companies based in or near the contracting authority’s area, often receiving preference in evaluation.
- May be evaluation criterion (especially for local authorities)
- Defined by geographic boundary (e.g., within region/county)
- Must not discriminate against other UK or EU suppliers
- Often linked to social value objectives
SME-Friendly
Procurement structured to enable small and medium-sized enterprise participation.
- Features: Appropriate lot sizes, proportionate qualification criteria, simplified processes
- May include reserved lots for SMEs
- Avoids unnecessarily high turnover or experience requirements
- Government target: 33% of spend with SMEs
- How Hermix uses this: Authority profiles show SME award patterns, helping small suppliers target SME-friendly buyers
Hermix-Specific Platform Features
AI Tender Summarisation
Hermix feature that extracts key information from lengthy tender documents in minutes.
- Analyses 100-300 page documents automatically
- Extracts: Requirements, budget, evaluation criteria, deadlines, mandatory requirements
- Reduces document analysis time from 2-4 hours to 5 minutes
- Enables faster opportunity qualification
- Also called: Tender summarisation, AI summarisation
Chat de IA
Interactive feature allowing you to ask specific questions about tender requirements and get instant answers.
- Ask questions like “What certifications are mandatory?” or “How many case studies required?”
- Extracts answers from tender documents automatically
- Saves time searching through hundreds of pages
- Available for tenders across multiple procurement portals
- Also called: AI assistant, tender chat
Opportunity Flags
Labels and categories you can assign to opportunities for team tracking and workflow management.
- Custom flag names (e.g., “High Priority”, “Qualified”, “Bidding”, “Won”, “Lost”)
- Shared across team members in your organisation
- Enables systematic opportunity tracking
- Integrates with Kanban board for visual management
- Also called: Tags, labels
Kanban Board
Visual workflow board for managing flagged opportunities through your bid process stages.
- Drag opportunities between columns (e.g., “To Qualify” → “Qualified” → “Bidding” → “Submitted”)
- Filter by team member, flag, or deadline
- Provides overview of entire pipeline
- Customisable columns and flags
- Also called: Flags board, opportunity board
Saved Reports
Pre-configured searches and filters you can save and reuse for quick access to relevant information.
- Save complex filter combinations (geography, industry, authority type, contract value)
- One-click access to your most important reports
- Can be shared with team colleagues
- Library of standard templates available
- Saves time versus rebuilding searches repeatedly
- Also called: Bookmarks, saved searches
Daily Alerts
Email notifications of new opportunities matching your criteria, delivered each morning.
- Configure filters: Keywords, industries, countries, authority types, CPV codes
- Receive multiple alerts per day if needed (morning and afternoon)
- Ensures you never miss relevant opportunities
- Alerts sent within hours of publication on source portals
- Also called: Email alerts, opportunity alerts, notifications
Authority Profile
Complete procurement history and analysis for a specific buyer organisation.
- Shows: All past tenders and contracts, spending patterns, preferred suppliers, typical contract values
- Includes geographic coverage, procurement frequency, domain focus
- Helps assess buyer fit before bidding
- Reveals buyer preferences and patterns
- Also called: Buyer profile, client profile
Contractor Profile
Win history and market analysis for a specific supplier organisation.
- Shows: All contract awards, buyers they work with, typical values, geographic focus
- Includes win rates, partnership patterns, domain specialisation
- Enables competitive intelligence on rivals
- Identifies potential partners
- Also called: Supplier profile, competitor profile
Partnership Analysis
Feature showing which contractors form consortia together and their collaboration patterns.
- Visualises frequent partnerships
- Shows consortium leader patterns
- Identifies potential partners for your bids
- Reveals competitive threats from established partnerships
- Based on historical contract award data
- Also called: Consortium analysis, collaboration analysis
Competition Graph
Visualisation of market relationships and patterns between buyers, contractors, and opportunities.
- Network graph showing connections
- Node sizes indicate activity levels
- Reveals market structure and key players
- Customisable depth and scope
- Also called: Market network, relationship graph
Renewal Calendar
Visual timeline of contract expiration dates with forecasts of likely retendering opportunities.
- Shows when existing contracts expire
- Predicts retendering based on contract duration
- Gives months of advance notice before tender publishes
- Allows strategic preparation for recompetitions
- Sorted by date or contract value
- Also called: Contract renewal forecast, expiry calendar
Análisis de mercado
Analysis of spending patterns, trends, and opportunity distribution across the public sector.
- Shows: Spending by domain/industry/geography, market growth/decline, authority activity levels
- Identifies largest opportunities and most active buyers
- Reveals market trends over time
- Informs business development targeting
- Also called: Market intelligence, spending analysis
Win Rate
Percentage of bids won versus submitted, key performance metric for bid success.
- Track your performance over time
- Compare across opportunity types, buyers, contract sizes
- Industry average: 15-20% without intelligence, 40-60% with intelligence
- Identifies where you’re most competitive
- Also called: Success rate, conversion rate
Pipeline
Collection of opportunities you’re tracking, qualifying, or actively pursuing.
- Organise opportunities by stage: Watching, Qualified, Bidding, Submitted
- Forecast potential contract value
- Manage team workload and capacity
- Integrates with flags and Kanban board
- Also called: Opportunity pipeline, sales pipeline
Opportunity Qualification
Systematic process of assessing whether to bid on a tender before investing significant resources.
- Assess: Buyer fit, competition, win probability, resource requirements
- Use historical data: Past winners, typical pricing, buyer preferences
- Make go/no-go decisions based on intelligence
- Improves win rates by focusing on high-probability opportunities
- Also called: Bid qualification, go/no-go assessment
How Hermix Connects These Concepts
Hermix connects buyers, contractors, and opportunities to form a complex graph. The platform calculates advanced parameters and characteristics, mapping and analysing the market in detail with its various relations, patterns, clusters, and affinities.
The connection model:
- A buyer creates opportunities
- An opportunity is formed of several lots
- For each lot, contracts are awarded to a contractor or to a consortium
- Hermix maps all these relationships systematically
What this means in practice:
- When you view a buyer profile, you see all their opportunities and which contractors they award to
- When you view a contractor profile, you see all their wins and which buyers they work with
- When you view an opportunity, you see the buyer’s history and likely competitors based on past awards
- Partnership analysis shows which contractors form consortia together
- Competition graphs visualise market relationships and patterns
- Market analytics reveal fragmentation, diversification, and trends across segments
This interconnected approach transforms individual data points into actionable intelligence that helps you qualify opportunities, understand competition, price appropriately, and target business development effectively.
Key Takeaways: Essential B2G Terminology
- Three core concepts form the foundation of public procurement: buyers who spend money, contractors who receive money, and opportunities that connect them
- Buyers create opportunities which may have multiple lots, each resulting in contract awards to contractors or consortia
- Contractor groups consolidate multiple subsidiaries under single brands to show true competitive landscape rather than fragmenting one company across hundreds of legal entities
- Different notice types serve specific purposes from prior information notices signalling future opportunities to contract award notices revealing competition outcomes
- Lots allow buyers to divide large contracts into smaller portions accessible to SMEs and specialist suppliers who cannot deliver entire scope alone
- Consortia enable contractors to combine capabilities and jointly pursue opportunities requiring skills or capacity no single company possesses
- Framework agreements establish terms for multiple purchases over contract period, with individual orders called specific contracts or purchase orders
- Contract execution order matters with contracts cascaded from first to last when multiple awards made in same lot
- Grants differ from traditional procurement with beneficiaries receiving funding from donors rather than contractors providing services to buyers
- CPV classification provides standardised hierarchy of industries, domains, and topics enabling consistent categorisation across European public procurement
- Fragmentation measures opportunity diversity whilst diversification measures competition levels, both informing market attractiveness assessment
- Hermix connects these concepts systematically to provide market intelligence, revealing relationships, patterns, and insights invisible when viewing data points in isolation
- Understanding terminology improves efficiency in finding relevant opportunities, qualifying them effectively, and positioning competitive proposals based on buyer patterns and competitor intelligence
