Openbare Aanbestedingen Woordenlijst: Belangrijke Termen en Definities voor B2G Verkoopsucces

Het begrijpen van de woordenschat en terminologie van overheidsinkopen is essentieel om te gedijen in de B2G-sector en overheidscontracten binnen te slepen. 

Deze woordenlijst definieert de belangrijkste termen die u zult tegenkomen bij verkoop aan de publieke sector, van aanbesteders en hoofdaannemers tot opdrachten en raamovereenkomsten. Elke term bevat de definitie, veelvoorkomende synoniemen en hoe Hermix deze concepten gebruikt om marktinformatie te verstrekken.

Met deze naslagwerken proberen we termen per categorie te ordenen voor een eenvoudigere navigatie, aangezien we weten hoe drukke tijden kunnen zijn. 

Of u nu voor het eerst meedoet aan overheidsaanbestedingen of een ervaren inschrijver bent, deze verklarende woordenlijst helpt u de inkoopterminologie te begrijpen en te doorgronden hoe deze concepten met elkaar samenhangen in de B2G-markt.

Laten we beginnen...

Kernbegrippen van de B2G-markt

De aanbestedingsmarkt draait om drie fundamentele concepten:

Koper

Een overheidsinstantie die diensten, producten of werken inkoopt. Inkopers besteden geld voor allerlei soorten doeleinden op de Business-to-Government-markt.

• Europese Commissie, Europees Parlement, ministeries, gemeenteraden, NHS-trusts
• Ook genoemd: Autoriteit, opdrachtgever, donor, aanbestedende dienst, openbare organisatie, overheidsorgaan, openbaar bestuur, overheidsinstantie
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Gedetailleerde koperprofielen tonen aankoopgeschiedenis, bestedingspatronen, bevorzugde leveranciers en contractvernieuwingscycli

Aannemer

Winnaar van een aanbestedingsprocedure (kans). Leveranciers van diensten, producten of werken aan een koper. Soms is een aannemer uw concurrent, soms een potentiële partner.

• Kan een ngo, een privaat bedrijf of zelfs een andere overheidsopdrachtgever zijn die diensten levert aan andere opdrachtgevers
• Particuliere ondernemers hebben meestal een btw-nummer, geregistreerd adres, telefoonnummer en andere officiële gegevens
• Ook genoemd: Verkoper, leverancier (bij een gunning), inschrijver, deelnemer (bij een kans), begunstigde (van een subsidie)
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Aannemersprofielen onthullen winsthistorie, typische contractwaarden, geografische focus en samenwerkingsnetwerken

Aannemersgroep

Een groep aannemers die waarschijnlijk op een gecoördineerde manier zal optreden op de markt voor de overheidsopdrachten. Multinationale ondernemingen zijn hiervan het typische voorbeeld.

• IBM Groep bestaat uit honderden bedrijven en dochterondernemingen gevestigd in 177 landen
• Elke IBM-dochteronderneming is een individuele organisatie met specifieke adres- en registratiegegevens
• Alles uiteindelijk beheerd door één moedermaatschappij (International Business Machines Corporation, geregistreerd in New York)
• Groepsleden concurreren meestal niet met elkaar vanwege het interne beleid en formele aanbestedingsregels.
• Ook genoemd: Brand
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Groepen worden samengevoegd om het ware concurrentielandschap te tonen en te voorkomen dat concurrenten verkeerd worden geteld

Gelegenheid

Een zakelijke kans in de publieke sector. Meestal een aanbestedingsprocedure voor het inkopen van specifieke diensten of producten, maar kan ook een oproep tot het indienen van voorstellen, een oproep tot oplossingen of een subsidie zijn.

• Mogelijke toekomstige, the-past, mogelijke, open of gesloten aanbestedingen of andere inkoopprocedures
• Bevat één of meerdere kavels
• Kan resulteren in het niet toekennen van een opdracht of in één of meerdere opdrachttoewijzingen
• Ook wel genoemd: Aanbesteding, inkoopprocedure, onderhandelingsprocedure, zelden contract of project
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Geautomatiseerde monitoring waarschuwt je voor relevante kansen die aan je criteria voldoen op Europese portals

Inkoopdocumenttypes

Kennisgeving

Individueel stuk officiële informatie over overheidsopdrachten. Kan een aankondiging van een opdracht, een vooraankondiging, een aankondiging van een gegunde opdracht, betalingsinformatie, een rectificatie of een addendum bij een andere aankondiging zijn.

• Ook wel genoemd: Aankondiging van een opdracht, aanbestedingsbericht, contractaankondiging, gunningsbesluit
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Bewaakt aanbestedingen op meerdere portaalsites voor een uitgebreide dekking van kansen

Aankondiging van een opdracht

Officiële aankondiging van een aanbesteding met volledige aanbestedingsgegevens, vereisten, evaluatiecriteria en indieningstermijnen.

• Gepubliceerd op officiële aanbestedingsportals
• Signaleert de start van het competitieve inkoopproces
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Dagelijkse meldingen informeren u over nieuwe aanbestedingsnotificaties die overeenkomen met uw filters

Vooraankondiging

Voorafgaande kennisgeving van het voornemen van de koper om een toekomstige aanbesteding te starten. Biedt vroegtijdig inzicht in komende inkopen.

• Stelt leveranciers in staat zich voor te bereiden voordat de formele aanbesteding wordt gepubliceerd
• Geen bindende verbintenis tot aanschaf
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Gevolgd om een vroege waarschuwing te geven van komende kansen

Gunningsbericht

Bekendmaking van de winnaar(s) van de aanbestedingsprocedure. Toont welke aannemer heeft gewonnen, de contractwaarde, de looptijd en de belangrijkste voorwaarden.

• Gepubliceerd na ondertekening van het contract
• Biedt concurrentie-inlichtingen over marktresultaten
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Gunninggegevens onthullen prestaties van concurrenten, prijsbenchmarks en voorkeuren van kopers

Rectificatie

Officiële rectificatie of wijziging van een gepubliceerd aanbestedingsbericht. Wijzigt vereisten, termijnen of andere aanbestedingsvoorwaarden.

• Alle inschrijvers moeten op de hoogte worden gebracht van wijzigingen
• De inzendtermijn kan worden verlengd als de wijzigingen ingrijpend zijn
• Zorgt ervoor dat alle leveranciers toegang hebben tot correcte informatie

Inkoopstructuurvoorwaarden

Lot

Een aanbesteding kan uit verschillende percelen bestaan. Inschrijvers kunnen doorgaans op elk perceel afzonderlijk intekenen. Elk perceel wordt gegund aan een of meer inschrijvers of consortia.

• Scheid de vereisten en het budget voor elk perceel
• Stelt kleinere leveranciers in staat om te concurreren voor delen van grotere contracten
• Kopers reserveren kavels vaak specifiek voor het MKB
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Percelenstructuur getoond in opdrachtsdetails

Consortium

Een combinatie van contractanten die gezamenlijk deelnemen aan een aanbesteding om samen één enkele overeenkomst te ondertekenen met de aanbestedende dienst.

• Gevormd door verschillende aannemers, consortiumleden genaamd
• Eerste aannemer in een consortium doorgaans consortiumleider genoemd
• Combineert capaciteiten om te voldoen aan eisen waar geen enkel afzonderlijk bedrijf aan voldoet
• Ook wel genoemd: Groepering, associatie, partnerschap
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Partnerschapsanalyse laat zien welke bedrijven in consortia samenwerken

Gunning van de opdracht

Het resultaat van een aanbestedingsprocedure (gunning). Een contract wordt gegund door een aanbestedende dienst aan een of meer aannemers of combinaties bestaande uit meerdere aannemers.

• Specificeert contractwaarde, duur en belangrijke voorwaarden
• Meerdere gunningen mogelijk indien de aanbesteding uit meerdere percelen bestond
• Ook wel genaamd: Contract
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Historische gunningen bieden inzicht in het gedrag van kopers en de prestaties van concurrenten

Contract

Het resultaat van een gunning. In elk perceel is de volgorde van de contracten meestal belangrijk. De uitvoering verloopt doorgaans getrapt van het eerste contract naar het laatste.

• Definieert verplichtingen, te leveren prestaties, betalingsvoorwaarden en prestatie-eisen
• Kan een afzonderlijk contract zijn of deel uitmaken van een raamovereenkomst
• Volgorde is van belang wanneer meerdere contracten in hetzelfde perceel worden gegund

Raamovereenkomst

Een contract dat wordt uitgevoerd via verschillende afzonderlijke, onafhankelijke bestellingen of specifieke contracten.

• Stelt voorwaarden vast die van toepassing zijn op meerdere aankopen tijdens de contractperiode
• Loopt doorgaans 2-4 jaar met een geschatte totale waarde
• Individuele orders, specifieke contracten, afnames of inkooporders genoemd
• Ook wel genoemd: Raamovereenkomst
• Hoe Hermix dit gebruikt: Gepubliceerde raamovereenkomsten worden bijgehouden om patronen van markttoegang in kaart te brengen

Inkooporder

Onderdelen van een raamovereenkomst. Individuele orders geplaatst onder de raamvoorwaarden.

• Ook genoemd: Bestelling, specifiek contract, specifiek verzoek
• Maakt gebruik van termen die zijn vastgesteld in het moederraamwerk
• Kan een onderlinge competitie tussen raamleveranciers omvatten

Soorten aanbestedingsprocedures

Openbare aanbesteding

Een aanbestedingsprocedure waarbij elke gekwalificeerde leverancier een inschrijving kan indienen. Er is geen kwalificatiefase vooraf vereist.

• Meest transparante en concurrerende aanbestedingsvorm
• Alle evaluatiecriteria moeten vooraf worden gepubliceerd
• Gebruikelijk voor duidelijke, goed gedefinieerde vereisten
• 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

Verlengingen

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

Transparantie

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

AI-chat

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

Marktanalyse

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