Tips to help with your ICN application

With the next Innovation Chain North framework now out to tender we want to provide some useful tips for companies looking to apply.

The framework is key to supporting our aim to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the current and future needs of our customers. It encourages innovation, benefits from collaborative working and achieves efficiencies.

One thing we often get asked by companies new to our tendering process is advice on the application process, so below are a few tips to help you to prepare your submission:

Tips for tendering:

· Find out as much as you can about Innovation Chain North (ICN) and its clients to see if you would be interested in tendering for the framework. Start by visiting www.innovationchainnorth.co.uk or contact us via icn@greatplaces.org.uk

· Ensure you are registered with Procontract and then you will be able to access the tender from the following link Innovation Chain North Framework (Also known as “ICN”) (due-north.com)

· If you have any problems registering with ProContract or accessing the tender, then please contact ProContract at the following link https://procontract.due-north.com/register and use the Help Centre link which can be found at the bottom of the registration page.

· In the tender submission, you will be required to complete a simple supplier questionnaire, complete a pricing schedule, answer some quality questions about your company and the skills and experience you have, plus submit a social value pledge.

· Keep your responses to the quality questions concise and to the point. Each question is limited to 500 words, so use them well.

· Please do not submit or refer to any marketing information in your tender, as we are unable to read these.

· Ensure you read all the instructions and notes that accompany the tender.

· If you are unsure about anything in the tender, ask via ProContract. Please note the deadline for clarifications is 1 December 2023.

· Before you submit a clarification, check the responses to ensure it hasn’t already been answered. Continue to check clarification responses regularly before the deadline.

· Make sure you submit your tender before the final submission date of 15 December 2023.

You can find out more about the £1.5bn Innovation Chain North framework now open for bids here.

This is a great opportunity for you all to help us provide much-needed affordable homes across the North. The response so far has been amazing, and we’d like to wish you all good luck in the tendering process.