Selecting a Supplier

Supplier Management and Development
Barclays’ aim is to encourage a process of continuous improvement from suppliers with regard to, amongst other things, cost, quality, innovation and collaborative working practices. We believe that working collaboratively towards these goals will be of mutual benefit.

Requests for Information (RFI) / Requests for Proposal (RFP):
Prior to granting a contract Barclays will undertake certain investigatory processes to ensure that prospective suppliers meet our general and specific requirements. In order to be considered for a contract, prospective suppliers must assist us to the greatest degree possible during these investigations.

eTender:
For appropriate requirements we will increasingly employ an eTender strategy, which is an online real time reverse bidding event where all the qualified parties bid for a part or whole contract online. Pricing attained in this bidding event is then combined with qualitative information (from an RFP) to arrive at an award decision. We believe that this tool provides benefits to both parties with regards to the pace and transparency of the process.

Definition of a preferred supplier:
This is a supplier with which Barclays wants to develop a medium/long term relationship, is seen as the main source of designated goods and services within Barclays and is sanctioned by Group Sourcing.
Our preferred supplier list is requirement driven. Once we feel we have a robust list further additions will only be made on an exceptional basis.
Preferred Suppliers will be used or selected when requirements meet the following criteria:

• Total spend across the Group is greater then £100,000 over the term of the contract.
• The goods/services represents a high risk to the Group/Business Unit. The Supplier is of strategic importance to the Group/Business Unit e.g. single sourced, new technological requirements.

Exceptions

• The supplier has a number of low spend transactions, which are not suitable for Visa Purchasing Card. These suppliers will be examined and approved on a case-by-case basis.

E Enablement
As mentioned, Barclays prefers to conduct as many order transactions and payments as possible through electronic channels (specifically our e-source purchasing channel). Supplier e-enablement is, therefore, strongly encouraged in our supply base and will be a key factor, if not a defining one, when considering proposals and awarding contracts.