Procurement: audit and tax services framework (PFB1040 AP)

Overview

The third generation of Audit and Tax Services framework agreement consists of eleven lots that can be used by Scottish Public Sector Bodies. 

• Internal Audit - <£25M
• Internal Audit - £25M - £75M
• Internal Audit - £75M - £200M
• Internal Audit ->£200M
• External Audit - <£25M
• External Audit - £25M - £75M
• External Audit - £75M - £200M
• External Audit ->£200M
• Grant Audits
• Tax - UK all taxes
• Tax – UK and International all taxes

Note: The values in the lot descriptions refer to Scottish Public Sector Bodies turnover values.

Call-off contracts may be awarded under this framework agreement in one of three ways:

• by the direct award ranked process
• by desktop evaluation tool
• by mini-competition 

What is in scope

The following types of professional services can be procured via this framework agreement:

• internal audit
• external audit
• grant audit
• tax – UK
• tax – international

What is out of scope

• consultancy

Who can use this

• central government
• fire
• health
• local authorities
• police
• universities and colleges
• third sector
• other public bodies

Note: It is the responsibility of any buying organisation wishing to use the framework agreement to satisfy itself that it is eligible to do so.

Entitlement can be established from the terms of the OJEU advert and guidance on this can be found in annex A of our guidance on framework agreements.

Benefits

Benefits from public bodies using this framework agreement include:

• a pre-competed and compliant route to market providing a vehicle to centralise procurement spend
• mitigation of Procurement risk surrounding EU Procurement
• fast route to market with reduced timescales and resources associated with a local tendering exercise
• reduction in administrative costs and efforts
• provides flexibility to Institutions to determine specific requirements at Call-off Contract in line with the Framework Agreement specification
• ceiling rates/maximum pricing defined and agreed for the duration of the Framework Agreement. This pricing can be reduced further at time of mini competition
• the Framework Agreement is accessible to a wide number of Scottish Public Sector bodies therefore increasing the potential uptake for the Framework Agreement and therefore the benefits achieved for public sector funds     
• direct Call-Off option (on a ranked basis) available which provides an easy to use and compliant route to market
• option of a desktop calculator to allow institutions review and adjust the award criteria weightings in line with the Institution’s requirement
• effective reporting mechanism to obtain accurate, timely and relevant management information
• pre-defined and agreed Terms and Conditions
• shared risk and management of Contractors

Suppliers

Full details of list of suppliers available can be obtained on the Knowledge Hub. 

Further information

See: all Scottish Government frameworks and contracts.

Buyers Guide information including pricing and terms and conditions for the framework agreement can be found on the Knowledge Hub .

If you are not registered to access the Knowledge Hub and are eligible to use the framework please complete the registration form and send the contacts listed below.