Mini-Competition
A further competition among framework or DPS suppliers in a lot; used where direct award would not identify the best supplier.
Definition
A mini-competition is a further competition run among suppliers who are already on a framework agreement or Dynamic Purchasing System. The buyer publishes a specific requirement, invites all or some framework members in the relevant lot to respond, and awards a Call-Off Contract based on the mini-competition evaluation. Mini-competitions allow buyers to refine the requirement and select the best supplier for the specific job while avoiding the cost and timeline of a full open procurement.
How it works in practice
A mini-competition typically runs 2 to 6 weeks from request to award depending on complexity. The buyer publishes a specification, evaluation criteria, and pricing template to all eligible suppliers in the relevant lot. Suppliers respond with a brief method statement, named team, and price. The buyer evaluates against the published criteria and awards the call-off. The framework rules govern the mini-competition: which suppliers can be invited (all in the lot, or a sample of N), the minimum response window, the permitted evaluation criteria, and the standstill rules. Many frameworks specify that mini-competitions must use a subset of the criteria used at framework award (so the framework evaluation is not re-litigated) plus contract-specific factors (location, mobilisation, named personnel). Pricing is usually expected to sit at or below the framework rate card; some frameworks allow modest price flexibility (10 to 20 percent below rate card) others fix prices entirely. Mini-competitions are the dominant call-off mechanism for multi-supplier frameworks where direct award is not justified. KimonBids tracks mini-competition opportunities surfaced through framework operator portals and helps suppliers respond efficiently using their existing Bid Library content.
Common questions
How long does a mini-competition take?
Typically 2 to 6 weeks from invitation to award. The minimum response window depends on the framework rules; many specify 5-10 working days for low-value call-offs and 15-20 working days for higher-value. Evaluation then takes a few days to a few weeks depending on bid volume.
Are all framework suppliers invited to every mini-competition?
It depends on the framework rules. Some require invitations to all suppliers in the relevant lot; others allow the buyer to invite a sample (typically minimum 3 to 5). Allowing buyer selection of invitees has been controversial because it can favour incumbents; many frameworks now require all-in-lot invitations as the default.
Can I challenge a mini-competition decision?
Yes, on the same grounds as any other procurement: deviation from the published criteria, manifest error in evaluation, conflict of interest. Mini-competition standstill is typically shorter than full procurement standstill (often 5 days rather than 10), but the challenge mechanism remains.