Procedures have been put in place to ensure that the commissioning process is open and transparent and achieves best value and maximum impact in all areas. The following outlines the general process:

Specification
A clear and concise specification will be produced for each area of work, flexible enough to allow for innovative delivery solutions to be proposed. Each specification will be equalities checked by the equalities advisory group to ensure that it is accessible to all agencies with the expertise required to deliver the work. The specifications will be drawn up in collaboration with CVS and other support intermediaries that will be benefiting from the initiative/service. Each will set out criteria against which bids will be evaluated, including a request for evidence of financial stability to be checked prior to confirming appointments.

Proposals pack
A proposals pack will be produced for each area of activity and made available in hard copy and electronically. Packs will include: a letter of invitation to submit proposals, submissions procedure, detailed specification, evaluation criteria, application template and funding terms and conditions.

Advertising
Where an open applications process is to be used, full details will be posted on the Supporting Voluntary Action website, the SCVO website, in Third Force News, the Big Issue and other relevant periodicals and websites as appropriate.

Assessment
A proposals evaluation matrix will be drawn up covering all the evaluation criteria included in the specification and used by the evaluation team for each bid received. Those submitting proposals will be invited to make personal presentations to the evaluation team. The evaluation team will then submit recommendations to the SVA Management Group for consideration and approval.

More detailed information on the process was included in the April 08 submission to the BIG Lottery.  This is located within the main document (SVA Programme Briefing) and within Annex 14 (Principles and Process for Determining SVA Delivery Agents).  A flowchart is also available which may aid understanding.