A qualification scheme is in many ways similar to a dynamic purchasing system (DPS/DPS), but is only used in the utilities sector regulations of the procurement rules. The main advantage for both suppliers and procurers is avoiding a demanding supplier qualification for every single competition, and instead doing it once beforehand.
Simply put, this is a scheme you apply to join, where you must meet a set of qualification requirements to be approved. As long as you meet the qualification requirements, you must be approved. You then get access to a separate marketplace for bids, where only pre-qualified suppliers can submit bids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of joining a qualification scheme?
You get access to competitions from large procurers within the utilities sector, who do not announce all competitions openly to everyone.
Which procurers issue competitions in qualification schemes?
The utilities sector includes, among others, entities that supply water (drinking water and wastewater), energy (electricity, gas, and heat), transport (rail, ports, airports, postal services), oil and gas, and more. Examples of companies that use these schemes are Avinor, Bane NOR, Fornebubanen, Posten, Vy, and Sporveien. A full overview of activities can be found in sections §§ 1-1 to 1-9 of the regulation.
What types of competitions are issued in qualification schemes?
Some procurers issue most of their competitions within the schemes, regardless of what they are buying, while others only issue those that require the specific qualifications of the scheme, and the rest openly on Doffin and in Cobrief.
What does it cost to join a qualification scheme?
The providers of qualification schemes can charge an application fee, but this must be proportional to the actual costs of qualifying the suppliers, cf. section § 13-2 fifth paragraph of the regulation.
How do I find qualification schemes in Cobrief?
In Cobrief, all relevant qualification schemes will appear in your Inbox and can be filtered by selecting the sub-item 'Schemes' in the left-hand menu.
How do I work with competitions from qualification schemes in Cobrief?
Once you have been accepted into a scheme, you will receive notifications from the provider of the scheme when competitions are announced. To work on them in Cobrief, you create a private bid, as explained here.
What is the difference between a qualification scheme and a dynamic purchasing system?
Both schemes have much in common, where one must apply and meet a set of qualification requirements. These are the main differences:
Qualification schemes are only found within the utilities sector, while dynamic purchasing systems can be used by everyone (including the utilities sector).
Dynamic purchasing systems are generally used for more standardized purchases, while qualification schemes can be used for all types of purchases.
Dynamic purchasing systems must be free to join, while a fee may be required to join a qualification scheme.
When is the deadline to join a qualification scheme?
There is no deadline to apply, and you can become a member as long as the scheme exists. Note that it may take some time to be approved for certain schemes.