Implementation 2000-2003 Interim Guidance 8.
Local authorities have considerable experience in negotiating, tendering and contracting.
However, in purchasing new support services, certain elements of the process must be considered particularly important in ensuring existing services are not accidentally destroyed. In particular authorities will need to take account of small specialist providers when designing the tendering process. Such providers, who may be locally based and provide only a small range of services, may still be able to meet particular needs most effectively. For instance black and minority ethnic providers can provide culturally sensitive services and may need to be considered as preferred providers for some types of services. Scottish Women's Aid can also provide the most appropriate services for their client group.