Outputs

Focus on the outputs required without fixing the method(s) the supplier should use (output specification).

Tight

Be sufficiently tight so that the product or service fits the user's needs.  However not so fixed that it discourages creativity and/or innovation  that could improves Value for Money (VFM).

Special Conditions

Consider whether to include special conditions relating to the performance of the contract.  This may cover economic, innovation-related, environmental, social or employment-related conditions e.g. community benefit and prompt payment of sub-contractors clauses.

Criteria

Include criteria for the acceptance of the products or services at the point of evaluation.

Service Levels

Include service levels and a process for measuring ongoing performance.

Avoid over-specification

Avoid over-specification of performance that is over and above what is considered "fit for purpose" or beyond what is actually required).  This aims to reach a balance between whole life cost and quality.

e-Commerce

Take account of any e-Commerce requirements.

Sustainable Procurement Duty

Comply with the Sustainable Procurement Duty.

Environmental considerations

Detail environmental and climate performance levels, where appropriate.

Design

Take into account suitability of design for all users.  Specify a conformity assessment e.g. ensuring a web site meets accessibility standards through specifying appropriate font sizes.

Legislation

Take account of relevant legislation e.g. health and safety and equality.

Licensing

Take account of all licensing requirements that a supplier must have  to operate in an  industry/sector.  These requirements must be relevant to the performance of the contract e.g. a supplier of water and waste water services must hold a current retail license for the provision of water and waste services in Scotland

User Instructions

Provide for user instructions where appropriate

Packaging

Detail required packaging, marking and labelling where appropriate.

Assessments

Conformity assessment procedures relevant to the product(s)., e,g, implementing conformity assessments to ensure accessibility for disabled persons is adhered to.

Quality

Outline required quality levels.

Product Requirements

Outline performance, use of the product, safety or dimensions, including the generic under which the product is sold.  Please note you cannot specify a particular product or brand and must allow for the offer of equivalent products.

Production processes

Production processes and methods at any stage of the life cycle of the supply or service.  For example to meet ethical, social or environmental objectives.

Fair participation

Encourage fair participation.  Do not write in a way that distorts market competition or unduly limits supplier entry to the procurement process.

Practicality

Ensure that any requirements for limits, tolerances, deliverables, timescales etc. are practical and realistic.

Commercial considerations

Consider commercial and ongoing performance management aspects of the contract throughout the supply chain e.g. payment terms, including those to sub-contractors.

Evaluation criteria

Support a structured method of tender evaluation.

Formal contract

Be the basis of the formal contract between the Organisation and the supplier.

Cyber Security

Consider and communicate minimum cyber security requirements where these form part of award criteria.

Testing

Define testing and test methods.  This includes any certification that may be required as proof from regulatory authorities to meet the standards required

Miscellaneous

The specification may also refer to factors of the production process, provision or trading of goods and services. These factors may not form part of the material substance of the product, e.g. when technically describing the products or services you want to purchase, you may require that they do not involve toxic chemicals or are produced/provided using energy-efficient machines.