This guide explains how to import your existing external framework agreements and their pre-qualified suppliers into the Mercell Tendering module. By importing these agreements, you can seamlessly initiate mini-competitions and utilise standard platform functionalities for contracts established outside of the Mercell system.
Important Clarifications
Before starting the setup process, please note:
Manual Setup, Not a Bulk Import: This feature provides a manual workflow to build and import your framework agreement rather than a bulk upload tool. This ensures you have full control over accurately matching individual suppliers to specific lots and confirming their registration status.
No SRM Module Required: You do not need to have a Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) module or a dedicated supplier registry to use this feature. The tool searches the standard Mercell platform registry.
Internal Activation Only: The final "Publish" step does not publish your agreement to external contract catalogues or other organisations. It simply activates the framework agreement internally for your organisation so that it is ready for use.
Step-by-Step Guide
Access the Import Tool
Navigate to Settings in the top menu and select External framework agreement import.
Click the Create external framework agreement button to open a new setup form.
Basic Information
In the first section, specify the Name, Identifier, and Duration (start and end dates) of the agreement.
Select whether the framework operates with or without lots.
Define your Award criteria (e.g., scoring by individual lot or for the procurement in general).
Add Suppliers Navigate to the Suppliers tab. Here you can add qualified suppliers to the agreement using two methods:
Add existing suppliers: If your suppliers are already registered in the system, search for them using their company name, business ID, or email address. Select the appropriate profiles and click Add selected suppliers. A pop-up will confirm that the supplier has been found and added to your registry.
Invite new suppliers: If your agreement includes suppliers transitioning from a different platform who are not yet registered, click the Invite new supplier button. Enter their details and send a bulk invitation. The supplier will receive an email with a registration link. Once they complete their platform registration, they will automatically be added to your supplier registry. (Note: If a supplier registers using a different Business ID than the one you originally inputted, you may need to manually re-add them from the registry).
Configure Lots and Item Groups
If your agreement uses lots, go to the Lots and item groups section.
Click to add a new lot, provide a name, and add specific items inside the lot (including quantity and unit metrics).
Once the lot is created, assign the specific qualified suppliers you added in the previous step to this lot.
Attachments and Links
Navigate to the Attachments and links section.
Upload any necessary background documents or provide URL links relevant to the framework agreement.
Preview and Publish
Go to the Preview and publish section.
Click the button to publish the framework agreement. Remember, this step only activates the agreement for your own organization.
Run Mini-Competitions
Your completed import will now be housed under My valid framework agreements in your active folder.
From this active framework, you can now directly create and launch mini-competitions to the pre-selected suppliers assigned to your lots.
Article Ref: 280720261025