Contract notice
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Transport Scotland
2nd Floor, George House, 36 North Hanover Street
Glasgow
G1 2AD
UK
Contact person: John Docherty
Telephone: +44 1412727100
E-mail: john.docherty@transport.gov.scot
NUTS: UKM82
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.transport.gov.scot
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00099
I.2) Joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
I.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:
www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent electronically to:
www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
National or federal agency/office
I.5) Main activity
Other: Transport
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for Ground Investigation Works
II.1.2) Main CPV code
45111250
II.1.3) Type of contract
Works
II.1.4) Short description
Transport Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, has identified the need for specialist Ground Investigation (GI) works to support the delivery of infrastructure projects.
The procurement comprises the establishment of a Multi-supplier Framework Agreement (MSFA) with a number of ground investigation contractors to carry out and report on GI works of varying scope, complexity and value in connection with trunk road and other transport infrastructure schemes promoted by the Scottish Ministers through Transport Scotland. Once the MSFA is concluded, individual GI contracts can be called off by mini-competition or other procedures in accordance with the Agreement.
The MSFA is divided into 2 Lots by estimated value of the individual GI call-off contracts.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
45 000 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
II.2) Description
Lot No: 1
II.2.1) Title
Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for Ground Investigation Works - Lot 1 - less than GBP 500,000
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
45111250
45120000
45121000
45122000
71351500
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
Main site or place of performance:
Sites across Scotland predominantly in connection with the Trunk Road Network upgrading and maintenance schemes.
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Transport Scotland is an agency of the Scottish Government and contracts in the name of and on behalf of the Scottish Ministers. Transport Scotland has identified the requirement to appoint a suitably experienced Framework Contractors to carry out GI works to support the development and delivery of trunk road and other transport infrastructure schemes throughout Scotland.
The Framework Contractors will be procured through a Restricted procedure, in accordance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Transport Scotland will manage the proposed procurement process for the Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for Ground Investigation Works on behalf of the Scottish Ministers. In the event of a Framework Agreement being concluded, the Framework Agreement will be entered into between the Scottish Ministers and the successful tenderers.
This is a two stage procedure, comprising a prequalification stage and a tender stage. Section II.2.9 of this Contract Notice describes the criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates. Detailed information regarding the award process and award criteria for the tender phase will be supplied to Economic Operators who are invited to tender.
The intended Conditions of Contract are likely to be Infrastructure Conditions of Contract (ICC).
To be considered for the prequalification stage, Economic Operators are required to complete and submit a Single Procurement Document (SPD) in accordance with this Contract Notice and the Supplementary Information Document which can be accessed via the Additional Documents located within the Additional Notice Options, this can be downloaded via the Public Contracts Scotland portal (www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk).
Economic Operators shall be evaluated in accordance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, on the basis of the information they have provided within the SPD.
It is intended that the Framework Agreement will last four years.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Key Personnel; Resourcing; Managing Individual Call-Off Contracts; Provision of Information and Deliverables; Community Benefits; Fair Work First
/ Weighting: 60
Cost criterion: Cost
/ Weighting: 40
II.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT:
5 000 000.00
GBP
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 48
This contract is subject to renewal: No
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
Envisaged number of candidates: 8
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates:
It is intended that eight Economic Operators be taken forward to tender participation stage. These Economic Operators shall be those who have:
(i) submitted a compliant submission, comprising the completed SPD (ii) satisfied the relevant selection criteria under the exclusion grounds
(iii) (a) Minimum Standards of Eligibility - provided evidence of working on specified types of projects; and
(b) Technical or Professional Ability - provided evidence demonstrating an acceptable level of technical or professional activity; and
(c) Educational & Professional Qualifications - possess the necessary educational and professional qualifications to perform the
requirement
(iv) has in place quality, environmental and health and safety management systems;
(v) satisfied minimum standards of economic and financial standing
(vi) achieved the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth highest combined weighted scores in respect of technical or professional ability calculated in accordance with the responses to Statements (b),(c), (d) and (e) (refer to Section III.1.3).
However, if an Economic Operator has not submitted a compliant submission as described in (i) above or failed in respect of either (ii), (iii),(iv) or (v) above, then that Economic Operator shall be excluded from the ranking of scores described in (vi) as above.
In terms of Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, there will be a requirement on Economic Operators to provide proof of economic and financial standing, and of technical and professional ability prior to proceeding to the next stage of competition and award. The tender documents will contain specific provisions requiring tenders to inform Transport Scotland of any changes to their economic and financial standing or technical and professional ability during the procurement process.
Transport Scotland reserves the right to undertake further verification to ensure continuing compliance with the selection criteria at any time prior to proceeding to the next stage of the competition and contract award, including during any standstill period. If means of proof does not satisfy Transport Scotland's selection criteria and/or if an Economic Operator no longer meets the requirements set out in the tender documents, it shall be excluded from this procurement competition. If this follows tender evaluation, including during any standstill period, the next ranked most economically advantageous tenderer shall be requested to provide proof of economic and financial standing, and technical and professional ability with a view to contract award.
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
II.2.14) Additional information
Economic Operators who initially meet but then subsequently fail to meet the criteria, prior to contract award, shall be excluded.
Economic Operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Lot No: 2
II.2.1) Title
Multi-supplier Framework Agreement for Ground Investigation Works - Lot 2 - greater than GBP 500,000
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
45111250
45120000
45121000
45122000
71351500
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
Main site or place of performance:
Sites across Scotland, predominantly in connection with the Trunk Road Network upgrading and maintenance schemes.
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Transport Scotland is an agency of the Scottish Government and contracts in the name of and on behalf of the Scottish Ministers. Transport Scotland has identified the requirement to appoint a suitably experienced Framework Contractors to carry out GI works to support the development and delivery of trunk road and other transport infrastructure schemes throughout Scotland.
The Framework Contractors will be procured through a Restricted procedure, in accordance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Transport Scotland will manage the proposed procurement process for the Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for Ground Investigation Works on behalf of the Scottish Ministers. In the event of a Framework Agreement being concluded, the Framework Agreement will be entered into between the Scottish Ministers and the successful tenderers.
This is a two stage procedure, comprising a prequalification stage and a tender stage. Section II.2.9 of this Contract Notice describes the criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates. Detailed information regarding the award process and award criteria for the tender phase will be supplied to Economic Operators who are invited to tender.
The intended Conditions of Contract are likely to be Infrastructure Conditions of Contract (ICC).
To be considered for the prequalification stage, Economic Operators are required to complete and submit a Single Procurement Document (SPD) in accordance with this Contract Notice and the Supplementary Information Document which can be accessed via the Additional Documents located within the Additional Notice Options, this can be downloaded via the Public Contracts Scotland portal (www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk).
Economic Operators shall be evaluated in accordance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, on the basis of the information they have provided within the SPD.
It is intended that the Framework Agreement will last four years.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Key Personnel; Resourcing; Managing Individual Call-Off Contracts; Provision of Information and Deliverables; Community Benefits; Fair Work First
/ Weighting: 60
Cost criterion: Cost
/ Weighting: 40
II.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT:
40 000 000.00
GBP
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 48
This contract is subject to renewal: No
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
Envisaged number of candidates: 8
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates:
It is intended that eight Economic Operators be taken forward to tender participation stage. These Economic Operators shall be those who have:
(i) submitted a compliant submission, comprising the completed SPD (ii) satisfied the relevant selection criteria under the exclusion grounds
(iii) (a) Minimum Standards of Eligibility - provided evidence of working on specified types of projects; and
(b) Technical or Professional Ability - provided evidence demonstrating an acceptable level of technical or professional activity; and
(c) Educational & Professional Qualifications - possess the necessary educational and professional qualifications to perform the
requirement
(iv) has in place quality, environmental and health and safety management systems;
(v) satisfied minimum standards of economic and financial standing
(vi) achieved the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth highest combined weighted scores in respect of technical or professional ability calculated in accordance with the responses to Statements (b),(c), (d) and (e) (refer to Section III.1.3).
However, if an Economic Operator has not submitted a compliant submission as described in (i) above or failed in respect of either (ii), (iii),(iv) or (v) above, then that Economic Operator shall be excluded from the ranking of scores described in (vi) as above.
In terms of Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, there will be a requirement on Economic Operators to provide proof of economic and financial standing, and of technical and professional ability prior to proceeding to the next stage of competition and award. The tender documents will contain specific provisions requiring tenders to inform Transport Scotland of any changes to their economic and financial standing or technical and professional ability during the procurement process.
Transport Scotland reserves the right to undertake further verification to ensure continuing compliance with the selection criteria at any time prior to proceeding to the next stage of the competition and contract award, including during any standstill period. If means of proof does not satisfy Transport Scotland's selection criteria and/or if an Economic Operator no longer meets the requirements set out in the tender documents, it shall be excluded from this procurement competition. If this follows tender evaluation, including during any standstill period, the next ranked most economically advantageous tenderer shall be requested to provide proof of economic and financial standing, and technical and professional ability with a view to contract award.
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
II.2.14) Additional information
Economic operators who initially meet but then subsequently fail to meet the criteria, prior to contract award, shall be excluded.
Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information
III.1) Conditions for participation
III.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
List and brief description of conditions:
The relevant selection criteria will be included in the SPD Scotland module.
III.1.2) Economic and financial standing
List and brief description of selection criteria:
The relevant selection criteria will be included in the SPD Scotland module
III.1.3) Technical and professional ability
List and brief description of selection criteria:
The relevant selection criteria will be included in the SPD Scotland module
III.2) Conditions related to the contract
III.2.2) Contract performance conditions
It is the Employer’s policy to measure the performance of the Framework Contractors on a regular basis.
In the event that the Framework Contractors performance falls below a satisfactory level, the Framework Contractors will be invited to determine a means of rectifying the situation. Repeated or continual service failures may result in suspension or termination of the contract.
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Restricted procedure
IV.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement with several operators.
Envisaged maximum number of participants to the framework agreement: 10
Justification for any framework agreement duration exceeding 4 years: n/a
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date:
18/04/2024
Local time: 12:00
IV.2.3) Estimated date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates
Date:
27/05/2024
IV.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
EN
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement:
No
VI.3) Additional information
Each Economic Operator shall be invited to submit a Tender on the same contract terms. To be considered for this procurement competition, Economic Operators should complete an SPD through the Public Contract Scotland portal and submit the completed SPD.
As set out in accordance with section II.2.9 above, an Economic Operator who no longer has the requisite objective criteria as required under the Contract Notice and SPD shall be excluded from this procurement competition.
Please note there are minimum requirements concerning Cyber Security for this contract. If successful, it is expected that the Economic Operators will commit to holding a valid Cyber Essentials certificate, if not already held.
Tenderers will be asked to confirm that they will pay staff based in the UK that are involved in the delivery of this Framework Agreement at least the real Living Wage.
The Framework Agreement value is anticipated to be in the range of GBP 35-45m.
Please refer to the Supplementary Information Document for full additional information.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=752821.
The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.
Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.
A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:
For further details on Transport Scotland's approach to Community Benefits in Procurement please refer to: https://www.transport.gov.scot/about/procurement
(SC Ref:752821)
Download the ESPD document here: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ESPD/ESPD_Download.aspx?id=752821
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
Sheriff Clerk's Office
PO Box 23, 1 Carlton, Place
Glasgow
G5 9DA
UK
E-mail: glasgow@scotcourts.gov.uk
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
13/03/2024