Contract notice
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
APUC LIMITED
SC314764
Unit 27,Stirling Business Centre, Wellgreen
STIRLING
FK82DZ
UK
Contact person: Anne Martin
Telephone: +44 1314428958
E-mail: annemartin@apuc-scot.ac.uk
NUTS: UKM77
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://apuc-scot.ac.uk/
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:
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent electronically to:
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at:
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
I.5) Main activity
Education
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Audit and Tax Services
Reference number: PFB1040 AP
II.1.2) Main CPV code
79200000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
The Authority is seeking Contractor(s) for the provision of Audit and Tax Services to the higher education (HE) institutions and further education (FE) institutions, of Scotland, the NHS National Procurement in Scotland (and their members and affiliated bodies), Scotland Excel (and their members and affiliated bodies), and Scottish Government bodies including:
Care Inspectorate/Scottish Social Services Council
Childrens Hearings Scotland
Crown Estate Scotland
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Historic Environment Scotland
Jobs & Business Glasgow
National Library of Scotland
NatureScot
Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
SASA
Scottish Childrens Reporters Administration
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
SportScotland
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
8 000 000.00
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
Internal Audit
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79210000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Internal Audit Services for Purchaser body with an annual turnover value
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 2
II.2.1) Title
Internal Audit 25M - 75M GBP - Purchaser body annual turnover value
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79200000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Internal Audit Services for Purchaser body with an annual turnover value 25M - 75M GBP
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 3
II.2.1) Title
Internal Audit 75M - 200M GBP - Purchaser body annual turnover value
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79200000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Internal Audit Services for Purchaser body with an annual turnover value 75M - 200M GBP
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 4
II.2.1) Title
Internal Audit >200M GBP - Purchaser body annual turnover value
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79200000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Internal Audit Services for Purchaser organisations with an annual turnover value >200M GBP
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement.
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 5
II.2.1) Title
External Audit
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79200000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
External Audit Services for Purchaser body with an annual turnover value
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 6
II.2.1) Title
External Audit 25M - 75M GBP - Purchaser body annual turnover value
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79200000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
External Audit Services for Purchaser body with an annual turnover value 25M - 75M GBP
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 7
II.2.1) Title
External Audit 75M - 200M GBP - Purchaser body annual turnover value
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79200000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
External Audit Services for Purchaser body with an annual turnover value 75M - 200M GBP
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 8
II.2.1) Title
External Audit >200M GBP - Purchaser body annual turnover value
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79200000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
External Audit Services for Purchaser body with an annual turnover value >200M GBP
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 9
II.2.1) Title
Grant Audits
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79200000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Grant Audit Services for Purchaser body
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 10
II.2.1) Title
Tax Services - UK all taxes
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79221000
79222000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Tax Services - UK all taxes for Purchaser body
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Lot No: 11
II.2.1) Title
Tax Services - UK and International all taxes
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79221000
79222000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Tax Services - UK and International all taxes for Purchaser body
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Authority reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 1 x 12 month periods subject to satisfactory performance and continued requirement
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
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
Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information
III.1) Conditions for participation
III.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Minimum level(s) of standards required:
Please refer to the "Qualification Envelope" of the ITT within PCS-T to answer the selection criteria.
Please refer to Part IV Selection Criteria: Questions within 4B.5 of the SPD
Tenderers must confirm they can provide the following supporting evidence prior to award:
Professional Indemnity Insurance = GBP 2 Million
Employer's (Compulsory) Liability Insurance = GBP 5 Million
Public Liability Insurance = GBP 5 Million
With reference to ESPD question 4B.6 - The successful Contractor(s) will be required to provide two years audited accounts, or equivalent if awarded a place on the Framework Agreement. Alternatively, if the Contractor is unable to provide the required accounting information e.g. a new business without the required accounts, then they will be required to provide a bankers letter demonstrating their willingness to support the Contractors organisation over the term of the Framework Agreement. The two years audited accounts, or equivalent will be subject to ratio analysis.
III.1.3) Technical and professional ability
Minimum level(s) of standards required:
Tenderers must confirm they have (or have access to) the relevant supply chain management and tracking systems to ensure a resilient and sustainable supply chain. This includes confirmation that they have the systems in place to pay subcontractors through the supply chain promptly (i.e. no later than 30 days after the invoice (or similar claim) relating to the payment is presented) and effectively, and provide evidence when requested of:
a) their standard payment terms
b) ≥95% of all supply chain invoices being paid on time (in accordance with the terms of contract) in the last financial year
If the bidder is unable to confirm (b) they must provide an improvement plan, signed by their Director, which improves the payment performance.
III.2) Conditions related to the contract
III.2.2) Contract performance conditions
Submission of Management Information Following commencement of the Framework Agreement, the Contractor will provide a performance report to the Authority on a quarterly basis to include spend by Institution under the Framework Agreement for the reporting period. Contractors must provide the information on a quarterly basis, within 10 working days following the start of each quarter. Data must be uploaded to the website: http://ucsp.ac.uk/
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Open 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.
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:
10/11/2023
Local time: 12:00
IV.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
EN
IV.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Duration in months: 3 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
IV.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date:
10/11/2023
Local time: 13:00
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement:
Yes
Estimated timing for further notices to be published:
36-40 month
VI.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
VI.3) Additional information
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.
Suppliers should confirm they will be in a position to complete (at point of award) the following:
Appendix A Form of Tender
Appendix B Freedom of Information
Appendix D APUC Sustain Supply Chain Code of Conduct
Appendix J SCM RP Section 1
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 24872. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
The Contracting Authority does not intend to include a sub-contract clause as part of community benefits (as per Section 25 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014) in this contract for the following reason:
It is a requirement that the range of services to be delivered under this framework agreement will be delivered by each of the main contractors.
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:
The Authority would like to explore applicable community benefits or social value through this Framework Agreement, for example by providing work placements, work experience, careers events or site visits, training opportunities, apprenticeships, or investment in the local community.
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
Stirling Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court
Sheriff Court House, Viewfield Place
Stirling
FK8 1NH
UK
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
06/10/2023