Ground Investigation Framework for HS2 London

HS2 Ltd has been tasked with delivering the high speed railway network generally referred to as High Speed Two (HS2).

United Kingdom-London: Ground investigation work

2013/S 219-381944

Contract notice – utilities

Works

Directive 2004/17/EC

Section I: Contracting entity

I.1)Name, addresses and contact point(s)

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited (or any successor body) referred to in this Notice as “HS2 Ltd”
Eland House, Bressenden Place
Contact point(s): www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk
For the attention of: Ground Investigation Procurement Lead
SW1E 5DU London
UNITED KINGDOM
E-mail: hs2procurement@hs2.org.uk

Internet address(es):

General address of the contracting entity: www.hs2.org.uk

Electronic access to information: www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

Electronic submission of tenders and requests to participate: www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

Further information can be obtained from: The above mentioned contact point(s)

Specifications and additional documents (including documents for a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained from: The above mentioned contact point(s)

Tenders or requests to participate must be sent to: The above mentioned contact point(s)

I.2)Main activity

Railway services

I.3)Contract award on behalf of other contracting entities

The contracting entity is purchasing on behalf of other contracting entities: no

Section II: Object of the contract

II.1)Description

II.1.1)Title attributed to the contract by the contracting entity:

HS2/086 Ground Investigation Framework.

II.1.2)Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance

Works
Realisation, by whatever means of work, corresponding to the requirements specified by the contracting entities
Main site or location of works, place of delivery or of performance: England.
NUTS code UKG,UKF,UKI,UKJ,UKE,UKD

II.1.3)Information about a public contract, a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system (DPS)

The notice involves the establishment of a framework agreement

II.1.4)Information on framework agreement

Framework agreement with several operators
maximum number of participants to the framework agreement envisaged: 14
Duration of the framework agreement

Duration in years: 6
Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement

Estimated value excluding VAT
Range: between 0 and 50 000 000 GBP

II.1.5)Short description of the contract or purchase(s):

HS2 Ltd has been tasked with delivering the high speed railway network generally referred to as High Speed Two (HS2).
HS2 Ltd has identified a need to establish a Framework to enable it to access a pool of Ground Investigation (GI) Framework Contractors to carry out a planned programme of exploratory work in the vicinity of the line of the Phase One route, in order to minimise any risk arising from an unexpected variation of ground conditions which might otherwise be experienced during construction. In addition, ad-hoc GI Works may also be required from time to time, for example to help HS2 Ltd respond to any ground-related questions asked during the passage of the Hybrid Bill through Parliament.
The outline scope of Works includes but is not limited to:
Works:
(i) boreholes to investigate the ground and groundwater;
(ii) trial pits to investigate the ground and groundwater;
(iii) surface geophysics;
(iv) borehole geophysics;
(v) utility investigation pits;
(vi) investigation pits for existing foundations;
(vii) ancillary on-site activities such as making and maintaining access, fencing / protection, muck away, and/or traffic management; and
(viii) acting as Principal Contractor for all work sites.
Services:
(i) pre-investigation surveys of underground utilities and services;
(ii) installation and monitoring of instrumentation
(iii) on-site and laboratory testing; and
(iv) reporting.
The requirement is therefore a mix of both services and works but is hereinafter referred to as Works.
The Framework will be divided into two Lots, as set out in more detail in Annex B (Information about Lots). Bidders who express an interest in both Lots will be asked to express a preference for one Lot and will be invited to tender for one Lot only, subject to paragraph 5.6 of the PQQ Guidance Document, and as specified in section II.1.8 of this notice, and as further described in section 5 of Annex B.
The total number of Economic Operators anticipated to be appointed to the Framework Agreement is up to 14, this will be up to 6 for Lot 1 and up to 8 for Lot 2.
For more details regarding the phases, scope and Lots please refer to the PQQ Guidance Document which can be found on the HS2 eSourcing Portal at www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

II.1.6)Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)

45111250, 71350000, 71351000, 71351100, 71351200, 71352000, 71353000, 45111200, 45120000, 45122000, 45121000, 71351500

II.1.7)Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The contract is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): yes

II.1.8)Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: yes
Tenders may be submitted for one or more lots

II.1.9)Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: no

II.2)Quantity or scope of the contract

II.2.1)Total quantity or scope:

Estimated value excluding VAT
Range: between 0 and 50 000 000 GBP

II.2.2)Information about options

Options: yes
Description of these options: The initial period of the framework is 4 years. However, there is an option to extend the framework duration for a further 2 years (1 year + 1 year) if further work of a similar nature is required to support the HS2 project.

II.2.3)Information about renewals

This contract is subject to renewal: no

II.3)Duration of the contract or time limit for completion

Duration in months: 72 (from the award of the contract)

Information about lots

Lot No: 1 Lot title: Large Call off Contracts

1)Short description:

Call off Contracts with an anticipated value above GBP 500,000 (excl. VAT).
It is anticipated that up to 6 suppliers will be appointed to Lot 1.
Please refer to section II.1.5 for the outline scope of works, and/or the PQQ Guidance Document which can be obtained at www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

2)Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)

45111250, 71350000, 71351000, 71351100, 71351200, 71352000, 71353000, 45111200, 45120000, 45122000, 45121000, 71351500

3)Quantity or scope:

Estimated value excluding VAT
Range: between 0 and 40 000 000 GBP

5)Additional information about lots:

Bidders may express an interest in both Lots. If bidders do this, they will be asked to state their Lot preferences as bidders will be invited to tender for one Lot only, subject to paragraph 5.6 of the PQQ Guidance Document.
Once the Framework is in place, only the Framework Contractors appointed to Lot 1 of the Framework will be invited to Further Competition for Call off Contracts under Lot 1. In addition, HS2 Ltd reserves the right to invite the Framework Contractors appointed to Lot 1 to a Further Competition for a Call off Contract with an anticipated value below GBP 500,000 (excl VAT) in the event that Lot 2 Framework Contractors were first invited to Further Competition for the same Call off Contract but no offers, or acceptable offers were received.
Subject to the above, only the Framework Contractors appointed to Lot 2 of the Framework will be invited to Further Competition for Call off Contracts under Lot 2. In the event that Lot 1 Framework Contractors are invited to Further Competition for a Lot 1 Call off Contract but no offers, or acceptable offers are received, it is anticipated that the Call off Contract may be broken down in to smaller requirements and issued as Further Competitions under Lot 2.
Acceptable offers refers to offers (i.e. tender responses to a Further Competition) which meet the requirements of the project and criteria stated in the Further Competition documentation; for example ability to meet the timescales required.
Further information is provided in section 5 of the PQQ Guidance Document which can be obtained at www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

Applicants should note that the following:
– The value range specified in paragraph (3) of this Annex B is an estimate
– Appointment to a framework is not a guarantee of work.
– HS2 Ltd reserves the right to have Works carried out by entities not appointed to the frameworks provided for by this notice.

Lot No: 2 Lot title: Small Call off Contracts

1)Short description:

Call off Contracts with an anticipated value below or equal to GBP 500,000 (excl. VAT).
It is anticipated that up to 8 suppliers will be appointed to Lot 2.
Please refer to section II.1.5 for the outline scope of works, and/or the PQQ Guidance Document which can be obtained at www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

2)Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)

45111250, 71350000, 71351000, 71351100, 71351200, 71352000, 71353000, 45111200, 45120000, 45122000, 45121000, 71351500

3)Quantity or scope:

Estimated value excluding VAT
Range: between 0 and 10 000 000 GBP

5)Additional information about lots:

Bidders may express an interest in both Lots. If bidders do this, they will be asked to state their Lot preferences as bidders will be invited to tender for one Lot only, unless paragraph 5.6.4 of the PQQ Guidance Document applies.
Once the Framework is in place, only the Framework Contractors appointed to Lot 1 of the Framework will be invited to Further Competition for Call off Contracts under Lot 1. In addition, HS2 Ltd reserves the right to invite the Framework Contractors appointed to Lot 1 to a Further Competition for a Call off Contract with an anticipated value below GBP 500,000 (excl VAT) in the event that Lot 2 Framework Contractors were first invited to Further Competition for the same Call off Contract but no offers, or acceptable offers were received.
Subject to the above, only the Framework Contractors appointed to Lot 2 of the Framework will be invited to Further Competition for Call off Contracts under Lot 2. In the event that Lot 1 Framework Contractors are invited to Further Competition for a Lot 1 Call off Contract but no offers, or acceptable offers are received, it is anticipated that the Call off Contract may be broken down in to smaller requirements and issued as Further Competitions under Lot 2.
Acceptable offers refers to offers (i.e. tender responses to a Further Competition) which meet the requirements of the project and criteria stated in the Further Competition documentation; for example ability to meet the timescales required.
Further information is provided in section 5 of the PQQ Guidance Document which can be obtained at www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

Applicants should note that the following:
– The value range specified in paragraph (3) of this Annex B is an estimate.
– Appointment to a framework is not a guarantee of work.
– HS2 Ltd reserves the right to have Works carried out by entities not appointed to the frameworks provided for by this notice.

Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information

III.1)Conditions relating to the contract

III.1.1)Deposits and guarantees required:

The Contracting Authority reserves the right to require deposits, guarantees, bonds and / or other forms of appropriate security including parent company guarantees.

III.1.2)Main financing conditions and payment arrangements and/or reference to the relevant provisions governing them:

Anticipated to be based on the ICC Infrastructure Conditions of Contract – Ground Investigation Version 2011 published by ACE and CECA with bespoke Framework Agreement details to be confirmed at Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage.
The contracts will also contain obligations to enter into (i) a form of novation agreement and (ii) a form of collateral warranty in favour of third parties.

III.1.3)Legal form to be taken by the group of economic operators to whom the contract is to be awarded:

Refer to the PQQ Guidance Document which can be found at www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

Where a successful Applicant consists of more than one legal entity, each entity shall be jointly and severally responsible for the due performance of any contract with HS2 Ltd.
Applicants must advise HS2 Ltd if there is any change to their legal status and/or compoaition during or after the procurement process, and HS2 Ltd reserves the right to disqualify Applicants where changes occur.

III.1.4)Other particular conditions:

The performance of the contract is subject to particular conditions: yes
Description of particular conditions: Proceeding with the Works is subject to the prior enactment of legislation which authorises the Secretary of State to incur expenditure in connection with the High Speed Two project.

III.2)Conditions for participation

III.2.1)Personal situation of economic operators, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Refer to the PQQ Guidance Document which can be found at www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

III.2.2)Economic and financial ability

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Refer to the PQQ Guidance Document which can be found at www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

III.2.3)Technical capacity

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Refer to the PQQ Guidance Document which can be found at www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk

III.2.4)Information about reserved contracts

III.3)Conditions specific to services contracts

III.3.1)Information about a particular profession

Execution of the service is reserved to a particular profession: no

III.3.2)Staff responsible for the execution of the service

Legal persons should indicate the names and professional qualifications of the staff responsible for the execution of the service: no

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1)Type of procedure

IV.1.1)Type of procedure

Negotiated
Some candidates have already been selected (if appropriate under certain types of negotiated procedures): no

IV.2)Award criteria

IV.2.1)Award criteria

The most economically advantageous tender in terms of the criteria stated in the specifications or in the invitation to tender or to negotiate

IV.2.2)Information about electronic auction

An electronic auction will be used: no

IV.3)Administrative information

IV.3.1)File reference number attributed by the contracting entity:

HS2 086

IV.3.2)Previous publication(s) concerning the same contract

IV.3.3)Conditions for obtaining specifications and additional documents

Time limit for receipt of requests for documents or for accessing documents: 9.12.2013 – 12:00
Payable documents: no

IV.3.4)Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate

9.12.2013 – 12:00

IV.3.5)Language(s) in which tenders or requests to participate may be drawn up

IV.3.6)Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender

IV.3.7)Conditions for opening of tenders

Persons authorised to be present at the opening of tenders: no

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.1)Information about recurrence

This is a recurrent procurement: no

VI.2)Information about European Union funds

The contract is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: no

VI.3)Additional information:

Economic operators shall note the following:
All economic operators must complete the prequalification questionnaire on the Hs2 eSourcing portal.
All economic operators are required to express an interest by registering on the HS2 eSourcing portal(www.hs2.bravosolution.co.uk). Registering is only required once.

Registering: economic operators should browse to the eSourcing portal and complete the following:
a) Click the “click here to register” link.
b) Accept the terms and conditions and click “continue”.
c) Enter your business and user details.
d) Note the username you use and click “save” when complete.
e) You will then receive an e-mail with your unique password.
Access to the prequalification questionnaire and information pack (PQQ):
a) Login to the HS2 eSourcing portal with your unique username and password.
b) Click on the “PQQs open to all suppliers” link.
c) Click on the relevant titled Pre-qualification item.
d) Click the “express interest” button in the “actions” box on the left hand side of the page (this will move the prequalification pack into the applicants “my PQQ” box). This is a secure area for projects only.
e) Click on the PQQ code. The applicant can now access any attachments by clicking the “settings and buyer attachments” in the actions box.
f) Download the documents relating to the prequalification questionnaire. Click “attachments” on the left hand side. The number in brackets refers to number of documents that need to be downloaded. Click on the bold and underlined filename. Select “save” and store on your PC.
Responding to the prequalification questionnaire:
a) The economic operators must now choose “reply” or “reject” (please give a reason if rejecting).
b) Economic operators can now use the messages functions to communicate with HS2 Ltd and seek clarification.
c) Please note the deadline for completion, this is a precise time and the eSourcing portal will reject the economic operators prequalification questionnaire if it is submitted after this time.
d) Economic operators should click “publish” when they wish to submit the final completed prequalification questionnaire. Please note that there is detailed onlinehelp.
For further assistance contact the BravoSolution helpdesk which is available Monday to Friday (8:00 am to 18:00 pm) GMT on:
a) email – help@bravosolution.co.uk or

b) telephone +44 8003684850.
Economic operators must inform HS2 Ltd that they are interested in the contract by complying with the requirements of the prequalification questionnaire available to parties registering to the HS2 eSourcing portal, as above. HS2 Ltd will use the information provided to select economic operators to be invited to tender for the contract. A response to this notice does not guarantee that an economic operator will be invited to tender. The award process may be terminated or suspended at any time without cost or liability to HS2 Ltd. HS2 Ltd does not bind itself to enter into any contract arising out of the procedures envisaged by this notice. No contractual rights express or implied arise out of this notice or the procedures envisaged by it. Any contract let by HS2 Ltd may contain provision that the contract may be extended at HS2 Ltd’s discretion. HS2 Ltd reserves the right to vary its requirements and the procedure relating to the conduct of the award process. HS2 Ltd reserves the right to disqualify any economic operator who:
Provides information or confirmations which later prove to be untrue or incorrect; does not supply the information required by this notice or by the prequalification questionnaire and information pack, or as otherwise required by HS2 Ltd during the award process; or.
Fulfils any one or more of the criteria detailed in Regulation 26 of the UK Utilities Contracts Regulations 2006 (as amended).
HS2 Ltd reserves the right to require the submission of any additional, supplementary or clarification information as it may, in its absolute discretion, consider appropriate.
HS2 Ltd embraces diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably skilled suppliers of all sizes who can meet the requirements, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, disability or age of supplier workforce and/or ownership. HS2 Ltd will actively promote sustainable procurement throughout its supply chain and welcomes applications from suppliers committed to the principles of reducing, reusing and recycling resources and to the practices of buying responsibly.

VI.4)Procedures for appeal

VI.4.1)Body responsible for appeal procedures

VI.4.2)Lodging of appeals

VI.4.3)Service from which information about the lodging of appeals may be obtained

VI.5)Date of dispatch of this notice:8.11.2013