Landscape Architectural Services Framework Agreement

The scope and nature of services required will be determined by the needs of the Client and may include the provision of services on a range of projects of a landscape / environmental / regeneration nature that shall generally comprise a combination of landscape, building and civil engineering elements to deliver playground refurbishments, environmental improvement schemes, regeneration schemes.

UK-Belfast: Landscape architectural services

2013/S 112-191786

Contract notice

Services

Directive 2004/18/EC

Section I: Contracting authority

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

Belfast City Council
Adelaide Exchange, 24-26 Adelaide Street
For the attention of: Michael Stanley
BT2 8GD Belfast
UNITED KINGDOM
Telephone: +44 2890320202
E-mail: pmu@belfastcity.gov.uk

Internet address(es):

General address of the contracting authority: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tenders

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

Specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and 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)Type of the contracting authority

Regional or local authority

I.3)Main activity

General public services

I.4)Contract award on behalf of other contracting authorities

The contracting authority is purchasing on behalf of other contracting authorities: yes

Section II: Object of the contract

II.1)Description

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

Collaborative Landscape Architectural Services Framework Agreement – Framework Agreement ‘E’.

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

Services
Service category No 12: Architectural services; engineering services and integrated engineering services; urban planning and landscape engineering services; related scientific and technical consulting services; technical testing and analysis services
Main site or location of works, place of delivery or of performance: Northern Ireland.
NUTS code UKN

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 a single operator
Duration of the framework agreement

Duration in years: 4
Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement

Estimated value excluding VAT:
Range: between 400 000 and 700 000 GBP

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

Framework Agreement ‘E’ is for the provision of construction-related professional landscape architectural services by a consultant.
The scope and nature of services required will be determined by the needs of the Client and may include the provision of services on a range of projects of a landscape / environmental / regeneration nature that shall generally comprise a combination of landscape, building and civil engineering elements to deliver playground refurbishments, environmental improvement schemes, regeneration schemes, arterial routes enhancements, Greenflag improvement schemes, community gardens, multi-use games areas (MUGA’s), outdoor gymnasiums, youth association areas, general landscaping schemes associated with site/park/estates roadways and new build and refurbishment projects.
The Economic Operator appointed to Framework Agreement ‘E’ shall be contracted (via call-off contracts) – on a project–by-project basis – to provide landscape architect services to take forward projects from the Client’s initial statement of requirements to project handover and completion. This will involve taking projects through strategic assessment and business justification, outline design stage, detailed design stage, the tender process and construction phase through to project completion. The Economic Operator will be required to have the capability to undertake full detailed design. The Economic Operator will (pursuant to a call-off contract) be expected to provide professional advice and support to the Client and ensure that the Client’s appointed employer’s agent / project manager, integrated consultant team (ICT), cost manager / quantity surveyor, CDM co-ordinator and other appointed consultants and contractors deliver construction projects that fully meet the Client’s requirements.
The principal procurement route to be used on projects delivered under Framework Agreement ‘E’ will be full and complete design by a Landscape Architect, followed by tender process, appointment of a works contractor and subsequent construction by the contractor. The Economic Operator appointed under Framework Agreement ‘E’ and a subsequent call-off contract will provide professional advice and support to the Client (or its appointed employer’s agent / project manager and other consultants) as necessary to ensure the design and construction of projects fully meet the Client’s project requirements in terms of cost, programme, quality, health and safety and sustainability
On occasions the Client may require detailed design and construction to be undertaken by the landscape architect up to a specific point or stage (e.g. Landscape Institute Consultant‘s Services Work Stage D) and then be taken forward by an integrated supply team (IST) consisting of contractors, specialist sub-contractors, designers and their supply chains appointed separately by the Client, using the services of the Economic Operator, an integrated consultant team and other consultants. On such occasions, the appointed Economic Operator will, under a call-off contract, be required to continue to provide all necessary professional advice and support to the Client (or its appointed employers agent / project manager and other consultants) as necessary to ensure the design and construction of projects fully meet the Client’s project requirements in terms of cost, programme, quality, health and safety and sustainability.
The Client may require the appointed Economic Operator to provide services on projects under a range of different forms of construction contracts. This may include JCT, ICE, GC Works and other contract forms however it is envisaged that the NEC3 suite of contracts will be the principal form of contract used for the delivery of construction works projects.
The appointed Economic Operator may also be required (under a call-off contract) to provide a wide range of construction-related professional services including general advisory services, procurement services, studies, surveys, investigations, reports and other specialist services associated with provision of landscape architectural services.
The form of agreement shall be based upon the NEC3 Framework Contract (April 2013). The terms and conditions of the Framework Agreement will be included within the Invitation to Tender Documentation issued to those Economic Operators who are selected to tender. An NEC3 Professional Services Contract (April 2013) shall be used as the basis for call-off contracts.
This Framework Agreement is being established by Belfast City Council on behalf of other local councils (including subsidised bodies or other grant recipients) requiring services in Northern Ireland. A list of potential organisations is included in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire Documentation.
Market information events will be held at Waterfront Hall, 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3WH, Northern Ireland on 24th and 25th June 2013.

II.1.6)Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)

71420000

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

The contract is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): no

II.1.8)Lots

This contract is divided into lots: no

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:

II.2.2)Information about options

II.2.3)Information about renewals

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

Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information

III.1)Conditions relating to the contract

III.1.1)Deposits and guarantees required:

A performance bond and/or parent company guarentee may be required.

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

As directed in the Invitation to Tender documentation.

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

No specific legal form is required but if a contract is awarded to a consortium the Contracting Authority may require the consortium to form a legal entity with joint and several liability before entering into the framework agreement.

III.1.4)Other particular conditions

The performance of the contract is subject to particular conditions: yes
Description of particular conditions: Sustainability including all aspects of social, economic and environmental matters will be an integral part of the Service to be provided. In particular the Service to be provided will be required to comply with the general principles included within:
– Sustainability Action Plan published by the NI Government Construction Clients Group – see link below
http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/procurement-2/cpd/cpd-policy-and-legislation/content_-_cpd_achieving_sustainability_in_construction_procurement/sap-2012-15/sap-2012-15-26112012.pdf

– OGC Achieving Excellence in Construction Procurement Guide 11: Sustainability – see link below
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100503135839/http://www.ogc.gov.uk/documents/CP0016AEGuide11.pdf

– Sustainable Construction Guidance Notes 1 to 7 from the NI Sustainable Construction Group – see link below
http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/procurement-2/cpd/cpd-policy-and-legislation/cpd-sustainability/content_-_cpd_achieving_sustainability_in_construction_procurement.htm

– Proposals for promoting equality and sustainable development by sustainable procurement in construction – see link below
http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/procurement-2/cpd/cpd-policy-and-legislation/cpd-sustainability/content_-_cpd_achieving_sustainability_in_construction_procurement/content_-_cpd_proposal_for_promoting_equality_and_sustainable_development.htm

– Proposals for promoting equality and sustainable development by sustainable procurement in construction through specific sustainability requirements and social clauses – see link below
http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/procurement-2/cpd/cpd-policy-and-legislation/cpd-sustainability/content_-_cpd_achieving_sustainability_in_construction_procurement/content_-_cpd_proposal_for_promoting_equality_and_sustainable_development/model-clauses-sep-2012-updated.pdf

Framework Agreement ‘E’ and any call-off contract(s) will include conditions and requirements, to be implemented by the Economic Operator throughout Tier 1 of the the supply chain, relating to:- the employment of apprentices, graduates and job placement personnel (in association with, and through schemes approved by, the Contracting Authority); open advertising of employment opportunities; active participation in regular Meet the Buyer events (to be organised by the Contracting Authority) to promote employment, sub-contracting and supply opportunities; active participation in Open Days (to be organised by the Contracting Authority) to promote careers in the construction industry; fair payment conditions; and the provision of key skills training & career development opportunities for employees.
Full information on the Contracting Authority’s requirements to improve economic sustainability, achieve environmental sustainability and foster social sustainability through delivery of services and construction works contracts shall be included within the Invitation to Tender documentation.

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: Details are included in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire Documentation.

III.2.2)Economic and financial ability

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Details are included in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire Documentation.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required: Details are included in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire Documentation.

III.2.3)Technical capacity

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met:
Details are included in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire Documentation.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required:
Details are included in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire Documentation.

III.2.4)Information about reserved contracts

III.3)Conditions specific to services contracts

III.3.1)Information about a particular profession

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

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1)Type of procedure

IV.1.1)Type of procedure

Restricted

IV.1.2)Limitations on the number of operators who will be invited to tender or to participate

Envisaged number of operators: 7
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates: Details are included in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire Documentation.

IV.1.3)Reduction of the number of operators during the negotiation or dialogue

IV.2)Award criteria

IV.2.1)Award criteria

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

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 authority:

ST1291.

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

IV.3.3)Conditions for obtaining specifications and additional documents or descriptive document

Payable documents: no

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

19.7.2013 – 12:00

IV.3.5)Date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates

9.9.2013

IV.3.6)Language(s) in which tenders or requests to participate may be drawn up

English.

IV.3.7)Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender

Duration in months: 4 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)

IV.3.8)Conditions for opening of tenders

Date: 28.10.2013 – 10:00
Place:

Belfast.

Persons authorised to be present at the opening of tenders: yes
Additional information about authorised persons and opening procedure: Belfast City Council nominated officers.

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

Note that PQQ documentation will be available for download from the eSourcingNI portal from 12 noon on Wednesday 12th June 2013. Suppliers Instructions How to Express Interest in this Tender~: 1. Register your company on the eSourcing portal (this is only required once): https://e-sourcingni.bravosolution.co.uk and click the link to register – Accept the terms and conditions and click ‘continue’ – Enter your correct business and user details – Note the username you chose and click ‘Save’ when complete – You will shortly receive an email with your unique password (please keep this secure) 2. Express an Interest in the tender – Login to the portal with the username/password – Click the ‘PQQs / ITTs Open To All Suppliers’ link. (These are Pre-Qualification Questionnaires or Invitations to Tender open to any registered supplier) – Click on the relevant PQQ/ ITT to access the content. – Click the ‘Express Interest’ button at the top of the page. – This will move the PQQ /ITT into your ‘My PQQs/ My ITTs’ page. (This is a secure area reserved for your projects only) -You can now access any attachments by clicking ‘Buyer Attachments’ in the ‘PQQ/ ITT Details’ box 3. Responding to the tender – Click ‘My Response’ under ‘PQQ/ ITT Details’, you can choose to ‘Create Response’ or to ‘Decline to Respond’ (please give a reason if declining) – You can now use the ‘Messages’ function to communicate with the buyer and seek any clarification – Note the deadline for completion, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the PQQ/ ITT – There may be a mixture of online & offline actions for you to perform (there is detailed online help available) You must then submit your reply using the ‘Submit Response’ button at the top of the page. If you require any further assistance please consult the online help, or contact the eTendering help desk.

VI.4)Procedures for appeal

VI.4.1)Body responsible for appeal procedures

VI.4.2)Lodging of appeals

Precise information on deadline(s) for lodging appeals: The Contracting Authority will incorporate a standstill period at the point information on the award of the contract is communicated to tenderers. That notification will provide full information on the award decision. The standstill period, which will be for a minimum of 10 calendar days, provides time for unsuccessful tenderers to challenge the award decision before the contract is entered into. The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No 5) provide for aggrieved parties who have been harmed or are at risk of harm by a breach of the rules to take action in the High Court (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Any such action must be brought promptly (generally within 3 months).

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

VI.5)Date of dispatch of this notice:7.6.2013