Part 6 - Evaluation of Solutions

Solutions will be evaluated on the basis of the most economically advantageous Solution having regard to a range of criteria set out in this Part of the Instructions.  The Fire and Rescue Authority or Police Authority has allocated a maximum score for each area that reflects the relative importance attributed by the Fire and Rescue Authority or Police Authority to that area.

The criteria will need to be published. An example is set out below. These are referred to as the Level 1 criteria/weightings and are expressed in order. At level 2 a series of sub criteria can be set, each of which have their own weighting and are the sub criteria to the specific level 1 criteria. A matrix design will be included with the pack which allows the level 1 and 2 criteria to be discussed, tabulated and the weightings set. Alterations to weightings at level 2 will impact on level 1 and vice-versa. A range of level 3 criteria can be established below the sub criteria if that degree of weighting is required.

Authorities will need to take legal advice on the need to publish the evaluation criteria and their application throughout the procurement. For the purposes of this pack it is assumed the level 1 criteria will be consistent at ISOS and ISDS stage. The criteria will need to be published with the Descriptive Document along with the relevant sub criteria. The assumption is made that level 1 criteria will remain constant throughout ( there are options on bandings) and the level 2 criteria are applied as appropriate to the ISOS and ISDS stages.

The above assumptions mean that the criteria have been agreed before procurement commences. The OJEU can therefore specify the ranking. Good practice also ensures the transparency of the evaluation criteria to bidders at an early stage and how they are applied throughout the procurement. The criteria at ISDS stage will also be applied in evaluating the final tenders.

In discussion of the weightings and degree of detail required there are fundamental debates about price, quality, design, service delivery etc. It has been assumed for the purposes of this pack that all elements including value for money are included within the weightings. In the case of affordability this sits outside the evaluation criteria and is in essence a pass or fail.

The following is an example of a level 1 criteria. It is for each project to consider the appropriate structure, level of detail required and appropriate weighting.

Example: Level 1 Evaluation Criteria:

•  Service Delivery and Technical - [60%]

•  Financial and Commercial (including Legal and Contractual) - [40%]