8. Competition Process

The Local Authority is following the competitive dialogue process for this PFI/PPP project, and post completion of pre-qualification, expects there to be a number of stages of competitive dialogue with Bidders.

Pre-qualification

In order to assist the Local Authority in evaluating the extent to which Bidders meet the Local Authority's requirements, Bidders are requested to complete the PQQ attached, which has been prepared in accordance with the criteria set out in Public Contracts Regulations 2006.

The Local Authority will wish to be satisfied that potential partners selected for the [insert details of project] have the appropriate qualities and resources available to it to undertake the tasks required.  Bidders for pre-qualification will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:

•  The economic and financial standing of Bidders taking into account such matters as statements from the Bidders' bankers, evidence of insurance and statements of accounts and turnover.

•  The capability to secure appropriate financing for the [insert details of project].

•  The ability and technical competence of Bidders to meet fully the Local Authority's requirements for the project, including:

•  The organisational, managerial and technical capability to carry out the project

•  The technical capacity and capability to provide the [insert details of services]

•  Quality management procedures.

•  Technical, financial and economic track record for projects of a similar nature.

•  Proven understanding of the skills required for project organisation and delivery.

The Local Authority will be entitled to reject a Bidder automatically if any of the grounds set out in the Regulations are not established in relation to any Bidder or any member of the bidding consortium.

Competitive Dialogue - Outline Solutions

Competitive Dialogue will be 'opened' on completion of the pre-qualification stage.

Bidder's satisfying the pre-qualification criteria for the project will be invited to submit outline solutions.  An 'Invitation to Submit Outline Solutions' (ISOS) will consist of a series of questions relating to the Bidders' proposed solutions for delivery of the [insert details of project].   Following receipt of Bidder's outline solutions, the Local Authority intends to enter into competitive dialogue as part of its evaluation and assessment of Bidder's outline solutions.  

The Local Authority will select a short-list of Bidders (either three or four) to proceed to competitive dialogue on more detailed solutions as part of an ISDS stage.

Those Bidders failing to satisfy the pre-qualification criteria, or who are de-selected at the outline solutions stage, will be given the opportunity for a debriefing session upon request.

Bidders Conference

All Bidders applying for the PQQ documentation are invited to attend a Bidders Conference, scheduled for [insert date and location], which will include an opportunity to meet and discuss the project with members of the Project Team.

Invitation to Submit Detailed Solutions

The Local Authority aims to issue the Invitation to Submit Detailed Solutions to the short-list of Bidders on [insert date].  The intention is to hold a first 'competitive dialogue' meeting with each of the short-listed Bidders between selection of the short-list and issue of the ISDS, likely to be on [insert date].  

Further comprehensive competitive dialogue with each of the short-listed Bidders will follow during the bidding process.  

Bid submissions are programmed for [insert date].