Further Stages of Competitive Dialogue and Seeking Final Tenders

At the end of this competitive dialogue process the Local Authority reserves the right (but shall not be obliged) to seek confirmation of the Bidders' solutions, including those relating to price, through the request of Final Tenders.

The Local Authority also reserves the right to enter in to further competitive dialogue with each Bidder.  Following any such further competitive dialogue, the Local Authority may (but shall not be obliged to) request refined solutions from Bidders through the issue of an Invitation to Submit Refined Solutions (ISRS).  The Local Authority may also seek from Bidders further written or oral confirmation of and/or clarification on the service delivery, technical, financial, commercial, legal and contractual terms of their Solutions.

A revised Model Contract may be issued on which the Bidders will be required to respond in detail.  The ISRS may include amendments to the Instructions, guidance, timetable and Solution requirements set out in these Instructions and may include additional information requested by Bidders, or thought necessary by the Local Authority.

The Local Authority reserves the right to de-select one [two] Bidder(s) following the evaluation of Solutions in accordance with the guidance in this Part 6 of the Instructions before entering in to further competitive dialogue, or before seeking Final Tenders.

The selection of a Preferred Bidder will follow an evaluation of Final Tenders.

The Preferred Bidder will be given a short period in which to complete any necessary due diligence and to prepare its documentation for commercial and financial close.  A Reserve Bidder may also be identified and the Local Authority reserves the right to re-engage the Reserve Bidder at any time.

The Bidders that are de-selected, either at the ISDS stage or following the submission of a ISRS or Final Tender, will be offered feedback on their Solutions (if requested).