Process to Contractual and Financial Close

The indicative programme for the remainder of the bidding process will be as follows. This replaces the timetable included in section [insert details] of the ISDS Instructions and Guidance to Bidders.

•  Refined Solutions must be returned by [insert details].

•  Evaluation and clarification of Refined Solutions will take place between [insert details] and [insert details].

•  Subject to the Local Authority obtaining committee approvals, the Local Authority will close competitive dialogue and seek Final Tenders before selecting a Preferred Bidder.

•  Final fine-tuning with the Preferred Bidder will commence thereafter with a view to simultaneous contractual and financial close by [insert details], with the planned service commencement date on [insert details].

A timetable of proposed competitive dialogue during this stage is set out below at which outstanding service delivery and technical, financial and commercial, and legal and contractual matters can be discussed prior to the submission of Refined Solutions.

Bidders must confirm in writing by return the acceptance of the meeting dates set out in the above table.

Requests for any further additional competitive dialogue should be arranged with the Project Director not later than [insert date].