Legal Services Framework

CPI may require external advice on specialist forms of engineering contracts, for example in relation to the design and/or build of industrial and/or process plant under the NEC/JCT suite of contracts and/or similar industry standard forms. This includes legal advice in relation to practical aspects of their management, which is key to how such forms of contract work. A practical understanding of the day-to-day operation of these specialist standard forms of agreement "on the ground" and in an engineering context is key, as is a pragmatic and creative approach to problem solving and dispute avoidance / resolution.  CPI is often engaged with large infrastructure projects with elements of construction which range from alteration or refit to current premises (for example converting offices to laboratory space) to full New Build of industrial and research facilities. We regularly use JCT and NEC standard forms of contract. As such we may require advice relating to construction and engineering works. 

CPI may sometimes require legal input into corporate matters for example relating to its group structure. CPI’s subsidiary CPI Enterprises Limited invests in SMEs in complementary areas and advice on the legal construct of those investments may also be sought.   

As a part publicly funded organisation CPI is subject to the public procurement and subsidy control regimes. It has dedicated legal, procurement and compliance teams whose roles are to ensure regulatory compliance in these areas and to ensure that grant funding obligations are complied with. CPI may require specialist assistance with advice on public procurement law and subsidy control matters from time to time, including providing formal opinions on grant funded projects and dealing with any challenges or issues.  CPI may also require specialist external advice on entering certain arrangements and/or agreements with collaborative partners to ensure that we comply with UK and EU Competition Law. 

Whilst CPI tries to avoid litigation wherever possible, CPI requires advice and representation from time to time on commercial litigation matters.   Because CPI often works on very complex scientific and technical research collaboration projects, there may be occasions where a partner’s desired outcomes are not possible for technical or scientific reasons, as such we may require external legal advice in relation to any resulting concerns and/or withheld payments.  CPI also needs to guard and protect both its partners’, and its own, IP and confidential information, and may use external providers to robustly enforce and protect such rights and information where necessary to do so.  Please note that this lot specifically excludes property disputes and litigation under Lot 6 and employment disputes and litigation under Lot 7. 

CPI may from time to time require external legal support in relation to the drafting and negotiation of business contracts, collaboration agreements and technology and IP licensing arrangements with industry, academia, and other research institutions, nationally and internationally. However, most of this work is dealt with day-to-day by CPI’s in-house lawyers. 

CPI currently owns premises at NETpark, Sedgefield, Central Park, Darlington and Glasgow, Scotland and leases and licenses property at Wilton, Newton Aycliffe, Newcastle, Manchester and Liverpool. There is a realistic likelihood of further sites or adjustments to existing sites coming on stream during the framework. CPI also licenses and leases space in some of its premises to customers and guidance may be sought on these matters from time to time. We may require legal input on all property related matters. 

CPI’s HR department and in-house legal team deal with the majority of employment matters within the business but may from time to time require external legal support in relation to reviewing standard employment documents and procedures, in conducting employee related procedures (such as disciplinary, grievance and redundancy), in dealing with TUPE and related transfer issues, and in avoiding, settling or defending Employment Tribunal claims. A pragmatic and commercial approach is required. 

CPI operates technical facilities in a diverse range of industrial areas including production facilities and may from time to time need advice on environmental and regulatory matters, such as novel food, feed and alcohol production regulation, production of medical devices, GMP requirements and other guidance for pharmaceutical production facilities, regulation around the Human Tissue Act, advice relating to testing devices and other substances on humans and animals, and general health and safety matters.  CPI may require advice and support on non-contentious health and safety matters and may require external legal advice and representation in respect of any contentious or regulatory enforcement matters.  CPI also from time to time may require legal advice and support on non-contentious, contentious, and regulatory environmental matters; and on legislative and regulatory matters relating to the day-to-day operations of its facilities including for example legislation around pharmaceutical and food production.