Liverpool City Region Combined Authority - Rapid Transit Commission

All bidders were issued with a comprehensive scope of works and programme for Phase 1 of the Rapid Transport Commission (LCRCA requirement). This documentation clearly defined the outputs, assumptions, constraints, and delivery timescales to ensure a consistent basis for pricing across all submissions.

Bidders were requested to submit a commercial response comprising two key elements:

A fixed price for Phase 1, based on the defined scope and programme of works.

A detailed rate card for future works, intended to support the establishment of a framework-style call-off arrangement for subsequent phases or related commissions.

Price Determination

Prices for Phase 1 were determined by bidders based on their assessment of the scope, programme, resource requirements, overheads, risk allowances, and profit margins. The fixed price submission was required to fully cover delivery of Phase 1 in accordance with the issued requirements.

The rate card for future works was submitted using a prescribed format to ensure comparability. Rates were requested for defined roles, disciplines, and activities, allowing LCRCA to:

Benchmark rates across bidders

Assess value for money

Ensure transparency and consistency for future call-off commissions

All pricing submissions were checked for arithmetic accuracy, completeness, and compliance with the requested commercial structure.

Evaluation and Selection Process

The award of contract was determined through a competitive evaluation process, assessing both cost and quality in accordance with the stated procurement criteria.

Phase 1 pricing was evaluated on the basis of value for money, affordability, and alignment with the issued scope and programme.

Rate cards were evaluated to assess competitiveness, clarity, and suitability for use within a framework call-off arrangement, including consideration of long-term cost certainty and flexibility for future works.

Only bids that were deemed commercially compliant and technically acceptable were taken forward for final evaluation.

The successful bidder was selected on the basis of achieving the most economically advantageous tender, balancing the cost of Phase 1 delivery with the robustness and competitiveness of the proposed rate card for future commissions.

Contract Award and Future Call-Offs

The Phase 1 contract was awarded as a standalone commission, with the agreed rate card forming the basis for any future call-off works under a framework-style arrangement. Future commissions will be instructed using the pre-agreed rates, subject to scope confirmation and budget approval, ensuring:

Transparency in pricing

Speed of mobilisation

Ongoing value for money