Multiple Supplier Framework Agreement for Maritime Consultancy Services

Scottish Ministers Vision for Scotland's transport system is set out in the National Transport Strategy (2020), The Vision states "We will have a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system, helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses and visitors". The Vision is underpinned by Priorities and Outcomes and is the basis upon which decisions on Scotland's transport policies will be made and evaluated. The four Priorities to deliver the Nations Transport Strategy Vision are: reduces inequalities; takes climate action; helps deliver inclusive economic growth; and improves health and wellbeing. The Employer has identified a continuing need for the provision of maritime transportation consultancy services to assist the Scottish Ministers acting through Transport Scotland in the provision of Maritime Services. It is anticipated that the Framework Agreement will be used predominantly by the Transport Scotland Ferries Unit but it will be available for use by all directorates of Transport Scotland, to assist in the delivery of various transport projects. It is envisaged that the Framework Agreement will comprise two main areas, namely: Maritime Transportation and Economic and Financial Advice and support; Maritime Procurement and Contract Management Advice and Support. However, the Scottish Ministers may require other alternative, varied or additional services to be undertaken from time to time during the term of the Framework Agreement. Typical services which may be required are as follows: 1. Maritime Transportation and Economic and Financial Advice and Support. This includes the provision of economic and financial advice in the maritime area. For example, this may include: support for strategy and policy development; supporting Transport Scotland in delivery of e.g. NTS, STPR2, ICP, CCP; modelling and analysis; assessment of transport markets and competition; demand analysis and forecasting; measurement of benefits and monitoring and evaluation of transport services; costing and revenue studies; application of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance in a maritime context; advice on maritime operations and timetabling; consideration of vessel design options and harbour infrastructure requirements (including environmental impacts); consultation events, workshops and presentations with or on behalf of Transport Scotland. 2. Maritime Procurement and Contract Management Advice and Support. For example, Procurement support including the drafting of technical and commercial maritime related procurement and contract clauses; assisting in the writing or editing of government policy, legislation, technical standard or specification on a maritime related subject; identifying, assessing and managing risks; supporting consultation processes and procedures. The supplier will be procured through the restricted procedure, a competitive tender procedure under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. This is a two-stage procedure, comprising a prequalification stage and a tender stage. Section II.2.9 of this Contract Notice describes the criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates. In order to be considered for the prequalification stage, economic operators are required to complete and submit an SPD, which can be downloaded via the Public Contracts Scotland portal (www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk) It is anticipated that a total of up to 5 economic operators will be invited to tender stage. Additional information: Economic operators who do not meet: selection criteria as set out in this contract notice; requirements leading to exclusion otherwise set out in the tender documents or who would otherwise be excluded automatically under Reg 58(1)-(3) of the PCS Regs 2015 or at the discretion (if exercised so as to exclude) of TS under Regs 58(4) or 58(8), shall be excluded from this procurement competition.