Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
West Northamptonshire Council
One Angel Square, Angel Street,
Northampton
NN1 1ED
procurement@westnorthants.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKF24 - West Northamptonshire
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/wnc/aspx/Home
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/wnc/aspx/Home
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted to the above-mentioned address
Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/wnc/aspx/Home
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Genealogy Services
Reference number
WNC00000482
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 98370000 - Funeral and related services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
West Northamptonshire Council wishes to appoint one concessionaire for the provision of National and International genealogy services for the purpose of locating next of kin in order that the Council can comply with its statutory obligations under the Act. A single concessionaire model has been chosen to ensure the development of a strong working relationship with the Authority and to ensure a consistent and compassionate approach for all families in sourcing next of kin. This procurement is being conducted in accordance with the Concession Contracts Regulations 2016. It is an income contract with no cost to the Council and is below the relevant procurement threshold. While the Council has decided to advertise on a voluntary basis, this does not represent a commitment to follow the official procurement procedure but will preserve the principles of fairness, transparency and act in a proportionate manner. Full details relating to the Services are provided in the tender documents.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £300,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 98370000 - Funeral and related services
- 98910000 - Services specific to international organisations and bodies
- 98371000 - Funeral services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKF24 - West Northamptonshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Council has a statutory duty under Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to arrange a funeral for any person resident, temporarily resident, or in transit who dies within the district where no third party is willing or able to make the arrangements for burial or cremation. Referrals to the Council requesting assistance for Public Health Funerals, are, predominantly, received from Her Majesty’s Coroners Service. However, referrals may come from Residential Homes, Hospitals and Hospices where the General Practitioner (GP) may have, medically, signed the person as ‘Deceased’ and issued a Medical Death Certificate. As part of this process the council is required to take all such reasonable steps to locate parties that are willing or able to conduct the funeral of the deceased. On the Council receiving the case, an initial search will be undertaken on Council systems to determine if the next of kin can be identified. Where no next of kin is immediately identified the case will be referred to a genealogist company to commence a search for family members who need to be notified of the death and provided the opportunity to take over the funeral arrangements. The Council receives approximately 20 referrals for deceased individuals per annum for which no next of kin is known. If the next of kin are not found or are unwilling or unable to undertake the necessary funeral arrangements for the deceased, the Council will arrange a funeral as per the statutory duty. West Northamptonshire Council wishes to appoint one concessionaire for the provision of National and International genealogy services for the purpose of locating next of kin in order that the Council can comply with its statutory obligations under the Act. A single concessionaire model has been chosen to ensure the development of a strong working relationship with the Authority and to ensure a consistent and compassionate approach for all families in sourcing next of kin. This procurement is being conducted in accordance with the Concession Contracts Regulations 2016. It is an income contract with no cost to the Council and is below the relevant procurement threshold. While the Council has decided to advertise on a voluntary basis, this does not represent a commitment to follow the official procurement procedure but will preserve the principles of fairness, transparency and act in a proportionate manner. Full details relating to the Services are provided in the tender documents. Variant bids not offered. The contract start date is anticipated to be 1st May 2025 for an initial period of 36 months with the preferred Potential Supplier, with an option to extend for two further 12-month periods making 60 months in total. Such extension will be at the Authority’s discretion, after discussion with the contractor. If your organisation wishes to participate in this process, you need to register with In-Tend Portal. You will be unable to take part if you do not register. Please use the link below and follow the instructions on the website: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/wnc/aspx/Home Tenders must be returned via the Portal. The tender return date is midday on Friday 21st February 2025. Tenders received after this time and date will not be accepted. No Tender submissions will be considered without completing the tender documents in full including attachments and returning them in alignment with the instructions within the tender documents.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £300,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
option to extend for two further 12-month periods making 60 months in total. Such extension will be at the Authority’s discretion, after discussion with the contractor.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
three.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
List and brief description of conditions
Applicants will be assessed in accordance with the Concession Contracts Regulations 2016 and as set out in the ITT documents
three.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
three.1.3) Technical and professional ability
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
21 February 2025
Local time
12:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
21 February 2025
Local time
12:00pm
Place
Northampton
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: Yes
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Royal Courts of Justice
Strand, Holborn
London
WC2A 2LL
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures
The Authority will observe a minimum ten (10) calendar day standstill period in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 following notification of intention to award. The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 set out the potential remedies available to a bidder in the event of a challenge. Proceedings must be brought in accordance with those Regulations including the time period for challenge - usually thirty (30) days from actual or constructive knowledge but which can be extended by the Court in certain circumstances.