- Scope of the procurement
- Lot 4. LOT4 Specialist business support: Legal/Property/ Intellectual Property
- Lot 1. LOT1 General Start-Up
- Lot 2. LOT2 Specialist business support: HR/employee development/wellbeing/environmental
- Lot 3. LOT3 Specialist business support: Finance/Business Planning
- Lot 5. LOT5 Specialist business support: Marketing
- Lot 6. LOT6 Specialist business support: Procurement
- Lot 7. LOT7 Specialist business support: Energy efficiencies/ Net Zero
- Lot 8. LOT8 Digital services/Information solutions and technology
Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
The Highland Council
Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road
Inverness
IV3 5NX
Telephone
+44 1463702670
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00045
one.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
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
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
Business Support Services Framework Agreement
Reference number
HC/IEE/BSS/2023
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The Highland Council Business Gateway Service would like to invite suitably experienced organisations to tender for inclusion on a multi supplier Framework Agreement for delivery of a comprehensive range of business support services to local Micro and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £300,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for maximum number of lots
8
Maximum number of lots that may be awarded to one tenderer: 3
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
LOT4 Specialist business support: Legal/Property/ Intellectual Property
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This Lot shall include company structure advice, property/premises legislation and copyright law.
Format of delivery: One to One, Webinars & Workshops (on-site)
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 80
Price - Weighting: 20
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
Extension of up to 12 months
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
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
LOT1 General Start-Up
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This Lot shall include entry level start-up workshops and Webinars and shall focus on business structure, cashflow, funding, business planning, advice on tax, marketing, and HR.
Format of delivery: Webinars & Workshops (on-site)
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 80
Price - Weighting: 20
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
Extension Possible for 12 months
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
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
LOT2 Specialist business support: HR/employee development/wellbeing/environmental
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This Lot shall include support with employment legislation advice, continual personal development, mental health programmes, physical activity, and workplace health promotion.
Format of delivery: One to One, Webinars & Workshops (on-site)
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 80
Price - Weighting: 20
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
Extension for up to 12 months
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
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
LOT3 Specialist business support: Finance/Business Planning
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This Lot shall include support with business plans and profit and loss accounts.
Format of delivery: One to One, Webinars & Workshops (on-site)
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 80
Price - Weighting: 20
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
Extension of up to 12 months
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
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
LOT5 Specialist business support: Marketing
Lot No
5
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This Lot shall include support with branding, product labelling, graphic design, advertising/messaging.
Format of delivery: One to One, Webinars & Workshops (on-site)
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 80
Price - Weighting: 20
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
Extension of up to 12 months
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
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
LOT6 Specialist business support: Procurement
Lot No
6
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This Lot shall include support and advice for tendering contracts including the use of Public Contracts Scotland and supply chain development. This is one to one support and also one to many through workshops/webinars.
Format of delivery: One to One, Webinars & Workshops (on-site)
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 80
Price - Weighting: 20
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
Extension of up to 12 months
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
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
LOT7 Specialist business support: Energy efficiencies/ Net Zero
Lot No
7
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This lot shall include advice and support to help a business make progress towards net zero emissions. This support and advice could cover heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Renewable heat technologies, heating and ventilation, LED lighting, solar panels. Waste Minimisation, Recovery and Reprocessing
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 80
Price - Weighting: 20
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
Extension of up to 12 months
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
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
LOT8 Digital services/Information solutions and technology
Lot No
8
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This Lot shall include support with social media and digital solutions.
Format of delivery: One to One, Webinars & Workshops (on-site)
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 80
Price - Weighting: 20
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
Extension of up 12 Months
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.1.2) Economic and financial standing
List and brief description of selection criteria
Tenderers must have a minimum:
5,000,000 GBP Employers Liability Insurance (where applicable),
5,000,000 GBP Public Liability Insurance and;
1,000,000 GBP Professional Indemnity Insurance.
The Council will use an independent credit scoring organisation, namely CreditSafe, to conduct appropriate financial probity checks.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required
5,000,000 GBP Employers Liability Insurance (where applicable),
5,000,000 GBP Public Liability Insurance and;
1,000,000 GBP Professional Indemnity Insurance.
If the Credit Report of any Tenderer contains a risk rating between Very High Risk – Moderate Risk, Tenderers will be given an opportunity to provide additional information which will be taken into account during the Council’s assessment.
three.1.3) Technical and professional ability
List and brief description of selection criteria
2 Examples of providing an equivalent service during the last three years for each Lot tendered.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required
2 Examples of providing an equivalent service during the last three years for each Lot bid.
three.2) Conditions related to the contract
three.2.3) Information about staff responsible for the performance of the contract
Obligation to indicate the names and professional qualifications of the staff assigned to performing the contract
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
Framework agreement with several operators
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
Originally published as:
Date
4 May 2023
Local time
12:00pm
Changed to:
Date
12 May 2023
Local time
12:00pm
See the change notice.
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Duration in months: 3 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
4 May 2023
Local time
12:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
six.3) Additional information
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 23895. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:
The Council aims to act as a role model within the public sector, by carrying out its activities in a responsible and sustainable manner, considering how it can improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the area.
The following Community Benefits have been identified as proportionate and relevant in relation to this contract:
i. Environmental/ Air quality/reduction of harmful emissions/reduction of waste and packaging
ii. Prompt Payment In the Supply Chain)
(SC Ref:727949)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Local Sheriff Court
Inverness
Country
United Kingdom