Tender

Provision of statutory external financial audit services to central government and arms length bodies in Northern Ireland

  • Northern Ireland Audit Office

F02: Contract notice

Notice identifier: 2023/S 000-010030

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-03bcfa

Published 5 April 2023, 4:41pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

Northern Ireland Audit Office

106 University Street

Belfast

BT7 1EU

Contact

Joe Campbell

Email

procurement@niauditoffice.gov.uk

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UKN - Northern Ireland

Internet address(es)

Main address

https://www.niauditoffice.gov.uk/

one.3) Communication

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at

https://in-tendhost.co.uk/intendsharedservices/aspx/Home

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via

https://in-tendhost.co.uk/intendsharedservices/aspx/Home

Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted to the above-mentioned address

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Ministry or any other national or federal authority

one.5) Main activity

General public services


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Provision of statutory external financial audit services to central government and arms length bodies in Northern Ireland

Reference number

INT-RQ02

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 79212300 - Statutory audit services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

Provision of statutory external financial audit services to central government and arms length bodies in Northern Ireland.The Comptroller and Auditor General is an Officer of the Northern Ireland Assembly. She is supported in the delivery of her functions by the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO). Her work includes financial and value for money audits of a range of public bodies in Northern Ireland. The NIAO contracts out roughly 30% of its financial audit work to the private sector.Please submit your tender in accordance with the instructions in the ITT. Please note that there are 11 lots as detailed within the ITT documents.

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £5,000,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

Tenders may be submitted for all lots

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Lot 1

Lot No

Lot 1 – Central Government, Local Government and Health Sector

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79212000 - Auditing services
  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland
Main site or place of performance

UKNThroughout Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 6 Central Government public bodies with 6 accounts.

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: £404,550

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

The Authority may, in its absolute discretion, choose to extent the Initial Term of this Contract by 2 further periods of 12 months each.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

Lot 2

Lot No

Lot 2 – Central Government, Local Government and Health Sector

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 5 Central Government public bodies with 5 accounts.

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: £404,550

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

Provision of statutory external financial audit services to central government and arms length bodies in Northern Ireland.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

Lot 3

Lot No

Lot 3 – Central Government, Local Government and Health Sector

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN0 - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 2 Central Government public bodies with 2 accounts.Note that the Courts Funds Office which produces the Funds in Court financial statements is a business unit of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Services (NICTS).

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: £380,250

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

The Authority may, in its absolute discretion, choose to extent the Initial Term of this Contract by 2 further periods of 12 months each.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

Lot 4

Lot No

Lot 4 – Central Government, Local Government and Health Sector

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 6 Central Government public bodies with 6 accounts.

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: £382,150

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

he lot comprises 6 Central Government public bodies with 6 accounts.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

Lot 5

Lot No

Lot 5 – Central Government, Local Government and Health Sector

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 2 local government public bodies with 2 accounts.

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: £479,350

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

The Authority may, in its absolute discretion, choose to extent the Initial Term of this Contract by 2 further periods of 12 months each.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

Lot 6

Lot No

Lot 6 – Central Government, Local Government and Health Sector

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN0 - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 2 local government public bodies with 2 accounts.

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: £460,200

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

The Authority may, in its absolute discretion, choose to extent the Initial Term of this Contract by 2 further periods of 12 months each.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

Lot 7

Lot No

Lot 7 – Health Service

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 4 Health and Social Care public bodies with 4 accounts.

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: £272,850

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

The Authority may, in its absolute discretion, choose to extent the Initial Term of this Contract by 2 further periods of 12 months each.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

Lot 8

Lot No

Lot 8 – Health Sector

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 3 Health and Social Care public bodies with 6 accounts.

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: £537,400

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

The Authority may, in its absolute discretion, choose to extent the Initial Term of this Contract by 2 further periods of 12 months each.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes

Identification of the project

Financial Audit Services

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Lot 9

Lot No

Lot 9 – Pensions

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 2 public bodies and 2 Pension Audits + a Review of Public Sector Pension Scheme Actuaries.

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: £314,800

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

The Authority may, in its absolute discretion, choose to extent the Initial Term of this Contract by 2 further periods of 12 months each.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

Lot 10

Lot No

Lot 10 – Pensions

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The lot comprises 5 public bodies with 6 accounts.

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: £709,400

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

The Authority may, in its absolute discretion, choose to extent the Initial Term of this Contract by 2 further periods of 12 months each.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

Lot 11

Lot No

Lot 11 – IT Audit

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Lot comprises 2 public bodies and 2 IT Audits.

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: £657,100

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

The Authority may, in its absolute discretion, choose to extent the Initial Term of this Contract by 2 further periods of 12 months each.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

At its sole discretion, the Authority may elect to exercise the option for Additional Services or Similar Services as specified in the Contract.

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

The requirements are stated in the SQ, ITT and the Procurement Documents.

three.1.2) Economic and financial standing

List and brief description of selection criteria

Selection criteria as stated in the Procurement Documents.

Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required

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

5 May 2023

Local time

4:00pm

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: 6 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)

four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders

Date

5 May 2023

Local time

5:00pm


Section six. Complementary information

six.1) Information about recurrence

This is a recurrent procurement: No

six.3) Additional information

The Procurement Documents contain information about the notional value of the audits for each Audited Body in each Sector. NIAO shall not be liable for any costs, expenses or liabilities incurred by those participating in this tender exercise.

six.4) Procedures for review

six.4.1) Review body

High Court of Northern Ireland

Belfast

Country

United Kingdom