Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
CCMDOpenJustice@justice.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 02033343555
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://ministryofjusticecommercial.bravosolution.co.uk
one.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
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
Framework Agreement for Court Reporting & Transcription (CRT) Services
Reference number
ITT_6329
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 75231000 - Judicial services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Following a competitive process, the Ministry of Justice (hereafter the Authority) has awarded a Framework Agreement for the procurement of the following Court Reporting and Transcription Services (CRT) on behalf of HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS):
a. Off-site Transcription Services (OTS) which involves the Court recordings being sent to the relevant supplier where they produce the transcription services based on the contracted service level timeframe.
b. Attendance-based Transcription Services (ATS) comprises stenographers or loggers attending the Court proceeding and then later producing the transcript to the contracted timescales.
c. Real-time Transcription Services (RTS) involves temporarily supplying equipment and production of near-instantaneous transcriptions of proceedings on site.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £22,093,699
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Off-site Transcription Services (OTS)
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 75231000 - Judicial services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
OTS involves the production of high volumes of low-value transcripts away from the court, hearing centre or venue, using a recording provided by the court. The supplier is responsible for producing the transcripts in line with HMCTS' rules, including the application of reporting restrictions (anonymisation) and the collection of relevant approvals and permissions. Services are provided based on agreed service bandings and capped units referred to as folios (72 words). OTS is split into two distinct areas, Crown Court transcription and HMCTS Approved Transcription Panel (ATP):
a. Crown Courts contracts under OTS are contracted via Regional lots. Audio is recorded using a dedicated Digital Audio Recording, Transfer and Storage system (DARTS) and stored on the DARTS online portal for supplier access. Requestors are limited to one specific supplier based on the location of the hearing.
b. ATP covers Civil & Family Courts and Tribunals. The ATP works on a panel basis where requestors can choose from any of the four suppliers. Audio is recorded using various Digital Audio Recording (DAR) formats after which audio is either downloaded onto physical media and posted to the relevant supplier or uploaded onto the relevant supplier’s portal.
For Lot 1 four Call-Off contracts are planned to be awarded on a Regional basis based on the highest tender scores. However the Authority reserves the right to amend the methodology for awarding future Call-off Contracts under the Framework.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Minimum Technical/Quality Threshold / Weighting: 100
Cost criterion - Name: N/A / Weighting: N/A
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
Attendance-based transcription services (ATS) Crime and Real-time transcription services (RTS)
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 75231000 - Judicial services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
ATS Crime
- Services comprise of stenographers (skilled professionals utilising stenotype machines) attending hearings to make a record of proceedings to supplement court recording in order to produce a transcript within the stipulated timescales. These services are primarily required in the Court of Appeal Crime Division located within the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ).
RTS:
The provision of near instantaneous transcription services which usually involves a stenographer attending the court proceeding and inputs a real-time record of the hearing. Editors, either based remotely or on site, will assist in the production of a ‘stream’, which would appear on screens in the courtroom, laptops and media feeds. RTS also includes the supplier providing the specialised equipment required for the necessary timescales.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Minimum Technical/Quality threshold / Weighting: 100
Cost criterion - Name: N/A / Weighting: N/A
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
Attendance-based Transcription Services (ATS) – Civil, Family and Tribunals
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 75231000 - Judicial services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
1. Services comprise of loggers attending hearings to make a note of proceedings to supplement court recording in order to produce a transcript within the stipulated timescales. These services are primarily required in the Civil Appeals Court and Administrative Courts located within the RCJ and The Rolls Building.
2. The Lot also include the provision of limited on-site transcription, in the form of a “sensitive case service”, where supplier personnel with appropriate level of security clearance attend the secure hub located at either the Field House (Central London) or the RCJ to produce a transcript on site.
3. In addition to Civil jurisdictions, the ATS service also includes specialist jurisdictions such as the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC), the Proscribed Organisations Appeals Commission (POAC) and PAAC (Pathogens Access Appeals Commission).
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Minimum Technical/Quality threshold / Weighting: 100
Cost criterion - Name: N/A / Weighting: N/A
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 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
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.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2022/S 000-031922
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Off-Site Transcription Services (OTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 3
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Appen (UK) Ltd
Berkshire
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKJ11 - Berkshire
National registration number
06647360
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Off-Site Transcription Services (OTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 3
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
DA Languages Limited
Manchester
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKD33 - Manchester
National registration number
06207784
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Off-Site Transcription Services (OTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 3
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Epiq Europe Limited
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKI - London
National registration number
02656370
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Off-Site Transcription Services (OTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 3
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
eScribers Limited
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKI - London
National registration number
09892966
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Off-Site Transcription Services (OTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 3
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Marten Walsh Cherer Limited
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKI - London
National registration number
02669638
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Off-Site Transcription Services (OTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 3
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Opus 2 International Limited
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKI - London
National registration number
05907841
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Off-Site Transcription Services (OTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 3
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
The Transcription Agency LLP
Kent
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKJ4 - Kent
National registration number
OC419743
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Off-Site Transcription Services (OTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 3
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Ubiqus UK Limited
Kent
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKJ4 - Kent
National registration number
03444614
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Attendance-Based Transcription Services (ATS) Crime and Real-Time Transcription Services (RTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Epiq Europe Limited
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKI - London
National registration number
02656370
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Attendance-Based Transcription Services (ATS) Crime and Real-Time Transcription Services (RTS)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
eScribers Limited
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKI - London
National registration number
09892966
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
3
Title
Attendance-Based Transcription Services (ATS) Civil and Family
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Epiq Europe Limited
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKI - London
National registration number
02656370
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
3
Title
Attendance-Based Transcription Services (ATS) Civil and Family
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 July 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
eScribers Limited
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKI - London
National registration number
09892966
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
The Authority utilised the Light Touch Regime broadly in accordance with the open procedure set out in the Regulations
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
Country
United Kingdom