Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
University of Ulster
Block X Room X031, Cromore Road
Coleraine
BT52 1SA
Telephone
+44 2870124515
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKN0 - Northern Ireland
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Studio Ulster
Reference number
project_27187
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Ulster University is seeking to procure an Operator and Delivery partner for the Studio Ulster
project. Studio Ulster is a large-scale virtual studio production complex designed to support
both commercial and research, development and innovation activities. The facilities include,
but are not limited to, a large-scale virtual studio sound stage, second flexible virtual
production sound stage, a smart/demo stage, a motion capture stage and 3D scanning stage
with a total floor area of approx. 70,000sq.
The Operator will be responsible for developing the design, the installation and the operation
of the equipment servicing Studio Ulster.
Studio Ulster will include a ‘Tier 1’ Centre of Excellence in Research & Development &
Innovation in the virtual production and associated technologies sector.
The building is being delivered by Belfast Harbour as part of an expansion within the existing
Belfast Harbour Film complex. Belfast Harbour, as landlord, and Ulster University have
entered into a long-term Agreement for Lease for Studio Ulster.
The Operator and Delivery Partner will develop the detailed design for the specialist
equipment, procure the specialist equipment on behalf of UU and operate the commercial
activities within the facility, which in turn will drive R&D across the virtual production,
broadcast, animation, games and immersive elements of this sector.
Page 4 to 14
The Operator & Delivery Partner will be required to :
• Work with strategic partners within the virtual production and associated technologies
sector to support the growth of the creative industry sector in NI, through a focus on virtual
production as a nexus within the screen industries.
• Promote and operate a centre of excellence in the screen sector, recognised locally,
nationally and internationally, as a focal point for the screen industries.
• Support innovation in the production cycle to generate new products, services and
experiences, through applied research and collaborative R&D with players in the screen
industry.
• Create a step change in the wider ecosystem by supporting development and driving
innovation in the screen sector, that facilitates the application and adoption of new
approaches and emerging technologies across multiple industry sectors.
• Work with key stakeholders to provide training and skills development opportunities that
expand the capacity of the talent pipeline, to meet the needs of the screen sector.
Ulster University is fully committed to the implementation and delivery of Social Value
through procurement and operations, and this shall form part of the procurement award criteria for this competition
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN0 - Northern Ireland
Main site or place of performance
North Foreshore Film Studios, Giant’s Park, Belfast
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Ulster University is seeking to procure an Operator and Delivery partner for the Studio Ulster
project. Studio Ulster is a large-scale virtual studio production complex designed to support
both commercial and research, development and innovation activities. The facilities include,
but are not limited to, a large-scale virtual studio sound stage, second flexible virtual
production sound stage, a smart/demo stage, a motion capture stage and 3D scanning stage
with a total floor area of approx. 70,000sq.
The Operator will be responsible for developing the design, the installation and the operation
of the equipment servicing Studio Ulster.
Studio Ulster will include a ‘Tier 1’ Centre of Excellence in Research & Development &
Innovation in the virtual production and associated technologies sector.
The building is being delivered by Belfast Harbour as part of an expansion within the existing
Belfast Harbour Film complex. Belfast Harbour, as landlord, and Ulster University have
entered into a long-term Agreement for Lease for Studio Ulster.
The Operator and Delivery Partner will develop the detailed design for the specialist
equipment, procure the specialist equipment on behalf of UU and operate the commercial
activities within the facility, which in turn will drive R&D across the virtual production,
broadcast, animation, games and immersive elements of this sector.
The Operator & Delivery Partner will be required to :
• Work with strategic partners within the virtual production and associated technologies
sector to support the growth of the creative industry sector in NI, through a focus on virtual
production as a nexus within the screen industries.
• Promote and operate a centre of excellence in the screen sector, recognised locally,
nationally and internationally, as a focal point for the screen industries.
• Support innovation in the production cycle to generate new products, services and
experiences, through applied research and collaborative R&D with players in the screen
industry.
• Create a step change in the wider ecosystem by supporting development and driving
innovation in the screen sector, that facilitates the application and adoption of new
Page 8 to 14
approaches and emerging technologies across multiple industry sectors.
• Work with key stakeholders to provide training and skills development opportunities that
expand the capacity of the talent pipeline, to meet the needs of the screen sector.
It is currently envisaged that the successful Economic Operator will enter into two
contractual agreements:
• a Collaborative Partnership Agreement with Studio Ulster Limited for all commercial
activities to be undertaken in respect of the Studio Ulster and providing for the provision of
Operator and Delivery Partner Services to Ulster University by the successful Economic
Operator;
• a Research and Innovation Partnership Agreement to encourage and initiate research
engagement between the Economic Operator and Ulster University that will be mutually
beneficial both to the operator and sector wide R&D challenges. An agreement that is
responsive to the needs of industry going forward and that will help build a sustainable
ecosystem for the development of new solutions, identify applied research needs and
supports the wider innovation and development needs of the virtual production sector.
Ulster University is fully committed to the implementation and delivery of Social Value
through procurement and operations, and this shall form part of the procurement award
criteria for this competition that shall be conducted via Reg 30 Competitive Dialogue
process.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Cost criterion - Name: Financial Performance (business plan) / Weighting: 10
Cost criterion - Name: Financial Performance (revenue sharing arrangements) / Weighting: 15
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
The University may agree renewal options to to extend for any periods up to and including
120 months.
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
Competitive dialogue
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 000-036276
Section five. Award of contract
Contract No
project_27187
Title
Studio Ulster
A contract/lot is awarded: No
five.1) Information on non-award
The contract/lot is not awarded
Other reasons (discontinuation of procedure)
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
The University has decided not to proceed with the Studio Ulster tender competition for appointment of an Operator. The reason for this decision is that the University has not received sufficient tenders to ensure provision of the services required.
The University is considering its position with the intention to hold a new tender competition for the design, development, supply and install of equipment for Studio Ulster. The specification and requirements for this tender opportunity are currently being reviewed by the University.
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland
Royal Courts of Justice, Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 3JY
Country
United Kingdom