Scope
Reference
MWDA-24-XXXX
Description
Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority ("the Authority") is procuring a specialist commercial advisory service to support the ongoing management and assurance of its long-term PFI/PPP Waste Management Contract. The appointed Provider will deliver expert, ad-hoc commercial advice including contract interpretation, payment mechanism assurance, QCiL review, insurance and JICR support, variation assessment, dispute avoidance, expiry planning and other related commercial activities as set out in the Specification.
The services will be delivered primarily by a named senior commercial specialist with demonstrable experience in PFI/PPP contracts and complex public sector commercial arrangements. Work will be commissioned on an ad-hoc basis depending on operational requirements, and no minimum level of activity is guaranteed.
The Contract will be awarded to a single Provider for an initial period of three (3) years, with the option to extend for up to two (2) additional periods of twelve (12) months each. The procurement will be conducted as an open procedure in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring full transparency and equal treatment of all interested suppliers.
Total value (estimated)
- £500,000 excluding VAT
- £600,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 March 2026 to 5 March 2029
- Possible extension to 3 March 2031
- 5 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
The Contract may be extended at the sole discretion of the Authority for up to two (2) additional periods of twelve (12) months each, allowing for a maximum total contract duration of five (5) years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Tenderers must have legal capacity to perform the Contract and demonstrate appropriate financial standing through proportionate evidence (e.g., accounts, accountant's statement or equivalent). Tenderers must not be insolvent and must meet all exclusion/suitability criteria under the Procurement Act 2023. Confirmation of required insurance levels is also required.
Technical ability conditions of participation
Tenderers must possess the technical and professional ability necessary for successful performance of the Contract. This includes demonstrable experience of providing commercial advisory services on complex PFI/PPP or equivalent long-term contractual arrangements. Tenderers must evidence relevant assignments completed within the last three years and must propose a Key Person with a minimum of five years' directly relevant experience. The Authority reserves the right to verify or request additional information as required
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 January 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
19 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Mytenders
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
9 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality criteria assessment as described |
Quality | 70.00% |
| Cost | Cost Assessment as described |
Cost | 30.00% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
he Authority has opted not to publish a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice as the scope and requirements of the Contract are well understood, stable, and clearly defined following long-term operational experience with the existing service. The Authority does not require market feedback to shape or refine the specification, and the procurement is not expected to generate significant uncertainty or risk that would benefit from early engagement.
The market for these specialist commercial advisory services is small, mature and well-established, and the Authority has sufficient knowledge of capable providers to proceed directly to publication of the Contract Notice. The decision not to conduct preliminary engagement will not distort competition or disadvantage any potential bidders. All interested suppliers will have equal access to the tender documents and full opportunity to participate through the open procedure
Contracting authority
Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTZC-9932-DRCM
7 th Floor
Liverpool
L3 1BP
United Kingdom
Contact name: tenders
Telephone: 0845 077 2819
Email: tenders@absoluteprocure.com
Website: http://https://www.merseysidewda.gov.uk/
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government