pre-qualification questionnaire ("pqq")

Becta Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) Version 1.0

To be returned no later than Monday 29th March 2010 at midday 12.00 British Summer Time

PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE (“PQQ")

for

BECTA ICT SERVICES FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ONE (LOTS 1 AND 2)

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED of 123



Contents

SECTION A - PQQ INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS 1. Introduction2. Becta Contact Point3. Procurement Process4. Consortia and Sub-Contracting5. Queries about the procurement6. PQQ Selection7. General Instructions8. Bidder Contact9. Equality in the Workplace10. Freedom of Information11. Right to Reject and/or Disqualify12. Costs and Expenses13. Criminal Records Bureau14. Data Protection and Security15. Conflicts of Interest16. Submission of Completed Pre-Qualification Questionnaire17. Background Information18. Customers of the Framework Agreement19. The Requirement

SECTION B - BIDDER RESPONSE1. ORGANISATION DETAILS2. CONSORTIA AND SUPPLY CHAIN MEMBER(S)3. CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION4. FINANCIAL DETAILS5. COMMERCIAL FACTORS6. TECHNICAL/CAPACITY7. QUALITY ASSURANCE, EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE , HEALTH & SAFETY

AND ENVIRONMENTAL8. PQQ DOCUMENTATION9. DECLARATION




APPENDICESAppendix 1Public Contracts Regulations 2006Appendix 2GUARANTOR STATEMENTAppendix 3ORGANISATION DETAILS: CONSORTIAAppendix 4STATEMENT OF GOOD STANDINGAppendix 5FINANCIAL DETAILS: CONSORTIAAppendix 6A6.1 Experience of the Educational Sector.Appendix 7QUALITY ASSURANCE, EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE, HEALTH & SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTALAppendix 8TABLE C – SUMMARY OF ATTACHMENTS & LINKSTABLE D - SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONAppendix 9TABLE E – COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATIONAppendix 10CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU/INDEPENDENT SAFEGUARDING AUTHORITY CHECKSAppendix 11HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENTAppendix 12PQQ EVALUATION MATRIXTABLE F – MANDATORY CRITERIA (PASS/FAIL)TABLE G – SELECTION PROCESS WEIGHTING




SECTION A

PQQ INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

1. Introduction

1.1 This Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (“PQQ”) has been issued by Becta in connection with the provision of ICT Services reference OJEU Notice (reference 2010/S 43-063793) dated 26th February 2010 and must be completed by Bidders as their formal expression of interest.

1.2 This PQQ sets out the details required in order to perform an assessment of the suitability of Bidders in terms of their technical knowledge and experience, capability/capacity, organisational and financial standing. The objective of the PQQ stage is to draw up a list of pre-qualified Bidders who have best demonstrated their capability in terms of aforementioned criteria and to whom the Invitation to Tender (ITT) will be issued.

1.3 Any Framework Agreement awarded as a consequence of this procurement exercise shall be for a maximum term of four (4) years, with the option to terminate after three (3) years.

1.4 No information contained within this PQQ, or in any communication made between Becta and Bidder in connection with this PQQ, shall be relied upon as constituting an agreement or representation that any agreement shall be offered in accordance with this PQQ.

1.5 Becta reserves the right, subject to the appropriate procurement regulations, to change without notice the basis of, or the procedures for, the competitive tendering process or to terminate the process at any time.

1.6 Under no circumstances shall Becta or any party, as represented by Becta for the purposes of this procurement exercise, or the directors, officers, members, partners, employees, other staff, agents or advisers of any such body, incur any liability (other than in respect of fraudulent misrepresentation) in respect of this PQQ, supporting documentation or any communication in relation to this PQQ.

1.7 Under no circumstances shall any party, as represented by Becta for the purposes of this procurement exercise, or the directors, officers, members, partners, employees, other staff, agents or advisers of any such body:

1.7.1 makes any representation or warranty (express or implied) as to the accuracy, reasonableness or completeness of the PQQ; and/or




1.7.2 accepts any responsibility for the information contained in the PQQ or for its fairness, accuracy or completeness.

1.8 Direct or indirect canvassing of any Ministers, public sector employees or agent by any Bidder concerning this requirement, or any attempt to procure information from any Ministers, public sector employees or agent concerning this PQQ may result in the disqualification of the Bidder from consideration for this requirement.

2. Becta Contact Point

2.1 Becta’s named contact point for this procurement is:

Colin MacdonaldProcurement ManagerTel: 02476 797144Email: [email protected]

3. Procurement Process

3.1 This is a competitive procurement process conducted in accordance with the Restricted Procedure, under the EU Public Contracts Directive, as implemented by the Public Contracts Regulations 2006, Statutory Instruments 2006 No 5.

3.2 The procurement process will be undertaken in two distinct stages; pre-qualification and invitation to tender, which will lead to successful suppliers being awarded a framework agreement.

3.3 The PQQ is an application process for Bidders interested in tendering for the framework agreement for ICT Services provision which is defined by two lots;

Lot One Network Technologies which incorporates Infrastructure Services and mobile Connectivity Services

Lot Two ICT Service Integrators1

11 ICT Service Integrators are defined as those organisations having prime responsibility, through their own in house capability and/or supply chain arrangements, for the integration of all, multiple or single elements where integrating with other existing or third party provided elements of the four broad ICT core services (Infrastructure Services, Connectivity Services, Learning Services and Data Services (management information systems)). The integrator role will also include the provision and supply of these services, but will also require integration of existing or 3rd party provided services. Integration in this context will also include customisation and innovation services integration, where required as part of the overall design, delivery, implementation, support, and maintenance provision and integration of the total ICT services to deliver high quality ICT equipment, applications and associated services (or combination of) for or on behalf of Customers.


mailto:[email protected]



3.4 The PQQ will enable the Bidder to further evaluate the opportunity and to ascertain whether it is appropriate to provide a PQQ response. For the avoidance of doubt, the Bidder has the option to respond to both Lot One and Lot Two or alternatively a response may be provided for either Lot One or Lot Two. Bidders wishing to bid for both lots must ensure that this is explicit in their response as per the requirements laid out in Section B of the PQQ document. There will be separate evaluations for each of the two lots comprising the framework. Therefore bidders successfully awarded onto either one of the two lots will not automatically be awarded onto the other lot and as such will not be legally entitled to provide services for the other lot under the framework.

3.5 Each entity that wishes to bid (whether it is a single organisation or a consortium) is referred to as a “Bidder”. With respect to Lot One and Lot Two, three types of Bidder have been identified:

Type A Bidder: a Bidder which is either a sole organisation or consortium arrangement which will deliver the core requirements; or

Type B Bidder: a Bidder (either a sole organisation or consortium arrangement) which will deliver the core requirements via a supply chain that is already established and operational; or

Type C Bidder: a Bidder (either a sole organisation or consortium arrangement) which will deliver the core requirements via a supply chain that is not currently established and operational.

An essential pre-requisite for Type B and Type C Bidders shall be that the Bidder demonstrates a satisfactory methodology and track record of delivering and managing a supply chain.

.3.6 Bidders, as set out within 3.5 are invited to respond to the PQQ, providing

all information as requested in the PQQ. Type C Bidders should note that in the event of successful pre-qualification the supply chain members must be identified by the tender response stage.




3.7 The proposed procurement timetable is set out in Table 1 below.

This information is provided as an indication of the relevant timings and whilst Becta shall endeavour to adhere to these dates, they may be subject to change from time to time, at the sole discretion of Becta.

Table 1.

Target Date Activity26 February 2010 OJEU Notice Published with link to PQQ 19 March 2010 Final Date for Submission of Clarification Questions29 March 2010 PQQ Submission Date21 April 2010 PQQ Evaluation26 April 2010 Short List Confirmed27 April 2010 Issue Notification to Bidders with Written Debrief to

Unsuccessful 3 May 2010 Issue ITT to Qualified Bidders10 May 2010 Qualified Bidders Submission of Questions for Open Day17 May 2010 Qualified Bidders Open Day10 June 2010 Final Date for Submission of Additional Questions28 June 2010 Tender Submission Date29 June 2010 to 9 September 2010

Tender Evaluation

17 August 2010 to 31 August 2010

Bidders’ Presentations

16 September 2010 Bidder Notification of Outcome16 September 2010 to 27 September 2010

Alcatel 10 Day Standstill Period

28 September 2010 Contract Award




4. Consortia and Sub-Contracting

4.1 Becta anticipates in line with the Glover Report http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/glover_review_index.htm and with reference to 3.5, some enterprises will wish to combine as consortia or use sub-contracting arrangements (referred to in this document as “supply chain member(s)2”), to enable them to offer the full range of services. A consortium leader or prime contractor who is legally responsible for all members of any consortium, is Becta's preferred approach, other consortium structures will be considered at Becta's discretion.

4.2 Where the proposed prime contractor is a special purpose vehicle (“SPV”) or holding company, information should be provided about the extent to which the SPV/holding company will call upon the resources and expertise of its members to fulfil the Requirement as set out within Section 19.

4.3 Bidders which are bidding as consortiums must provide information about the respective roles of each of the consortium members. All Bidders must provide information about the supply chain member(s) who will be responsible for delivery of the four core services under any ensuing contract. Responses must demonstrate a credible capability of delivering all four core elements and enable Becta to assess the overall proposed service. Only the consortium leader or prime contractor (the organisation which acts as the Bidder), should respond to the PQQ, providing the necessary financial and business information for itself and for the other organisations within the consortium or supply chain.

4.4 Becta recognises that arrangements in relation to consortia and supply chain may be subject to future change. Bidders should therefore respond in the light of such arrangements as are currently known. Any changes to the composition of consortia and supply chain must be notified in writing to Becta for their consideration. A further assessment will be made by Becta by applying the selection criteria to the new proposed arrangement and any changes will be subject to formal written agreement by Becta. Supply chain members will not be permitted to become the prime contractor during the term of the framework.

2 Supply Chain Member(s) – an organisation within the network of suppliers that participate actively in the delivery of the service by the consortium leader or prime contractor.


http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/glover_review_index.htm

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/glover_review_index.htm



5. Queries about the procurement

5.1 Becta will not enter into detailed discussion of the requirements at this stage, but clarification shall be conducted as detailed within Section 5.2.

5.2 Any questions should be submitted by e-mail to [email protected]

Please note that the closing date for submission of clarification questions is 19th March 2010. Becta will not guarantee a response to any questions submitted after this date.

All questions and answers will be provided by email to all who have expressed an interest. Both the query and the response will be published, anonymously. If any Bidder considers that their question is commercially confidential, then they should specifically state this within the email which details the question.

Whether the Bidder information shall be treated as confidential will be at the sole discretion of Becta.

Becta shall duly notify the Bidder of whether it considers the information to be commercially confidential in advance of publishing a response. The Bidder will have the option to withdraw the question prior to such publication.

5.3 Becta will not guarantee a response to any requests received by any other means than specifically stated within Section 5.2.

5.4 No approach of any kind in connection with this PQQ should be made to any other person within, or associated with, Becta.

6. PQQ Selection

6.1 In assessing the answers to the PQQ questions, Becta will be seeking evidence of the Bidder’s suitability to perform the services in terms of economic and financial standing, technical and professional ability. Qualification criteria will be a combination of both financial and non-financial factors and will be in accordance with Regulations 23 to 26 of the Public Contract Regulations 2006, reference Appendix 1.

6.2 With reference to Bidder’s economic and financial standing then Section 24 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 shall apply. Evaluation will be in accordance with the requirement published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) notice. Bidders must have a financial standing of





at least a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) minimum Risk Indicator rating of 3 (slightly greater than average risk) or equivalent.

The Bidder has the option for the financial assessment to be performed in respect of an appropriate guarantor, such as an ultimate parent body. The Bidder will still be required to provide the financial details directly related to the Bidder’s organisation, where available.

This guarantee option may be selected on the condition that the guarantor provides a statement as set out in Appendix 2, addressed to Becta on letter headed paper which provides confirmation that:

6.2.1 the Bidder is its subsidiary; and

6.2.2 the guarantor supports the relevant Bidder in its participation of this procurement and any resultant agreement.

Please note that the Service Order Terms3 will provide the Customers of the Framework with options to require successful contractor to provide either Parent Company Guarantee or a Performance Bond.

6.3 Please note that in addition to 6.2 above Becta may seek independent financial and market advice to validate information declared or to assist in the evaluation.

6.4 With reference to technical and professional ability to deliver the

framework requirement, Section 25 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 shall apply. The responses to these questions will be assessed and scored pursuant to Appendix 12.

6.5 Reference site visits or demonstrations and/or presentations are unlikely to be requested at PQQ stage but Becta reserves the right to request the same as part of the PQQ process.

6.6 In accordance with Section 26 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006, Becta expressly reserves the right to request that a Bidder provide additional information in order to supplement or clarify any of the information provided in the PQQ response.

3 Service Order Terms – a document setting out the terms agreed for a contract under a Framework Agreement; in conjunction with the Framework Agreement (or Terms and Conditions) this forms the legal contract with the framework suppliers.




7. General Instructions

7.1 The PQQ must be completed in English.

7.2 Bidders must answer all PQQ questions in full as detailed in Section B, Bidder’s Response, of this PQQ and submit the completed Bidder’s Response document along with any requested supporting information, in accordance with the PQQ instructions. Bidders should provide a response to Section B, Bidder’s Response in a typed format with a minimum font size of 12. For the avoidance of doubt, Bidders must provide a response in the format provided within the Bidder’s Response document, Section B, a response in any other format shall be deemed non compliant and may result in disqualification. It is not acceptable to amend the general structure of the response document Section B, which would result in answers being provided in a different format.

7.3 Bidders are advised to only provide a response to the information specifically requested in this PQQ. Bidders are advised not to provide any additional information (not relevant to any specific question), to that specifically requested as this will not form part of the evaluation. For the avoidance of doubt, the Bidder may however provide supporting information in order to substantiate their response to specific question(s).

7.4 Bidders will also be required to provide a summary of all attachments provided by completing table C and D, reference Appendix 8.

7.5 In the event that any question is not relevant to the Bidder’s organisation then an appropriate explanation must be provided.

It is unacceptable to not answer a question because you believe you have answered the point elsewhere, or to cross reference an earlier answer. In these events the question will be treated as if it was unanswered and the response shall be duly classified as non compliant and may result in disqualification.

Please ensure your responses are at all times clear and relevant to this competition, and support your suitability to participate.

7.6 Where ‘brief’ details are requested, Bidders should ensure that their response includes all the necessary information to enable evaluation of their submission but the response remains concise. Supporting information should be clearly cross-referenced to the relevant question number.

7.7 The PQQ will be the single source of information on which Bidders will be evaluated. Becta will not take into account past or current supplier relationships as part of the PQQ evaluation.




7.8 The PQQ responses will be checked for compliance before responses are evaluated. Only compliant submissions will then be subject to the PQQ evaluation process. The evaluation matrix as set out within Appendix 12 provides further detail on the evaluation to be undertaken.

7.9 Signatures must be provided by a duly authorised officer of the Bidder’s organisation. Any such documents should be signed, scanned and emailed as part of the PQQ response. Becta reserves the right to request that the Bidder furnish the original copies of these at any time during the procurement exercise.

7.10 In the event that any information supplied in the PQQ response changes in the ensuing evaluation period, or thereafter (subject to successful pre-qualification), the Bidder must promptly provide full details of the changes in writing to Becta where the selection criteria will be used to reassess the changes. Becta reserves the right to disqualify any Bidder pursuant to Section 11 of this PQQ.

7.11 The organisation who acts as the Bidder (“consortium leader or prime contractor”) is responsible for ensuring that this PQQ is fully completed and the required information provided in respect of each consortium and supply chain member. A supply chain member must not submit a separate PQQ in respect of its involvement with the Bidder.




8. Bidder Contact

8.1 Bidders are required to provide a single point of contact. Becta shall not be responsible for contacting the Bidder through any route other than this nominated contact.

8.2 The Bidder must therefore undertake to notify Becta of any changes relating to the point of contact promptly. The Bidder should only assume that Becta has updated the point of contact upon written acknowledgement to that effect.

9. Equality in the Workplace

9.1 The questions in the Bidder Response, Section B, reference 7.2 of this PQQ are derived from those specified by the Secretary of State under Section 18(5) of the Local Government Act 1988, modified and extended as permitted by Orders made under Section 19 of the Local Government Act 1999.

9.2 Bidders will be evaluated for race equality in employment on the basis of answers to these questions.

9.3 Evidence is required to support your answers to the questions in Section B, 7.2 and Appendix 7 (A7.2) of the PQQ. Such evidence may be examples or copies or documents such as your race equality or equal opportunities in employment policy; documents containing instructions to staff; extracts from staff handbooks; or other such materials.

9.4 Becta and Customers of the framework are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for disabled people, and between women and men, and accordingly seeks information regarding compliance with other anti-discrimination legislation.




10. Freedom of Information

10.1 In accordance with the obligations and duties placed upon public authorities by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the FoIA), all information submitted to the authority may be disclosed in response to a request made pursuant to the FoIA.

10.2 In respect of any information submitted by a Bidder that it considers commercially sensitive the Bidder should:

10.2.1 clearly identify such information as commercially sensitive;

10.2.2 explain the potential implications of disclosure of such information; and

10.2.3 provide an estimate of the period of time during which the Potential Provider believes that such information will remain commercially sensitive.

Bidders should submit the response to 10.2.1, 10.2.2 and 10.2.3 by completing table E, within Appendix 9.

10.3 Becta shall however be responsible for determining, at their absolute discretion, whether such exemption should apply and Bidders agree to comply with any such decision taken by Becta.

11. Right to Reject and/or Disqualify

11.1 Becta reserves the right to reject or disqualify a Bidder where:

11.1.1 the PQQ is submitted late, is completed incorrectly, is incomplete or fails to meet any one of Becta’s submission requirements as defined herein;

11.1.2 the Bidder is unable to satisfy the terms of Article 45 of Directive 2004/18/EC and/or Regulation 23 of The Public Contracts Regulations 2006;

11.1.3 the Bidder is guilty of serious misrepresentation in relation to its application and/or any element of the process;

11.1.4 there is a change in identity, control, financial standing or other factor impacting on the evaluation and/or selection process affecting the Bidder;




11.1.5 there is a significant conflict of interest arising between Becta and the Bidder (including a key consortium and/or supply chain members).

12. Costs and Expenses

12.1 Becta will not reimburse any costs incurred by Bidders in connection with the preparation and submission of their PQQ responses and future stages of the procurement process. Under no circumstances shall Becta or any other party, as represented by Becta for the purposes of this procurement exercise, be liable for any costs or expenses borne by the Bidder.

13. Criminal Records Bureau

Bidders need to be aware of the requirements of Section 13. Compliance with the requirements of Section 13 will be a mandatory feature of the framework and this will be verified at ITT stage (subject to successful pre-qualification), where Bidders will be required to produce up-to-date verification with respect to Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/ as set out within this section and as verified through further assessment:

13.1 The Bidder must have a formal and concise CRB/ISA Policy, which should be made available to Becta or any of the Bidder’s Customers, upon written request. The policy should confirm the level and the frequency of CRB/ ISA checking.

13.2 The Bidder must have a new Employee/Temporary Staff recruitment process which will set out Bidder’s company CRB/ISA policy. Bidder’s third party/supply chain member/Associates policy must also be aligned and fully comply with Bidder’s CRB/ISA policy.

13.3 The Bidder must have an unambiguous process for dealing with "positive" CRB/ISA results i.e. those employees or contractors presenting evidence of a conviction relating to a vulnerable person.

13.4 The Bidder must have a certificate retention policy.

13.5 The Bidder must have a document/procedure to manage the process of CRB/ISA re-checking. This could be a spreadsheet or such similar documentation which details:


http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/



13.5.1 Employees names and job titles (to show the relevance of the check); and

13.5.2 Disclosure of serial numbers, completion date checks (as evidence of the check being completed) and the renewal due date.

13.6 Becta will reserve the right to make checks for compliance with these

requirements as may be required from time to time, without prior notice to the Bidder.

Further information in relation to the CRB/ISA procedure is provided within Appendix 10.

14. Data Protection and Security

14.1 Please note that Becta regards the safety of children’s data of being of paramount importance. Bidders should be aware of the data handling procedures in Government report, June 2008 – see the link below.

Becta will require Bidders to incorporate into the Service Order Terms the mandatory clauses and provisions relating to security and information assurance as referred to in the PPN. Becta will also require Framework Contractors to comply with these data security requirements throughout the lifetime of the Framework.

See http://www.ogc.gov.uk/documents/PPN_Data_Handling_Review.pdf for further details.

15. Conflicts of Interest

15.1 Bidders should consider if there are any conflicts of interest for example by operating on more than one Becta framework and in the event of mergers and acquisitions. A conflict may also arise where a staff member from a Bidder and/or member of its supply chain is related to one of the Customer’s officers.

15.2 Bidders will be required to declare any potential conflicts of interest as part of the PQQ response and Becta reserves the right to obtain further detail at ITT stage.

15.3 Bidders should also note however that Becta reserves the right to disqualify Bidders where there is an actual or potential conflict of interest,


http://www.ogc.gov.uk/documents/PPN_Data_Handling_Review.pdf



where the Bidder has not adequately demonstrated that they possess the technical capacity and business disciplines to manage the risk.

16. Submission of Completed Pre-Qualification Questionnaire

16.1 Bidders must provide a response by email to [email protected], please ensure that the response is entitled [PROTECT–[NAME OF BIDDER] ICT SERVICES PQQ RESPONSE FRAMEWORK ONE LOTS 1 &/OR 2]. Please note that an automatic confirmation will be issued upon receipt to the Becta email address and it is the Bidders responsibility to check that such confirmation is received.

16.2 Responses can be made in the following formats:

Microsoft Word (version 2003 or higher); orOpen Document File Format (ODF)

Attachments may be provided in PDF format.

Bidders are advised to provide all documents which form part of the Bidder’s response within a .zip format. Please note that the maximum size limit for the Bidder’s response is 20Mb.

16.3 Responses are to arrive no later than:

Monday 29th March 2010 at midday 12.00 British Summer Time





17. Background Information

17.1 This Framework Agreement refers to provision of ICT Services, as defined herein.

The Framework Agreement will enable educational institutions, or alternatively a wide range of procurement authorities or their agents (“Customers”), as further defined within Section 18 of the PQQ, ‘Customers of the Framework Agreement’, to obtain specialist quality-assured educational ICT Services.

Specifically the Framework Agreement will provide Customers with the option to obtain the services detailed within the Contract Notice (reference 2010/S 43-063793) and as summarised below:

Lot One – Network Technologies; which shall incorporate Institutional Infrastructure Services and mobile Connectivity Services

Lot Two – ICT Service Integrators

NB.(1) A list of Customers is referred to in Section 18 of this document and the

OJEU Contract Notice. (2) Becta and Partnerships for Schools (PfS) are working collaboratively

on developing Lot 2 of the framework arrangements to ensure the service provision available to Customers through the framework arrangement can meet the requirements of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects in which the ICT element is procured separately from the building contract and also for Academies and harmonises with current activity in the BSF and Academies market.

The selection process that Becta will use to identify suppliers for the Framework Agreement will ensure Customers who require such services have access to suppliers whose quality of service, technical ability, and performance are regularly monitored by Becta throughout the full term of any subsequent contract arrangement entered into with the respective educational institution.

Suppliers, who are awarded a Framework Agreement (“Framework Supplier”), will work closely with Becta and promote Becta guidance and standards in line with any associated guidance as provided by BSF and other key stakeholder groups. Framework Suppliers will have an in-depth knowledge of the implications of data handling and relating data security. Framework Suppliers will be expected to deliver long term solutions which are financially and environmentally sustainable for their Customers.




Becta’s sustainability strategy will be aligned with the new Government ICT strategy regarding green procurement of ICT (http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/cio/ict.aspx). Supplier Management (post framework award) will be an important feature of this arrangement and will be robustly exercised in order to drive supplier compliance and improvement throughout the duration of the framework.

Each framework supplier will have the capability to deliver the Services as set out within Section 19 of the PQQ, the Requirement.

Bidders will be expected to be aware of the Government’s ICT Strategy, updated January 2010, and in particular the requirements concerning open source software, open standards and re-use:

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/317444/ict_strategy4.pdf

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/318020/open_source.pdf

This framework award will be based on current capability.

Bidders will be expected to have the capability of providing open source based solutions as part of their offerings to Customers.

Bidders’ solutions are expected to comply with open standards wherever practicable.


http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/318020/open_source.pdf

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/317444/ict_strategy4.pdf

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/cio/ict.aspx



18. Customers of the Framework Agreement

Orders for the services available under the framework agreement(s) may be placed by or on behalf of:

18.1 Local authorities as specified in The Municipal Yearbook published by The Stationery Office, including Local Authorities procuring the BSF ICT element outside of Local Education Partnerships (LEPs);

18.2 Regional Broadband Consortia as listed on the Becta website http://industry.becta.org.uk/RBCs and the equivalent bodies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who are ordering on behalf of education institutions http://www.nen.gov.uk/;

18.3 Individual educational institutions, including those in the post-16 sector, as listed in the database maintained by the Department for Children, Schools and Families http://www.edubase.gov.uk covering schools in England and Wales, a spreadsheet maintained by the Scottish Executivehttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/sources/adds.xls covering schools in Scotland and a spreadsheet maintained by the Department of Education Northern Ireland http://www.deni.gov.uk/schools/index.htm covering schools in Northern Ireland.

Educational institutions include those in the private and maintained sectors.

18.4 All UK post-16 education/training organisations which receive public sector funding for the provision of education and/or training, as listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP) or alternatively the LSC/SFA National Directory of Learning Providers and Provision (NDLPP) which is due to be launched in August 2010. (This does not include employers who receive funding to train their own employees);

18.5 All United Kingdom Central Government bodies as specified in The Civil Service Year Book published by The Stationery Office, including Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS);

18.6 C2K;Partnerships for Schools (PfS);Local Education Partnerships (nb LEPs are included within the scope but are not a target group within this framework; it is particularly aimed at those BSF Local Authorities procuring ICT outside the LEP);Academies Sponsor Trusts - all-ability, state-funded schools http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/academies/;


http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/academies/

http://www.deni.gov.uk/schools/index.htm

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/sources/adds.xls

http://www.edubase.gov.uk/

http://www.nen.gov.uk/

http://industry.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=15719



UK online centres http://www.ukonlinecentres.com/;City Learning Centres http://localauthorities.becta.org.uk/clc;Sure Start http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/earlyyears/surestart/thesurestartunit/sscontacts/;Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency http://www.qcda.gov.uk/Becta http://www.becta.org.uk/; Other Non Departmental Public Bodies associated with the DCSF http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/ndpb/

18.7 Agents of the above and any successor body to the above which substantially performs the functions of any of the above.

18.8 Bidders should note that it is expected that private sector entities will make use of the Framework from time to time, both in connection with the Building Schools for the Future initiative (where it expected that Prime Contractors may make use of the Framework in order to contract with ICT sub-contractors) and in other private sector scenarios.


http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/ndpb/

http://www.becta.org.uk/

http://www.qcda.gov.uk/

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/earlyyears/surestart/thesurestartunit/sscontacts/

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/earlyyears/surestart/thesurestartunit/sscontacts/

http://localauthorities.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=ndi&catcode=la_clc_01

http://www.ukonlinecentres.com/



19. The Requirement

19.1 What is the underlying issue?

It is widely accepted that a well structured ICT system that is properly implemented within an educational institution will:

Boost learner achievement Save time and money through automation of routine tasks whilst minimising

teacher time spent on managing the system and trying to rectify problems Develop necessary skills for the future

However, implementing and managing technology isn’t always easy. It is often not a core skill set within educational institutions and may require specialist help and support. Research has identified a number of significant challenges faced in deploying effective ICT in educational institutions. These include:

Growing complexity of ICT Reliability of technology System interoperability Achieving value for money Protection of sensitive data Ensuring a secure internet environment Providing out of hours access Maintaining control

19.2 How is Becta currently addressing the issue?

Becta has been supporting institutions to effectively address these challenges and fulfil their ICT needs for a number of years through a number of methods including its procurement mechanisms.

Becta’s procurement mechanisms resulted in cash savings of £250m during 2002/3-2009. We are keen for more institutions to enjoy the efficiency benefits made possible by using these procurement mechanisms and hence enable these cash savings to increase considerably.

Two of Becta’s current procurement frameworks - Infrastructure Services and Learning Platforms - have been widely used by the education sector, but are due to expire August 2010 and December 2010, respectively.




19.3 So what happens now?

The impending expiration of arrangements has provided Becta with an opportunity to take a fresh look at the market and clearly identify the current and future educational stakeholder requirements to help inform the vision and strategy for next generation ICT services. In addition to surveys and research, Becta has undertaken extensive consultation with both Customers and a broad section of industry to ensure that proposed arrangements would realistically:

Help to ease the burden on institutional leaders Make more efficient use of teacher time Drive greater reliability of ICT systems with a clear focus to drive greater

efficiencies of an operational, financial and environmental nature

Becta has also used this consultation to determine how any new arrangements could reach out to as broad a range of Customers as possible whilst not compromising the quality of the final product. To this end, Becta has sought to develop a solution that has effectively been defined by the education sector for the education sector.

19.4 The ICT Vision

Based on its research and consultation, Becta has defined the vision of the key elements of an effective learner-centric ICT system for educational institutions. The vision is centred on delivering “Technology that works first time, every time, for everyone, wherever and whenever they need it”. It identifies both the components of an ICT solution for educational institutions and a need for it to be effectively managed in accordance with recognised best practice methodologies.

The vision is provider neutral (i.e. it may be provided by commercial or non-commercial organisations or a combination of both) and recognises the breadth of the task to provide a fully integrated user-facing service for whoever undertakes its provision. As such, it recognises the need to complement and build on, rather than replace, existing arrangements. A visual representation of Becta’s vision is shown below




.

Figure 1: The ICT Services Vision




The following principles underlie the vision:

General: It identifies the components of an ICT solution for educational institutions and

a need for it to be effectively managed; It supports a range of delivery models whether they are provided by non-

commercial or commercial organisations, or a combination of both; It complements and supports existing provision such as institutional

connectivity via the National Education Network (through Regional Broadband Consortia and Local Authorities) and education sector services from JANET etc;

Many of the innovative solutions will be purchased by educational institutions directly from ICT Services providers, although there needs to be some flexibility for collaborative procurement where the Customer demands it.

19.5 Core services: The core elements – network technologies (infrastructure services and

connectivity, learning services and data services (management information systems) )– represent the technology set that underpins the teaching, learning and management activities within the institution;

The core elements are well defined and expected to comply with defined standards and work to high service levels;

It recognises that the core elements are dynamic and will evolve in line with technology advancements, supporting ongoing innovation;

It supports core services being located outside of the institution where appropriate to deliver improved efficiencies from new emerging ICT delivery models.

19.6 Innovation and customisation: It allows for innovation and local customisation:

o Allows individual institutions to use new and emerging technologies, or even existing technologies in innovative ways to fit local needs;

o Allows customised service levels to be agreed on a case by case basis, determined at the local level;

o Compliance to standards required for the technology to work effectively with the core elements and provide a fully integrated ICT service.

Please note that curriculum content does not form part of the scope of this framework.




19.7 Helping to make the vision a reality

Based on its research and experience, Becta has gone on to identify the most appropriate mechanisms to enable successful delivery of this vision across the education sector.

In recognising the need to balance trying to satisfy the needs of as wide as range of Customers as possible and maintaining overall quality, this work has identified 6 key Customer groups. These groups are outlined below:

With this in mind, Becta has determined that the best way they can effectively support these Customers at the current time is to:

Produce a set of technical principles and functional specifications which Customers can use to help them work out how they want their ICT system to function;

Produce procurement advice and guidance and contract terms and conditions Customers can use if they want to procure their own products and services;

Develop national procurement frameworks which Customers can use to access best-in-class products and services without having to go through the time-consuming rigours of a fully EU compliant independent procurement.

These arrangements will enable greater Customer choice and flexibility and will open the ICT procurement arrangements up to a wide range of Customers within the education market and indeed suppliers. Customers will be able to procure services individually or as a combined solution which is fully integrated, gaining access to approved suppliers and expertise. Given the great variation in size and type of




contract these frameworks will facilitate, this also means that the frameworks will need to include enterprises of a range of sizes and capability.

Accreditation and bespoke procurement have also been considered as possible delivery mechanisms but were not considered to be a priority. These mechanisms will be revisited for appropriateness and demand at a later date.

19.8 Exploring the proposed frameworks in more detail

Following a detailed options appraisal of four different potential delivery models based on an assessment of resourcing needs, timescales, and pros and cons from the perspective of Customers, Becta and the market, Becta has decided to develop two national procurement framework arrangements. Each framework will be made available separately and the outline structure for each is illustrated below.

* Mobile connectivityFigure 2: Proposed framework structure

19.8.1 Framework 1

This framework will comprise 2 lots. The first lot will focus on infrastructure and mobile connectivity services, enabling Customers to buy these core services individually or in combination as a bundle. The second lot will focus on the provision of ICT Service Integrators (ISI) for all the ICT core services, aimed at supporting those Customers who require a supplier who can co-ordinate and manage a supply chain effectively to cover all of their requirements.

ICT Service Integrators are defined as those organisations having prime responsibility, through their own in house capability and/or supply chain arrangements, for the integration of all, multiple or single elements where integrating with other existing or third party provided elements of the four broad ICT core




services (Infrastructure Services, Connectivity Services, Learning Services and Data Services (management information systems)). The integrator role will also include the provision and supply of these services, but will also require integration of existing or 3rd party provided services. Integration in this context will also include customisation and innovation services integration, where required as part of the overall design, delivery, implementation, support, and maintenance provision and integration of the total ICT services to deliver high quality ICT equipment, applications and associated services (or combination of) for or on behalf of Customers.

The selection process will seek to identify specialist service providers for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the framework, based on the following.

The Lot 1 services are:

1) Infrastructure services – this will cover all aspects of local area networking provision, the capability to provide the end to end technology for delivering Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and software as a service (SaaS), as part of secure, managed and scalable solutions. The provision of full ‘on-site’ local area networking solutions will also be a required capability. Providers will be expected to integrate solutions into both green field (new build) situations as well as legacy scenarios, where they may have to work along side other providers either as the lead integrator (otherwise referred to in the PQQ as prime contractor or consortium leader) or with other providers acting as lead integrator.

Providers will be expected to provide services such as training, network design, support compliant with the Framework for ICT Technical Support (FITS) and/or the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) standards and the support of legacy equipment to complement their solutions outlined above.

Solutions provided under the framework are expected to be provided in line with Becta published technical principles and functional specifications.

2) Connectivity services – it will be optional for suppliers to provide mobile broadband services to Customers using the framework to support / complement existing fixed line broadband connectivity and any future schemes or initiatives that might require mobile or home use of the internet by learners or teachers. It is expected that most end users of the agreements through this framework will already have fixed line broadband connectivity in place procured by other means (e.g. via regional broadband consortia, local authority or JANET), and fixed line connectivity is therefore out of scope of this framework contract. It is anticipated that providers not currently able to offer this component may be able to offer mobile connectivity in the future as this particular area of the market develops. Therefore successful providers will




be able to add mobile connectivity to their portfolio at a future point in the life of the framework if they are not able to offer it at the time of award.

The Lot 2 services are:

1) The delivery of integrated services across the four core components of Learning, Data, Infrastructure, and Connectivity services. Integration is defined at a high level as seamlessly providing access to services residing on the same infrastructure, securely sharing user/learner data between the services and ensuring that the services are able to co-exist and complement each other. It is expected that these services will be provided in situations from multi-site deployments (in the case of local authority wide implementations) to single site academies or colleges.

2) Whilst the emphasis of this lot is on the integration of services, Bidders will be expected to manage the provision of the elements of these services through a robust well managed supply chain. Provision may cover the support and provision of the core components of Learning services and Management Information Systems (either as a single products/service or multiple elements combined to provide the core components in one integrated solution). There will be particular emphasis on ensuring that these services can share specific information between them using specifications such as the Systems Interoperability Framework (SIF). In addition, provision may also cover infrastructure services – where the support and provision of core elements of local area networking, the capability to provide the end to end technology for delivering Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and software as a service (SaaS), as part of secure, managed and scalable solutions will be required capabilities.

3) Connectivity services – it will be optional for suppliers to provide mobile broadband services to Customers using the framework to support / complement existing fixed line broadband connectivity and any future schemes or initiatives that might require mobile or home use of the internet by learners or teachers. It is expected that most end users of the agreements through this framework will already have fixed line broadband connectivity in place procured by other means (e.g. via regional broadband consortia, local authority or JANET), and the provision of fixed line connectivity is therefore out of scope of this framework contract. It is anticipated that providers not currently able to offer this component may be able to offer mobile connectivity in the future as this particular area of the market develops. Therefore successful providers will be able to add mobile connectivity to their portfolio at a future point in the life of the framework if they are not able to offer it at the time of award. NB: Whilst provision of fixed line connectivity is out of scope, integrators are expected to be able to integrate their services to operate with existing connections.




4) To complement the integration of the services outlined above, Bidders will be required to provide solutions that cover (but are not limited to) the following:

Full identity management solutions to support users across multiple local government systems, across multiple sites.

Implementation of scalable directory services to support all services in scope of this framework

Implementation of single sign-on capability for all users across multiple sites and multiple services

5) Infrastructure services

Service integrators will be demonstrably conversant in common services that are used to aid in the integration of the services described above such as single sign on services, and interoperability models such as the SIF.

Suppliers in both lots of the first framework will be expected, where necessary, to provide inclusive technology and/or make services accessible to all users with specific requirements.

Special emphasis will be placed on providing the services outlined in both lots in an environmentally sustainable manner by employing sound practices and making best use of green technologies and services such as virtualisation.

19.8.2 Framework 2

The second proposed framework will also have two lots and will be developed approximately six months after the first framework. The first lot will focus on specialist providers of data services (management information systems) while the second will focus on specialist providers of learning services. Again this will enable Customers to buy these core services individually or as a combination of products.

For the avoidance of doubt, Framework Two will be the subject of a separate procurement exercise later in 2010. As such, any further definition of specific detailed requirements will occur at a later date commensurate with the timings of Framework Two.




19.9 Anticipated benefits of the new procurement strategy

These arrangements should enable greater Customer choice and flexibility and will open the ICT procurement arrangements up to a much wider range of Customers and indeed suppliers. Customers will be able to procure services individually or as a combined solution which is fully integrated, gaining access to approved suppliers and expertise.

Given the variation in size and type of contract these frameworks will enable, this also means that the frameworks will include enterprises of a range of sizes and nature.

It is anticipated that the proposed procurement strategy will:

Reduce Customer cost of procurement and achieve value for money Reduce complexity and increase consistency for Customers Facilitate integration and interoperability Help ensure adherence to technical specifications Approved education focussed suppliers Drive greater environmental efficiency




19.10 Lot Information

As previously outlined, Framework 1 will comprise two lots. Bidders will need to explicitly state which lot(s) they are bidding for by checking the appropriate box (Lot One &/or Lot Two) at the start of Section B, Bidders Response. For the avoidance of doubt, Bidders may elect to bid for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 or either Lot 1 or Lot 2.

For further guidance, Bidders must however have the following capability with respect to each of the lots:

Lot One – It is mandatory that the Bidder has the capability to provide all the aspects of the Infrastructure Services component as described in section 19.8.1; however the Mobile Connectivity Services element, whilst desirable, is optional. It will be possible for successful Bidders not currently able to offer mobile connectivity to add this service after award of contract, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Lot Two – It is mandatory that the Bidder has the capability to integrate all elements of the four broad ICT Core Services (infrastructure services, connectivity services, learning services and data services (management information systems)) as defined in section 19.8.1, to a high quality. This includes any customisation and innovation services integration required as part of the overall design, delivery, implementation, support, and maintenance provision. As part of this integration service, it is mandatory that Bidders will also have the capability of providing the components that form the four core services, (with the exception of fixed line broadband connectivity, which is not in scope), and are capable of integrating with existing legacy or third party provided services.

Bidders wishing to bid for both lots must ensure that this is explicit in their response as per the requirements laid out in Section B of the PQQ document.

There will be separate evaluations for each of the two lots comprising the framework. Therefore bidders successfully awarded onto either one of the two lots will not automatically be awarded onto the other lot and as such will not be legally entitled to provide services for the other lot under the framework.




SECTION B

BIDDER RESPONSE

For the avoidance of doubt Bidders are required to provide their response to each question in the corresponding areas shaded in grey

Bidders must provide confirmation as to which lots this PQQ response relates to, by checking one or more of the boxes below.

Bidders please note that where a check box response is required then Bidders should double click on the appropriate response and enter ‘Checked’ in the ‘Check Box Form Field Options’.

1. ORGANISATION DETAILS

Section 1 - requests details of the organisation that will act as the Bidder (“consortium leader or prime contractor”) and how it is organised.

Where there are consortium arrangements then the details pertaining to these organisations should be provided separately within Section 2.

1.1 Please confirm the full legal name, address and website of the organisation in whose name the PQQ will be submitted.Company NameAddress (principal place of business)

Town/CityPostcodeCountryWebsite

1.2 Please confirm the Bidder main contact details for this procurement exercise.Contact NamePositionTelephone Number (include dialling code)Mobile NumberFax Number


LOT ONE LOT TWO



(include dialling code)EmailEmail(for documentation receipt if different from above)

1.3 Please confirm the current legal status of the Bidder (e.g. partnership, private limited company, etc.).

Please check (“X”) one box.Sole Trader PartnershipLimitedLiabilityPartnershipPublic Limited CompanyPrivate Limited CompanyOther (please specify)

Response:

1.4 Please confirm the date of formation of the Bidder, registration under the Companies Act 2006 (or equivalent), provide copies of certificate of incorporation, principal place of business, VAT details and office location(s) for the Bidder’s organisation.

Date of FormationPlace of FormationRegistered Office Address(including postcode)

Date of RegistrationCompany Registration Number or equivalent.4

Certificates of Incorporation attached? YES NO

If YES, please enter the document name. If NO, please provide further explanation.Response:

4 Bidders established outside the United Kingdom may provide equivalent information. For a list of acceptable equivalent information please refer to Regulation 23(7) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.




Principal Place of Business

VAT Registered YES NO VAT Registration NumberPlease confirm location of offices (UK only).Response:

1.5 Please confirm whether the Bidder is a special purpose vehicle or holding company.Is the Bidder a special purpose vehicle or holding company? YES NO

If YES, then specify further (information should be provided of the extent to which it will call upon the resources and expertise of its members to fulfil the requirement).Response:

1.6 Subsidiary Information.

Is the Bidder a subsidiary (as defined by sections 736 and 736A of the Companies Act 1985) of another company? YES NO

If YES, then what is its relationship with the ultimate Parent Company (ownership, directorship, authority, etc.)

Response:

1.7 Please confirm (where applicable) the full legal name, registered office address, company registration number and date of registration of the holding or ultimate Parent Company.

Holding/Parent Company NameRegistered Office Address




Town/CityPostcodeCountryCompany registration number 5

Date of Registration

1.8 Please confirm the history of the Bidder’s organisation.

Brief History (include details of any associated companies, changes of ownership over the last 5 years including details of significant pending developments, name or registered office, prospective take-over bids, buy-outs and closures, etc which are currently in the public domain).

Response:

1.9 Please provide a chart illustrating the organisation structure.

Please confirm that you have attached the organisation structure (as a chart) detailing relations to any parent or other group or holding companies, key associates and partners.

YES NO

Please enter the document name.Response:

1.10 Please confirm Bidder affiliation/association.

Is your company affiliated or associated with any other company tendering for these products/services? YES NO

If YES, then specify further (you must include the company name(s) and registered office address(es)).Response:

1.11 Employee Details.

5 For holding or parent companies established outside the United Kingdom, detail equivalent information as set out in Regulation 23(7) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.




1.11.1 Please confirm the total number of Bidder’s staff (including permanent & temporary).1.11.2 Please confirm the number of Bidder’s staff who are permanent.1.11.3 Please state the number of staff by skill set.Skill Set Staff NumbersManagementOperationalCommercialAdministrativeOther (please specify).Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: 1.11.4 Please state the total number of staff employed by Bidder who are currently involved in educational sector projects or similar projects to that detailed within this PQQ.1.11.5 Please state the total number of staff employed by Bidder who will undertake the work (exclude staff whose work is in other areas of your business, or whose role is purely administrative).1.11.6 Please detail staff turnover as a percentage of the workforce for the past three years.

2009 %2008 %2007 %

1.11.7 Please indicate the professional or trade bodies to which either Bidder’s organisation or individuals within it belong.Response:




2. CONSORTIA AND SUPPLY CHAIN MEMBER(S)

2.1 Please confirm how the Bidder proposes to fully deliver the services by checking one box from the options provided 2.1.1, 2.1.2 or 2.1.3.

2.1.1 The Bidder is bidding to solely provide the services

2.1.2 The Bidder is a consortium

2.1.3 The Bidder intends to use supply chain member(s) to provide some of the services

2.2 If the Bidder is a consortium, please provide details of the structure and percentage shareholdings. The consortium leader or prime contractor (the organisation which acts as the Bidder) must also state the percentage shareholding attributed to their organisation.

Organisation Percentage Shareholding (%)

N/A

2.3 Please indicate in the table below the composition of the consortium, indicating which consortium member will be responsible for delivery of which elements of the Requirement. The consortium leader or prime contractor (the organisation which acts at the Bidder)




must also provide details of which elements it is delivering.

RequirementOrganisation to

provide requirement

Proportion of requirement to be delivered

by Organisation

(%)

Specify full details of what organisation shall deliver

N/A




2.4Use of Supply Chain.

In the event that the Bidder intends to use its supply chain to provide some of the services then is the Bidder able to confirm all supply chain member(s) at this stage?

YES NO N/A

If the Bidder is unable to confirm all supply chain members at this stage then please provide confirmation that these arrangements will be identified by the tender response stage (June 2010).

YES NO N/A

2.5Organisational Chart.

Please provide an organisational chart and details of the relationships between the Bidder (which will include all consortium members).Response:

Please enter the document name.

Response:

Please confirm whether these arrangements are likely to change during the procurement and/or during the term of the framework agreement.

YES NO N/A

Please confirm that you have attached the organisation structure (as a chart). YES NO N/A

2.6 Organisation Details - Consortia.

In the event that the Bidder is proposing a consortium arrangement then the organisational details pursuant to Appendix 3 must be completed for each organisation that shall be involved in the provision of services under any ensuing contract.

Please confirm that Appendix 3 has been completed and is attached for each consortium organisation.

YES NO N/A




3. CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

3.1 Please note that the responses provided within this Section 3 are classified as Pass/Fail. In the event that the exclusion criteria pursuant to Regulation 23 does apply this will result in automatic disqualification from further participation in this procurement exercise.

Please confirm whether the exclusion criterion, pursuant to Regulation 23 applies to the Bidder’s organisation (which includes all consortium members). The Bidder (which includes all consortium members) is required to separately complete and sign Form 1 within Appendix 4 regarding their eligibility to tender under the EU procurement regulations. Form 1 must be signed by a duly authorised officer of the respective organisation and attached as part of the PQQ response.

I confirm that the exclusion criteria pursuant to Regulation 23 does not apply

I confirm that the exclusion criteria pursuant to Regulation 23 does apply (please specify)Response:

Please confirm that Appendix 4 has been completed, signed and is attached for the Bidder (which includes all consortium members)

YES NO




4. FINANCIAL DETAILS

Section 4 - requests the financial details of the organisation that will act as the Bidder (“consortium leader or prime contractor”) and also any elected guarantor of the consortium leader or prime contractor.

Bidders must have a financial standing of Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) minimum Risk Indicator rating of 3 (slightly greater than average risk) or equivalent. Please note that in addition Becta may seek independent financial and market advice to validate information declared or to assist in the evaluation.

Where there are consortia then the details pertaining to these organisations should be provided separately as further detailed within Section 4.5.

Please note that the economic and financial standing of the organisation which acts as the Bidder and also all consortia will form part of the economic and financial evaluation. Please note that the responses provided within this Section 4 & Appendix 5 (where applicable) are classified as Pass/Fail. Failure to satisfactorily meet the conditions detailed within this Section 4 and Appendix 5 (where applicable) may invalidate your response and result in disqualification from this procurement exercise.

4.1 Bidder Economic and Financial Standing.

The information requested in 4.1 must be provided by the Bidder in relation to itself as either consortium leader or prime contractor.

4.1.1 Please confirm that the following financial information as requested within this section has been provided by the Bidder as part of this PQQ response.

Audited accounts for the last three financial years. Where the last financial year’s report and accounts are unsigned, draft accounts for that year should be provided.

YES NO

If the Bidder is unable to provide the information requested within 4.1.1, then the Bidder (consortium leader or prime contractor - the organisation which acts as the Bidder) should contact Becta via the following email address: [email protected]

4.1.2 Turnover - Similar Contracts.

Please confirm the Bidder’s turnover (in GBP) which relates to the provision of





similar services, as defined within this PQQ for the previous three financial years.

(Bidder must also insert the year to which the turnover figure relates)Year [08/09] GBPYear [07/08] GBPYear [06/07] GBP

4.1.3 Banker’s Details.Bank NameAddress

Account NameAccount NumberSort CodeAccount Open (No. of Years)

4.1.3.1 Bank Primary Contact Details.

Bank Contact NamePositionTelephone Number (include dialling code)Mobile NumberFax Number (include dialling code)Email

4.1.3.2 Banker’s Reference.

Please provide confirmation that if required that you would be willing to provide a Banker’s reference.

YES NO

4.1.4 Significant Financial/Business Factors

With respect to the Bidder, please confirm whether there are any significant




financial or business factors which may have an adverse impact on the forecast year or on future years, which may include, but not be limited to issues such as, change of ownership/control, refinancing, acquisition, disposals, litigation and additional contractual obligations.

YES NONE

If YES, please describe and quantify the financial impact of any such factors below.Response:

4.1.5 Contingent Liability or Loss.

With respect to the Bidder, please confirm whether as at the last reporting date, there is any contingent liability or loss (where not otherwise reported) that would require disclosure in accordance with International Accounting Standard 10.

YES NONE If YES, provide details below.Response:

4.1.6 Changes in Accounting Policy.

With respect to the Bidder, please confirm whether there have been any changes in accounting policy since the last published accounts or any planned changes in accounting policy, for examples acquisitions, mergers, share issues, major investment, major loans etc.


4.1.7 Adjustment/Disclosure of Accounts.

With respect to the Bidder, please confirm whether there has been any event between the date on which the latest set of accounts was authorised for issue and the date of the submission of this PQQ that, if the accounts had not been authorised for issue until the PQQ submission date would have necessitated an adjustment or disclosure in accordance with the provisions of the International Accounting Standard 10.




YES NONE

If YES, provide details below.Response:

4.1.8 Company Announcements.

With respect to the Bidder, please confirm whether there has been any company announcements made to the authorities of the stock exchange, market or bourse on which the stocks or shares of the company are publicly traded, since the publication of the latest set of accounts.





4.2 Guarantor Economic and Financial Standing.

With respect to this Section 4.2 then this section specifically relates to the circumstance where the organisation that will act as the Bidder (“consortium leader or prime contractor”) requests that a financial assessment is performed in respect of a guarantor.

4.2.1 Guarantor Details.Please confirm whether a financial assessment shall be made in respect of a guarantor. YES NO

Please confirm that an appropriate statement as set out in Appendix 2 and as requested in Section A, 6.2 has been provided on letter headed paper.

YES NO N/A


Please confirm the full legal name, registered address, company registration number, date of registration of the nominated guarantor and relationship of Bidder to guarantor:

Registered NameRegistered Address


Date of RegistrationRelationship of Bidder to guarantor

4.2.2 Please confirm that the following financial information has been provided in relation to the guarantor as part of this PQQ response.

4.2.2.1 Audited accounts for the last three financial years. Where the last financial year’s report and accounts are unsigned, draft accounts for that year should be provided.

YES NO

4.2.2.2 Not Applicable – A guarantor is not

6 For companies established outside the United Kingdom, detail equivalent information as set out in Regulation 23(7) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.




proposed.If the guarantor is unable to provide the information requested within 4.2.2.1, then the organisation which acts as the Bidder (consortium leader or prime contractor) should contact Becta via the following email address: [email protected]

4.2.3 Turnover - Similar Contracts.

Please confirm the guarantor’s turnover (in GBP) which relates to the provision of similar services, as defined within this PQQ for the previous three financial years.

(Please also insert the year to which the guarantor’s turnover figure relates).Year [08/09] GBPYear [07/08] GBPYear [06/07] GBPNot Applicable – A guarantor is not proposed

4.2.4 Banker’s Details.Bank NameAddress

Account NameAccount NumberSort CodeAccount Open (No. of Years)Not Applicable – A guarantor is not proposed.

4.2.4.1 Bank Primary Contact Details.

Bank Contact NamePositionTelephone Number (include dialling code)Mobile NumberFax Number (include dialling code)EmailNot Applicable – A guarantor is not proposed.

4.2.4.2 Banker’s Reference.





Please provide confirmation that if required that the Bidder’s guarantor would be willing to provide a Banker’s reference.

YES NO

N/A

4.2.5 Significant Financial/Business Factors.

With respect to the guarantor, please confirm whether there are any significant financial or business factors which may have an adverse impact on the forecast year or on future years, which may include, but not be limited to issues such as, change of ownership/control, refinancing, acquisition, disposals, litigation and additional contractual obligations.

YES NONE N/A


4.2.6 Contingent Liability or Loss.

With respect to the guarantor, please confirm whether as at the last reporting date, there is any contingent liability or loss (where not otherwise reported) that would require disclosure in accordance with International Accounting Standard 10.

YES NONE N/A


4.2.7 Changes in Accounting Policy.

With respect to the guarantor, please confirm whether there have been any changes in accounting policy since the last published accounts or any planned changes in accounting policy, for examples acquisitions, mergers, share issues, major investment, major loans etc.

YES NONE N/A

If YES, provide details below.




Response:

4.2.8 Adjustment/Disclosure of Accounts.

With respect to the guarantor, please confirm whether there has been any event between the date on which the latest set of accounts was authorised for issue and the date of the submission of this PQQ that, if the accounts had not been authorised for issue until the PQQ submission date would have necessitated an adjustment or disclosure in accordance with the provisions of the International Accounting Standard 10.

YES NONE N/A


4.2.9 Company Announcements.

With respect to the guarantor, please confirm whether there has been any company announcements made to the authorities of the stock exchange, market or bourse on which the stocks or shares of the company are publicly traded, since the publication of the latest set of accounts.

YES NONE N/A





4.3 Legal Proceedings.

Section 4.3 - requests information on any legal proceedings relating to the organisation that will act as the Bidder (“consortium leader or prime contractor”) and also any elected guarantor of the consortium leader or prime contractor.

4.3.1 Are there any outstanding claims, material pending or threatened litigation or judgments, or other legal proceedings against the Bidder and/or Bidder’s guarantor that may affect its financial stability?

Provide details where the claim exceeds 3% of the organisation’s turnover

YES NO

If YES, please give an explanatory statement.Response:

4.3.2 Is there any material pending or threatened litigation or has there been any material litigation or other legal proceedings connected with similar projects against the Bidder and/or Bidders’ guarantor that may affect delivery of this project?

YES NO





4.4 Insurance.

Section 4.4 - requests insurance information for the organisation that will act as the Bidder (“consortium leader or prime contractor”). Please provide evidence of the Bidder’s insurance policies with respect to the following; employers' liability, public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

The evidence should include the name of the insurers, policy numbers, expiry dates and limits for any one incident and annual aggregate caps and the excesses under the policies. A copy of each of the respective certificates of insurance must be provided.

The current minimum requirements on insurance are;

5,000,000 (GBP) cover per occurrence with respect to Employers’ Liability Insurance;

5,000,000 (GBP) cover per occurrence with respect to Public Liability Insurance; and

250,000 (GBP) cover per occurrence with respect to Professional Indemnity Insurance

The Bidder is required to advise on their compliance to each of these requirements. Please note however, that the exact levels of insurance will be determined by purchasing bodies at further competition stages and the above figures are provided as guidelines only (higher figures may be required with some contracts).


4.4.1 Employers’ Liability Insurance.Insurer’s NameAddress

Policy Number(s)Expiry DateActual Limit of Indemnity (per occurrence) (GBP)Actual Limit of Indemnity (aggregate) (GBP)Excess (GBP)Copy of Certificate Enclosed YES NO Document Name



4.4.2 Public Liability InsuranceInsurer’s NameAddressPolicy Number(s)Expiry DateActual Limit of Indemnity (per occurrence) (GBP)Actual Limit of Indemnity (aggregate) (GBP)Excess (GBP)Copy of Certificate Enclosed YES NO Document Name

4.4.3 Professional Indemnity InsuranceInsurer’s NameAddressPolicy Number(s)Expiry DateActual Limit of Indemnity (per occurrence) (GBP)Actual Limit of Indemnity (aggregate) (GBP)Excess (GBP)Copy of Certificate Enclosed YES NO Document Name

4.4.4 Insurance Claims.

Have any claims been made (or are any in progress) against your firm’s employers’ liability insurance, public liability insurance or professional indemnity insurance within the last 3 years?

YES NO

If YES, then please provide full details. Response:




4.5 Financial Details - Consortia

In the event that the Bidder is proposing a consortium arrangement then the financial details pursuant to Appendix 5 must be completed for each consortium member that shall be involved in the provision of services under any ensuing contract.

Please confirm that Appendix 5 has been completed and is attached for each consortium member.

YES NO N/A




5. COMMERCIAL FACTORS

The information requested within this Section 5 must be provided by the Bidder on behalf of itself and the other consortium members (where applicable). Please ensure that the response clearly details which organisation the response applies to.

Please note that the responses provided within this Section 5 will be scored, refer to Appendix 12 for further details. Scores for this Section 5, when combined, will represent 20% of the overall selection scoring as further defined within table G, Appendix 12. For the avoidance of doubt, information provided by the Bidder on behalf of itself and also the other consortium members (where applicable) will be evaluated.

5.1 Liquidated/Ascertained Damages Deductions.

Has the Bidder (which includes any consortium members) ever suffered deductions for liquated and/or ascertained damages and/or any other form of contractual deductions for poor or late performance in respect of any contract within the last three years?

YES NO

If YES, then in the event that the aggregated value of these deductions exceeded 3% of the organisation’s turnover in any year, then please provide further detail.Response:

5.2 Contract Termination.

Has the Bidder (which includes any consortium members) ever had a contract terminated as a consequence of its own default under the terms of the contract within the last three years?

YES NO

If YES, then please provide further detail.Response:




5.3 Contract Renewal.

Has the Bidder (which includes any consortium members) ever failed to receive a contract renewal as a result of unsatisfactory performance within the last three years?

YES NO


5.4 Conflicts of Interest.

Are there any potential conflicts of interest that may arise if the Bidder (which includes any consortium members) is selected onto the framework agreement? YES NO





6. TECHNICAL/CAPACITY

Please refer to Appendix 12 for further details on the scoring for this Section 6. Scores in this Section 6 and Appendix 6 (where applicable), when combined, will represent 60% of the overall selection scoring.

In the event that there is a consortium arrangement then the Bidder must provide the response not only for itself but also for all consortium member(s) who will play a role in the delivery of services or products under any ensuing contract. The Bidder must specify which organisation the response relates to.

Information provided by the Bidder on behalf of itself and also the other consortium members (where applicable) will be evaluated.

Please note that in providing a response to this Section 6, please provide a response to each of the key points as denoted by the numbering system (e.g. 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3 & 6.1.4). Please ensure that the same numbering system is applied in your response.

If the Bidder is bidding for Lot One and Lot Two then a separate response must be provided for each lot giving specific emphasis to the requirements of each lot as outlined in Section 19 of this PQQ. Where the Bidder is only bidding for one of the lots then please state ‘Not Applicable - only Bidding for Lot One/Two’ (as applicable) in each response section.




6.1 Business Activities.

LOT ONE - scores for this Section 6.1, will represent 20% maximum of the overall selection scoring.

LOT TWO - scores for this Section 6.1, will represent 20% maximum of the overall selection scoring.

Please provide details pertaining to the Bidder (including consortium members within this Section 6.1).

LOT ONE6.1.1 Please describe the nature of your organisation’s business, including main products and services. Please reference your key markets, detailing how the sales and marketing function(s) relevant to this procurement is organised.

6.1.2 Please enclose an organisation chart (as a separate attachment), which details the division(s) of the organisation which provides the products and/or services relevant to this procurement. Please ensure that the document name is stated within the response section below.

6.1.3 Please specify your Customer service/support arrangements, including the resources allocated to this function and how provision of support is managed and co-ordinated.

6.1.4 Please advise whether your organisation currently has a presence within the education sector, detailing organisation priorities and strategies which facilitate this. In consideration of your focus on the education sector, please describe how your general approach influences areas such as your market presence and product coverage.

Section 6.1 (LOT ONE) - Max. of 1000 words total for this section.6.1.1 Response:

6.1.2 Response:

6.1.3 Response:

6.1.4 Response:




LOT TWO6.1.1 Please describe the nature of your organisation’s business, including main products and services. Please reference your key markets, detailing how the sales and marketing function(s) relevant to this procurement is organised.

6.1.2 Please enclose an organisation chart (as a separate attachment), which details the division(s) of the organisation which provides the products and/or services relevant to this procurement. Please ensure that the document name is stated within the response section below.

6.1.3 Please specify your Customer service/support arrangements, including the resources allocated to this function and how provision of support is managed and co-ordinated.

6.1.4 Please advise whether your organisation currently has a presence within the education sector, detailing organisation priorities and strategies which facilitate this. In consideration of your focus on the education sector, please describe how your general approach influences areas such as your market presence and product coverage.

Section 6.1 (LOT TWO) - Max. of 1000 words total for this section.6.1.1 Response:

6.1.2 Response:

6.1.3 Response:

6.1.4 Response:




6.2 Market Approach.




LOT ONE6.2.1 Please provide details of your approach to servicing a large, diverse market comprising Customers of varying sizes who share a common set of drivers and constraints.

6.2.2 Please provide details of your organisation’s approach to ensuring that you understand the needs of such a market, detailing how you remain aware of emerging issues which could impact upon the Customer and how this is effectively managed.

6.2.3 Generally discuss how your service remains aligned with industry standards.


6.2.2 Response:

6.2.3 Response:




LOT TWO6.2.1 Please provide details of your approach to servicing a large, diverse market comprising Customers of varying sizes who share a common set of drivers and constraints.

6.2.2 Please provide details of your organisation’s approach to ensuring that you understand the needs of such a market, detailing how you remain aware of emerging issues which could impact upon the Customer and how this is effectively managed.

6.2.3 Generally discuss how your service remains aligned with industry standards.


6.2.2 Response:

6.2.3 Response:




6.3 Client & Stakeholder Relationships.




LOT ONE6.3.1 Please briefly describe how you ensure that you possess an in depth knowledge of the clients to which you provide services and continually strive to improve upon this. Please note that the proposed approach to client & stakeholder management will be evaluated at ITT stage (subject to successful pre-qualification).


LOT TWO6.3.1 Please briefly describe how you ensure that you possess an in depth knowledge of the clients to which you provide services and continually strive to improve upon this. Please note that the proposed approach to client & stakeholder management will be evaluated at ITT stage (subject to successful pre-qualification).





6.4Managing Supply Chain Members.




LOT ONE6.4.1 Please describe your supply chain capabilities, describing your methodology and track record for procuring supply chains, including how you have managed and selected existing supply chains. Please support this with details of relevant experience of selecting a supply chain for partnering or other collaborative arrangements with particular focus on delivery of services to public sector organisations.

Please note that this question relates to supply chain capabilities in terms of track record and experience. Details of the actual tendered supply chain will be evaluated at the ITT stage (subject to successful pre-qualification).





LOT TWO6.4.1 Please describe your supply chain capabilities, describing your methodology and track record for procuring supply chains, including how you have managed and selected an existing supply chain. Please support this with details of relevant experience of selecting a supply chain for partnering or other collaborative arrangements with particular focus on delivery of services to public sector organisations.

Please note that this question relates to supply chain capabilities in terms of track record and experience. The tendered supply chain shall be a key dependency of Lot Two Bidders and therefore this area will be assessed in further depth at ITT stage (subject to successful pre-qualification).





6.5 Experience of the Educational Sector.

LOT ONE - scores for this Section 6.5 and Appendix 6 (where applicable) will, when combined, represent 15% maximum of the overall selection scoring.

LOT TWO - scores for this Section 6.5 and Appendix 6 (where applicable) will, when combined, represent 5% maximum of the overall selection scoring.

Where this is an established consortium arrangement then the Bidder and consortium members will be assessed within this Section 6.5, where the Bidder should provide a suitable list of contracts where services have been provided by such similar arrangement as proposed within this PQQ.

Where there is a newly formed consortium arrangement then consortium member(s) will be separately assessed pursuant to Appendix 6 and the scores will be apportioned equivalent to the percentage shareholding detailed in 2.3.

In the event that this is a newly formed consortium arrangement then this must be specified in the response and appropriate details provided for each party who will play a role in the delivery of services or products under any ensuing contract. A separate Appendix 6 should be completed for each consortium member.





LOT ONE6.5.1 Please provide a summary of business conducted in the educational sector. Please ensure that as part of this response you state the following within Table A:

6.5.1.1 Minimum contract value (GBP) within last three years;6.5.1.2 Maximum contract value (GBP) within last three years; and6.5.1.3 Average contract value (GBP) within last three years.

6.5.2 Please provide a representative (minimum three and no more than five) list of contracts with Customers in the education sector that have been won over the past three years.

Contracts should be listed, pursuant to Table B and should indicate:

6.5.2.1 the Customer: 6.5.2.2 when the contract commenced; 6.5.2.3 the contract duration; 6.5.2.4 the approximate value; and6.5.2.5 the range of goods/services provided under the contract.

The Bidder should provide separate completed copies of Table B for their response to 6.5.2.

6.5.3 In addition to 6.5.2, and in particular if you have no such contracts, please describe the critical success factors necessary to develop your business in this sector. Section 6.5.3 (LOT ONE) - Max. of 500 words.

6.5.1 Response (Table A):Minimum contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)Maximum contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)Average contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)6.5.2 Response (Table B)Name of Organisations (Bidder including consortium member(s))Customer NameContract CommencementContract TermContract Value (GBP)Range of Goods/ Services ProvidedResponse:

6.5.2 Response (Table B)Name of Organisations (Bidder including consortium member(s))Customer NameContract CommencementContract TermContract Value (GBP)Range of Goods/ Services ProvidedResponse:

6.5.2 Response (Table B)Name of Organisations (Bidder including consortium member(s))Customer NameContract CommencementContract TermContract Value (GBP)




LOT TWO6.5.1 Please provide a summary of business conducted in the educational sector. Please ensure that as part of this response you state the following within Table A:

6.5.1.1 Minimum contract value (GBP) within last three years;6.5.1.2 Maximum contract value (GBP) within last three years; and6.5.1.3 Average contract value (GBP) within last three years.

6.5.2 Please provide a representative (minimum three and no more than five) list of contracts with Customers in the education sector that have been won over the past three years.


6.5.2.1 the Customer: 6.5.2.2 when the contract commenced; 6.5.2.3 the contract duration; 6.5.2.4 the approximate value; and6.5.2.5 the range of goods/services provided under the contract.

The Bidder should provide separate completed copies of Table B for their response to 6.5.2.

6.5.3 In addition to 6.5.2, and in particular if you have no such contracts, please describe the critical success factors necessary to develop your business in this sector. Section 6.5.3 (LOT TWO) - Max. of 500 words.

6.5.1 Response (Table A):Minimum contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)Maximum contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)Average contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)6.5.2 Response (Table B)Name of Organisations (Bidder including consortium member(s))Customer NameContract CommencementContract TermContract Value (GBP)Range of Goods/ Services ProvidedResponse:

6.5.2 Response (Table B)Name of Organisations (Bidder including consortium member(s))Customer NameContract CommencementContract TermContract Value (GBP)Range of Goods/ Services ProvidedResponse:

6.5.2 Response (Table B)Name of Organisations (Bidder including consortium member(s))Customer NameContract Commencement



7. QUALITY ASSURANCE, EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE , HEALTH & SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL

Section 7 - requests details of the organisation that will act as the Bidder (“consortium leader or prime contractor”) in relation to their quality, equality in the workplace, health and safety and environmental.

Where there are consortium arrangements then Appendix 7 must be separately completed for each party who will also play a role in the delivery of services or products under any ensuing contract.

The Bidder’s capability and track record in Quality Assurance and Environmental Management shall be scored, whilst equality in the workplace and health & safety are for information purposes only.

Scores for the Bidder’s capability and track record in Quality Assurance and Environmental within this Section 7 and Appendix 7 (where applicable) will, when combined, represent 20% of the overall selection scoring. Where there are consortium member(s) then the scores will be apportioned equivalent to the percentage shareholding detailed in 2.3.

Becta may request further detail at ITT stage on the Bidder’s proposed Quality Assurance and Environmental Measures as part of Becta’s assessment of the quality of the tender. Becta may also request information on any other of the criteria referred to within this Section 7.

7.1 Quality Assurance

Scores for this Section 7.1 and Appendix 7.1 (where applicable), when combined, will represent 15% of the overall selection scoring. Question 7.1.2 and 7.1.4 will be scored, whereas 7.1.1 and 7.1.3 are provided for information purposes. Where there are consortium member(s) then the scores will be apportioned equivalent to the percentage shareholding detailed in 2.3.

There is a pass mark associated to question 7.1.4 & Appendix 7.1.4 (where applicable) where Bidders (including consortium member(s)) are required to achieve a minimum score of 50% of the available score.




7.1.1 Include the contact name and position of the person ultimately responsible for service quality.

Service quality could be Bidder’s own in-house Quality Management System (QMS), or Bidder’s Quality Assurance accreditation such as BS EN ISO9000 or European equivalent standard. Contact NamePosition

7.1.2 Please specify certification such as BS EN ISO9000 or European equivalent standard that Bidder’s company holds with the relevant schedule.

Please provide a URL link to copies of the certification.Specify Certification held:

Please confirm URL link.Response:

7.1.3 Please provide details of other quality marks your Bidder’s organisation holds (for example Investors in People) or other recognised or equivalent quality standard.



7.1.4 Please provide a statement of the measures taken by Bidder’s organisation to ensure quality within the organisation.

Max 500 words.Response:




7.2 Equal Opportunities

The detail provided within this Section 7.2 is for information purposes and shall not be scored.

A copy of the Bidder’s Equal Opportunities policy is required and further verification may be requested if you are invited to tender.

If your organisation does not currently operate in the UK you should still try to answer each question, substituting any law or code of practice etc. that is appropriate to your domestic jurisdiction.

7.2.1 Please confirm that it is the Bidder’s policy as employers to comply with the statutory obligations under the Equal Pay Act 1970, Race Relations Act 1976, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Employment Equality Regulations 2003 and 2006 which apply in the United Kingdom, or equivalent legislation that applies in the countries in which the Bidder employs staff.

YES NO

7.2.2 Is it the policy of the Bidder as employers to promote equality as set out in the Employment Equality Regulations 2003 and 2006?

YES NO

If NO, to questions 7.2.1 or 7.2.2, please provide any other evidence to show how the Bidder promotes equality in employment.Response:

7.2.3 Please provide a URL link to the Bidder’s Equal Opportunities policy.





7.2.4 Is it the policy of the Bidder that staff that have managerial responsibilities are required to receive training on equal opportunities?

YES NO

If YES, please provide further details.Response:

7.2.5 In the last three years, has the Bidder’s organisation been the subject of formal investigation by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) or a comparable body on the grounds of alleged unlawful discrimination in the employment field?

YES NO

7.2.6 In the last three years, has any finding of unlawful racial discrimination, sex or disability discrimination in the employment field been made against the Bidder’s organisation by any court or industrial and/or employment tribunal or in comparable proceedings in any other jurisdiction?

YES NO

If YES, to either 7.2.5 or 7.2.6, then please state the finding or nature of the investigation and the action you took in consequence.Response:

7.2.7 Is Bidder’s policy on equality promotion set out in the following:7.2.7.1 Instructions to those concerned with recruitment, training and promotion? YES NO

7.2.7.2 In documents available to employees, recognised trade unions, or other representative groups of employees?

YES NO

7.2.7.3 In recruitment advertisements or other literature?YES NO

7.2.7.4 If YES to 7.2.7 then please confirm that relevant examples have been attached? YES NO Please enter the document name.Response:




7.2.8 Does the Bidder’s organisation observe as far as possible the Commission for Racial Equality’s Code of Practice for Employment, as approved by Parliament in 1983 (or equivalent if not in the UK), the Disability Rights Commission’s Statutory Code of Practice on Employment and Occupation and the Code of Practice on the Disability Equality Duty, or a comparable statutory code, or guidance issued under equivalent legislation in another member state, which gives practical guidance to employers and others on the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of equality of opportunity in employment, including the steps that can be taken to encourage members of the ethnic minorities to apply for jobs or take up training opportunities?

YES NO




7.3 Health and Safety

The detail provided within this Section 7.3 is for information purposes and shall not be scored.

A copy of Bidder’s Health and Safety policy is required and further verification may be requested if you are invited to tender. The Bidder should demonstrate adherence to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, where Bidder’s organisation has greater than five persons, then a copy of their Health and Safety policy must be provided.

The only exemption to this is where the Bidder’s organisation has fewer than five persons. In this event the Bidder will still be required to provide written assurance that they will provide a copy of their Health and Safety policy should the size of their organisation increase.

If Bidder’s organisation does not currently operate in the UK, you should still try to answer each question, substituting any law, code of practice etc that is appropriate to your domestic jurisdiction.

7.3.1 What is Bidder’s company policy on Health and Safety, that is, even if it is not written, how do you intend to fulfil your legal duty to your staff and others?

Response:

7.3.2 Who is responsible for ensuring that Bidder’s organisation’s Health and Safety policy is implemented?Contact NamePosition

7.3.3 Please confirm that a URL link to a copy of the Bidder’s Health and Safety policy is provided.

YES NO

If YES, please confirm URL link.If NO, then please provide further details. In particular please advise whether the Bidder’s organisation has fewer than five persons.Response:

If applicable, please confirm that a statement as set out within Form 2, Appendix 11 is attached (signed by a duly authorised officer of the Bidder’s organisation) providing written assurance that a copy of the Health and Safety policy will be furnished should the size of the

YES NO N/A




organisation increase to greater than five persons.Please enter the document name.Response:

7.3.4 During the last three years, has Bidder’s organisation been prosecuted for contravening the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 or other Health and Safety law, or has Bidder’s organisation been (or is currently) the subject of formal investigation by the Health and Safety Executive or similar national body which enforces Health and Safety standards?

YES NO

If ‘Yes’, please provide full details including preventative measures taken to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.Response:

7.3.5 Please confirm whether all Bidders’ employees receive training related to health and safety on commencement of employment.

YES NO

If ‘YES’, please provide further details as to whether any subsequent training is provided following the initial induction.

If ‘NO’, please provide further details as to how the Bidder ensures that employees have the appropriate health and safety knowledge.Response:




7.4 Environmental Scores for this Section 7.4 and Appendix 7.4 (where applicable), when combined, will represent 5% of the overall selection scoring. Where there are consortium member(s) then the scores will be apportioned equivalent to the percentage shareholding detailed in 2.3.

7.4.1. Does Bidder’s company hold certification under BS EN ISO14001 (environmental management systems)?

YES NO

If YES, Please confirm that a URL link to copies of certification are provided.

YES NO

If YES, please confirm the URL link.If NO, but Bidder’s organisation is currently working towards certification please provide details of the work you are doing to achieve approval, including timescales.Response:

7.5 Quality Assurance, Equality in the Workplace, Health & Safety and Environmental - Consortia

In the event that the Bidder is proposing a consortium arrangement then the Quality Assurance, Equality in the Workplace, Health & Safety and Environmental information pursuant to Appendix 7 must be completed for each organisation that shall be involved in the provision of services under any ensuing contract.

Please confirm that Appendix 7 has been completed and is enclosed for each consortium organisation.

YES NO N/A




8. PQQ DOCUMENTATION

I confirm, by answering YES, that I have read and fully understood the PQQ documentation.

YES NO




9. DECLARATION

The duly authorised officer of the Bidder (organisation acting as the Bidder “consortium leader or prime contractor”) should sign the following declaration:

I HAVE CHECKED THAT ALL QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED WHERE APPLICABLE AND THAT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE ENCLOSED AS REQUESTED

Signed

Name (Capital Letters)

On behalf of [insert name of Bidder]

Position

Date




APPENDICES

Appendix 1

Public Contracts Regulations 2006 Part 4 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2006/20060005.htm


http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2006/20060005.htm



Appendix 2

GUARANTOR STATEMENT

With reference to Section A, 6.2 of the PQQ the Bidder has the option for a financial assessment to be performed in respect of an appropriate guarantor. In this event the guarantor must provide a statement as set out within this Appendix 2, which must be on guarantor’s letter headed paper and signed by a duly authorised officer of the guarantor’s organisation.

[Guarantor Name] whose registered office is at [Guarantor Registered Office] and whose registered number is [Guarantor’s Registration Number] (the “Guarantor”) hereby provides the following declaration;

The Bidder, [Bidder’s Name] whose registered office is at [Bidder’s Registered Office] and whose registered number is [Bidder’s Registration Number] (the “Bidder”) is a subsidiary of [Guarantor Name] and that [Guarantor Name] supports [Bidder’s Name] in its participation of this procurement and in any resultant agreement.

The Guarantor agrees that in providing such confirmation of support that this may include, but not be limited to, entering into a deed of guarantee and/or a performance bond with the Customer in respect to any ensuing contract.

Signed

Name (Capital Letters)

On behalf of [insert name of Guarantor]

Position

Date




Appendix 3

ORGANISATION DETAILS: CONSORTIA

The Bidder must provide a separate response (one or more copies of this Appendix 3) for each consortium member that will play a role in the delivery of services or products under any ensuing contract.

Please note that each separately completed Appendix 3 should be separately attached as part of the PQQ response entitled [Appendix 3 – Organisation Name] for easy identification.

A3.1 Please confirm the full legal name, address and website of the consortium member who shall be involved in the provision of goods/services.Company NameAddress (principal place of business)

Town/CityPostcodeCountryWebsite


A3.2 Please confirm the current legal status of this organisation (e.g. partnership, private limited company, etc.).

Please check (X) one box.Sole Trader PartnershipLimitedLiabilityPartnershipPublic Limited CompanyPrivate Limited CompanyOther (please specify)

Response:



A3.3 Please confirm the date of formation of the consortium member, registration under the Companies Act 2006 (or equivalent), provide copies of certificate of incorporation, principal place of business, VAT details and office location(s) for the consortium organisation.

Date of FormationPlace of FormationRegistered Office Address(including postcode)

Date of RegistrationCompany Registration Number or equivalent.7

Certificates of Incorporation attached?

YES NO

If YES, please enter the document name. If NO, please provide further explanation.Response:

Principal Place of Business

VAT Registered YES NO VAT Registration NumberPlease confirm location of offices (UK only).Response:

7 Bidders established outside the United Kingdom may provide equivalent information. For a list of acceptable equivalent information please refer to Regulation 23(7) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.




A3.4 Subsidiary Information.

Is the consortium member a subsidiary (as defined by sections 736 and 736A of the Companies Act 1985) of another company?

YES NO

If YES, then what is its relationship with the ultimate Parent Company (ownership, directorship, authority, etc.)Response:

A3.5 Please confirm (where applicable) the full legal name, registered office address, company registration number and date of registration of the holding or ultimate Parent Company for the consortium member.

Holding/Parent Company NameRegistered Office Address


Date of Registration

A3.6 Please confirm the history of the consortium member.

Brief History (include details of any associated companies, changes of ownership over the last 5 years including details of significant pending developments, name or registered office, prospective take-over bids, buy-outs and closures, etc which are currently in the public domain).

Response:

8 For holding or parent companies established outside the United Kingdom, detail equivalent information as set out in Regulation 23(7) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.




A3.7 Please provide a chart illustrating the organisation structure for the consortium member.Please confirm that you have enclosed the organisation structure (as a chart) detailing relations to any parent or other group or holding companies, key associates and partners.

YES NO


A3.8 Please confirm organisation affiliation/association for the consortium member.Is the consortium member affiliated or associated with any other company tendering for these products/services? YES NO

If YES, then specify further (you must include the name(s) and registered office address(es).Response:

A3.9 Please confirm the length of time the business relationship has been established between consortium leader or prime contractor and this consortium member organisation.

Length of Business Relationship (in months)

A3.10 Employee Details.

A3.10.1 Please confirm the total number of consortium member’s staff (including permanent & temporary).A3.10.2 Please confirm the number of consortium member’s staff that are permanent.A3.10.3 Please state the number of staff by skill set.Skill Set Staff NumbersManagementOperationalCommercialAdministrativeOther (please specify)Response:




Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: Response: A3.10.4 Please state the total number of staff employed by the consortium member who are currently involved in educational sector projects or similar projects to that detailed within this PQQ.A3.10.5 Please state the total number of staff employed by the consortium member who will undertake the work (exclude staff whose work is in other areas of your business, or whose role is purely administrative).A3.10.6 Please detail staff turnover as a percentage of the workforce for the past three years.

2009 %2008 %2007 %

A3.10.7 Please indicate the professional or trade bodies to which either the consortium organisation or individuals within it belong.Response:




Appendix 4

STATEMENT OF GOOD STANDING

The Bidder (which includes consortium members) must complete and sign this FORM 1 within Appendix 4.

FORM 1 STATEMENT RELATING TO GOOD STANDING – GROUNDS FOR OBLIGATORY EXCLUSION (IN ELIGIBILITY) AND CRITERIA FOR REJECTION OF CANDIDATES - in accordance with Regulation 23 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006

We confirm that, to the best of our knowledge, the organisation named below is not in breach of the provisions of Regulation 23 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 and, in particular, that:

1 Grounds for mandatory rejection (ineligibility)

The organisation named below (or its directors or any other person who has powers of representation, decision or control of such organisation) has not been convicted of any of the following offences as set out in Regulation 23 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 as may be amended from time to time:

(a) conspiracy within the meaning of section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 where that conspiracy relates to participation in a criminal organisation as defined in Article 2(1) of Council Joint Action 98/733/JHA;

(b) corruption within the meaning of section 1 of the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act 1889 or section 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906;

(c) the offence of bribery;

(d) fraud, where the offence relates to fraud affecting the financial interests of the European Communities as defined by Article 1 of the Convention relating to the protection of the financial interests of the European Union, within the meaning of:(i) the offence of cheating the Revenue;(ii) the offence of conspiracy to defraud;(iii) fraud or theft within the meaning of the Theft Act 1968 and the Theft

Act 1978;(iv) fraudulent trading within the meaning of section 458 of the Companies

Act 1985;(v) defrauding the Customs within the meaning of the Customs and Excise

Management Act 1979 and the Value Added Tax Act 1994;




(vi) an offence in connection with taxation in the European Community within the meaning of section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993; or

(vii) destroying defacing or concealing of documents or procuring the extension of a valuable security within the meaning of section 20 of the Theft Act 1968;

(e) money laundering within the meaning of the Money Laundering Regulations 2003; or

(f) any other offence within the meaning of Article 45(1) of the Public Sector Directive (2004/18/EC).

2 Discretionary grounds for rejection:

The organisation named below (or its directors or any other person who has powers of representation, decision or control of such organisation) confirms that:

(a) being an individual is not bankrupt or has not had a receiving order or administration order or bankruptcy restrictions order made against him or has not made any composition or arrangement with or for the benefit of his creditors or has not made any conveyance or assignment for the benefit of his creditors or does not appear unable to pay or to have no reasonable prospect of being able to pay, a debt within the meaning of section 268 of the Insolvency Act 1986, or article 242 of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, or in Scotland has not granted a trust deed for creditors or become otherwise apparently insolvent, or is not the subject of a petition presented for sequestration of his estate, or is not the subject of any similar procedure under the law of any other state;

(b) being a partnership constituted under Scots law has not granted a trust deed or become otherwise apparently insolvent, or is not the subject of a petition presented for sequestration of its estate;

(c) being a company or any other entity within the meaning of section 255 of the Enterprise Act 2002, has not passed a resolution or is not the subject of an order by the court for the company’s winding up otherwise than for the purpose of bona fide reconstruction or amalgamation, or has not had a receiver, manager or administrator on behalf of a creditor appointed in respect of the company’s business or any part thereof or is not the subject of the above procedures or is not the subject of similar procedures under the law of any other state;

(d) has not been convicted of a criminal offence relating to the conduct of his business or profession;




(e) has not committed an act of grave misconduct in the course of his business or profession;

(f) has fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of the relevant State in which the organisation is established;

(g) has fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of taxes under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of the relevant State in which the economic operator is established;

(h) is not guilty of serious misrepresentation in providing any information required of him under this regulation;

(i) in relation to procedures for the award of a public services contract, is licensed in the relevant State in which he is established or is a member of an organisation in that relevant State when the law of that relevant State when the law of that relevant State prohibits the provision of the services to be provided under the contract by a person who is not so licensed or who is not such a member.

3 Where applicable, the Candidate is registered with the appropriate trade or professional register(s) in the EU member state where it is established (as set out in Annex IX B of Directive 2004/18/EC) under the conditions laid down by that member state*.

Organisation's name ……………………………………………..………

Signed ………………………………………………………………………

Position …………………………………………………………………..…

Date …………………………………………………………………………

* In the UK this condition is satisfied by registration with Companies House or a declaration on oath that the Candidate is carrying on business in the trade in question in the UK at a specific place of business and under a specific trading name.




Appendix 5

FINANCIAL DETAILS: CONSORTIA

The Bidder must provide a separate response (one or more copies of this Appendix 5) for each consortium member that will play a role in the delivery of services or products under any ensuing contract. Please note that each separately completed Appendix 5 should be separately attached as part of the PQQ response entitled [Appendix 5 – Organisation Name] for easy identification.

Please note that the responses provided within this Appendix 5 are classified as Pass/Fail. Failure to satisfactorily meet the conditions detailed within this Appendix 5 may invalidate your response and result in disqualification from this procurement exercise.

Consortium members must have a financial standing of Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) minimum Risk Indicator rating of 3 (slightly greater than average risk) or equivalent. Please note that in addition Becta may seek independent financial and market advice to validate information declared or to assist in the evaluation.

Company Name (Consortium Member)

A5.1 Consortium Member Organisation Economic and Financial Standing

A5.1.1 Please confirm that the financial information as requested within this section has been provided for the consortium organisation.

Audited accounts for the last three financial years. Where the last financial year’s report and accounts are unsigned, draft accounts for that year should be provided.

YES NO

If the consortium member is unable to provide the information requested within A5.1.1, then the organisation which acts as the Bidder (consortium leader or prime contractor) should contact Becta via the following email address: [email protected]





A5.1.2 Turnover - Similar Contracts.

Please confirm the turnover (in GBP) for the consortium organisation, which relates to the provision of similar services, as defined within this PQQ for the previous three financial years.

(Please insert the year to which the consortium member’s turnover figure relates)Year [08/09] GBPYear [07/08] GBPYear [06/07] GBP

A5.1.3 Banker’s Details.

Bank NameAddress

Account NameAccount NumberSort CodeAccount Open (No. of Years)

A5.1.3.1 Bank Primary Contact Details.

Bank Contact NamePositionTelephone Number (include dialling code)Mobile NumberFax Number (include dialling code)Email

A5.1.3.2 Banker’s Reference.

Please provide confirmation that if required that the consortium organisation would be willing to provide a Banker’s reference.

YES NO




A5.1.4 Significant Financial/Business Factors

With respect to the consortium member, please confirm whether there are any significant financial or business factors which may have an adverse impact on the forecast year or on future years, which may include, but not be limited to issues such as, change of ownership/control, refinancing, acquisition, disposals, litigation and additional contractual obligations.

YES NONE


A5.1.5 Contingent Liability or Loss

With respect to the consortium organisation, please confirm whether as at the last reporting date, there is any contingent liability or loss (where not otherwise reported) that would require disclosure in accordance with International Accounting Standard 10.


A5.1.6 Changes in Accounting Policy

With respect to the consortium organisation, please confirm whether there have been any changes in accounting policy since the last published accounts or any planned changes in accounting policy, for examples acquisitions, mergers, share issues, major investment, major loans etc.


A5.1.7 Adjustment/Disclosure of Accounts




With respect to the consortium organisation, please confirm whether there has been any event between the date on which the latest set of accounts was authorised for issue and the date of the submission of this PQQ that, if the accounts had not been authorised for issue until the PQQ submission date would have necessitated an adjustment or disclosure in accordance with the provisions of the International Accounting Standard 10.


A5.1.8 Company Announcements

With respect to the consortium organisation, please confirm whether there has been any company announcements made to the authorities of the stock exchange, market or bourse on which the stocks or shares of the company are publicly traded, since the publication of the latest set of accounts.





A5.2 Consortium Member Guarantor Economic and Financial Standing

With respect to this Section A5.2 this section specifically relates to the circumstance where the consortium member organisation requests that a financial assessment is performed in respect of a guarantor.

A5.2.1 Guarantor DetailsPlease confirm whether a financial assessment shall be made in respect of a guarantor. YES NO

Please confirm that an appropriate statement as set out in Appendix 2 and as requested in Section A, 6.2 has been provided on letter headed paper.

YES NO

N/A Please enter the document name.Response:

Please confirm the full legal name, registered address, company registration number, date of registration of the nominated guarantor and relationship of consortium member to guarantor:

Registered NameRegistered Address


Date of RegistrationRelationship of consortium member to guarantor

A5.2.2 Please confirm that the following financial information has been provided in relation to the guarantor of the consortium member as part of this PQQ response:

A5.2.2.1 Audited accounts for the last three financial years. Where the last financial year’s report and accounts are unsigned, draft accounts for that year should be provided.

YES NO

A5.2.2.2 Not Applicable – A guarantor is not proposed.

9 For parent companies established outside the United Kingdom, detail equivalent information as set out in Regulation 23(7) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.




If the consortium member’s guarantor is unable to provide the information requested within A5.2.2.1, then the organisation which acts as the Bidder (consortium leader or prime contractor) should contact Becta via the following email address: [email protected]

A5.2.3 Turnover - Similar Contracts

Please confirm the guarantor’s turnover (in GBP) which relates to the provision of similar services, as defined within this PQQ for the previous three financial years.(Bidder must also insert the year to which the consortium member’s guarantor turnover figure relates)Year [08/09] GBPYear [07/08] GBPYear [06/07] GBPNot Applicable – A guarantor is not proposed

A5.2.4 Banker’s Details.

Bank NameAddress

Account NameAccount NumberSort CodeAccount Open (No. of Years)Not Applicable – A guarantor is not proposed

A5.2.4.1 Bank Primary Contact Details.

Bank Contact NamePositionTelephone Number (include dialling code)Mobile NumberFax Number (include dialling code)EmailNot Applicable – A guarantor is not proposed





A5.2.4.2 Banker’s Reference

Please provide confirmation that if required that the consortium member’s guarantor would be willing to provide a Banker’s reference.

YES NO N/A

A5.2.5 Significant Financial/Business Factors

With respect to the consortium member guarantor, please confirm whether there are any significant financial or business factors which may have an adverse impact on the forecast year or on future years, which may include, but not be limited to issues such as, change of ownership/control, refinancing, acquisition, disposals, litigation and additional contractual obligations.

YES NONE N/A


A5.2.6 Contingent Liability or Loss

With respect to the consortium member guarantor, please confirm whether as at the last reporting date, there is any contingent liability or loss (where not otherwise reported) that would require disclosure in accordance with International Accounting Standard 10.

YES NONE N/A


A5.2.7 Changes in Accounting Policy

With respect to the consortium member guarantor, please confirm whether there have been any changes in accounting policy since the last published accounts or any planned changes in accounting policy, for examples acquisitions, mergers, share issues, major investment, major loans etc.

YES NONE N/A

If YES, provide details below.




Response:

A5.2.8 Adjustment/Disclosure of Accounts

With respect to the consortium member guarantor, please confirm whether there has been any event between the date on which the latest set of accounts was authorised for issue and the date of the submission of this PQQ that, if the accounts had not been authorised for issue until the PQQ submission date would have necessitated an adjustment or disclosure in accordance with the provisions of the International Accounting Standard 10.

YES NONE N/A


A5.2.9 Company Announcements

With respect to the consortium member guarantor, please confirm whether there has been any company announcements made to the authorities of the stock exchange, market or bourse on which the stocks or shares of the company are publicly traded, since the publication of the latest set of accounts.

YES NONE N/A





A5.3 Legal Proceedings

Section A5.3 - requests information on any legal proceedings relating to the consortium member organisation and also any elected guarantor of the consortium member organisation.

A5.3.1 Are there any outstanding claims, material pending or threatened litigation or judgments, or other legal proceedings against the consortium member organisation and/or its elected guarantor that may affect its financial stability?

Provide such details where the claim exceeds 3% of the organisation’s turnover.

YES NO


A5.3.2 Is there any material pending or threatened litigation or has there been any material litigation or other legal proceedings connected with similar projects against the consortium member organisation and/or its elected guarantor that may affect delivery of this project?

YES NO





A5.4 Insurance.

Section A5.4 - requests insurance information for the consortium member organisation. Please provide evidence of the consortium member’s insurance policies with respect to the following; employers' liability, public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

The evidence should include the name of the insurers, policy numbers, expiry dates and limits for any one incident and annual aggregate caps and the excesses under the policies. A copy of each of the respective certificates of insurance must be provided.

The current minimum requirements on insurance are;

5,000,000 (GBP) cover per occurrence with respect to Employers’ Liability Insurance;

5,000,000 (GBP) cover per occurrence with respect to Public Liability Insurance; and

250,000 (GBP) cover per occurrence with respect to Professional Indemnity Insurance

The Bidder is required to advise as to the consortium member’s compliance to each of these requirements. Please note however, that the exact levels of insurance will be determined by purchasing bodies at further competition stages and these figures are provided as guidelines only (higher figures may be required with some contracts).


A5.4.1 Employers’ Liability InsuranceInsurer’s NameAddress

Policy Number(s)Expiry DateActual Limit of Indemnity (per occurrence) (GBP)Actual Limit of Indemnity (aggregate) (GBP)Excess (GBP)Copy of Certificate Enclosed YES NO Document Name



A5.4.2 Public Liability InsuranceInsurer’s NameAddressPolicy Number(s)Expiry DateActual Limit of Indemnity (per occurrence) (GBP)Actual Limit of Indemnity (aggregate) (GBP)Excess (GBP)Copy of Certificate Enclosed YES NO Document Name


A5.4.3 Professional Indemnity InsuranceInsurer’s NameAddressPolicy Number(s)Expiry DateActual Limit of Indemnity (per occurrence) (GBP)Actual Limit of Indemnity (aggregate) (GBP)Excess (GBP)Copy of Certificate Enclosed YES NO Document Name



A5.4.4 Insurance Claims

Have any claims been made (or are any in progress) against the consortium member’s employers’ liability insurance, public liability insurance or professional indemnity insurance within the last 3 years?

YES NO

If YES, then please provide full details. Response:




Appendix 6

A6.1 Experience of the Educational Sector

Where there is a newly formed consortium arrangement, the Bidder must provide a separate response (one or more copies of this Appendix 6) for each consortium member that will play a role in the delivery of services or products under any ensuing contract.

Where there is a newly formed consortium arrangement then consortium member(s) will be separately assessed pursuant to this Appendix 6 and the scores will be apportioned equivalent to the percentage shareholding detailed in 2.3.

Please note that each separately completed Appendix 6 should be separately attached as part of the PQQ response entitled [Appendix 6 – Organisation Name] for easy identification.

LOT ONE - scores for Section 6.5 and this Appendix 6 will, when combined, represent 15% maximum of the overall selection scoring.

LOT TWO - scores for Section 6.5 and this Appendix 6 will, when combined, represent 5% maximum of the overall selection scoring.

For the avoidance of doubt, where this is an established consortium arrangement then the Bidder and consortium members will be assessed pursuant to Section 6.5 only.





LOT ONEA6.1.1 Please provide a summary of business conducted in the educational sector. Please ensure that as part of this response you state the following within Table A:

A6.1.1.1 Minimum contract value (GBP) within last three years;A6.1.1.2 Maximum contract value (GBP) within last three years; andA6.1.1.3 Average contract value (GBP) within last three years.

A6.1.2 Please provide a representative (minimum three and no more than five) list of contracts with Customers in the education sector that have been won over the past three years.


A6.1.2.1 the Customer; A6.1.2.2 when the contract commenced; A6.1.2.3 the contract duration; A6.1.2.4 the approximate value; andA6.1.2.5 the range of goods/services provided under the contract.

The Bidder should provide separate completed copies of Table B for their response to A6.1.2.

A6.1.3 In addition to A6.1.2, and in particular if you have no such contracts, please explain how you plan to develop your business in this sector. Section A6.1.3 (LOT ONE) - Max. of 500 words.

A6.1.1 Response (Table A):Minimum contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)Maximum contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)Average contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)A6.1.2 Response (Table B):Organisation Name (consortium member)Customer NameContract CommencementContract TermContract Value (GBP)




Range of Goods/Services ProvidedResponse:

A6.1.2 Response (Table B):Organisation Name (consortium member)Customer NameContract CommencementContract TermContract Value (GBP)Range of Goods/Services ProvidedResponse:




A6.1.3 Response




LOT TWOA6.1.1 Please provide a summary of business conducted in the educational sector. Please ensure that as part of this response you state the following within Table A:

A6.1.1.1 Minimum contract value (GBP) within last three years;A6.1.1.2 Maximum contract value (GBP) within last three years; andA6.1.1.3 Average contract value (GBP) within last three years.

A6.1.2 Please provide a representative (minimum three and no more than five) list of contracts with Customers in the education sector that have been won over the past three years.


A6.1.2.1 the Customer; A6.1.2.2 when the contract commenced; A6.1.2.3 the contract duration; A6.1.2.4 the approximate value; andA6.1.2.5 the range of goods/services provided under the contract.

The Bidder should provide separate completed copies of Table B for their response to A6.1.2.

A6.1.3 In addition to A6.1.2, and in particular if you have no such contracts, please explain how you plan to develop your business in this sector. Section A6.1.3 (LOT TWO) - Max. of 500 words.

A6.1.1 Response (Table A):Minimum contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)Maximum contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)Average contract value within the last 3 years (GBP)A6.1.2 Response (Table B):Organisation Name (consortium member)Customer NameContract CommencementContract TermContract Value (GBP)Range of Goods/Services ProvidedResponse:

A6.1.2 Response (Table B):Organisation Name (consortium member)Customer Name




Contract CommencementContract TermContract Value (GBP)Range of Goods/Services ProvidedResponse:




A6.1.3 Response




Appendix 7

QUALITY ASSURANCE, EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE, HEALTH & SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL

The consortium member’s capability and track record in Quality Assurance and Environmental Management shall be scored, whilst equality in the workplace and health & safety are for information purposes only.

Scores for the consortium member’s capability and track record in Quality Assurance and Environmental within this Appendix 7 and Section 7, will when combined, represent 20% of the overall selection scoring. Where there are consortium member(s) then the scores will be apportioned equivalent to the percentage shareholding detailed in 2.3.

Becta may request further detail at ITT stage on the consortium member’s proposed Quality Assurance and Environmental Measures as part of Becta’s assessment of the quality of the tender. Becta may also request information on any other of the criteria referred to within this Section 7.

The Bidder must provide a separate response (one or more copies of this Appendix 7) for each consortium member that will play a role in the delivery of services or products under any ensuing contract.





A7.1 Quality Assurance

Scores for this Section A7.1 and Section 7.1, when combined, will represent 15% of the overall selection scoring. Questions A7.1.2 and A7.1.4 will be scored, whereas A7.1.1 and A7.1.3 are provided for information purposes. The scores for Bidder (including consortium member(s)) will be apportioned equivalent to the percentage shareholding detailed in 2.3.

There is a pass mark associated to Appendix 7.1.4 & Section 7 (question 7.1.4) where Bidders (including consortium member(s)) are required to achieve a minimum score of 50% of the available score.

A7.1.1 Include the contact name and position of the person ultimately responsible for service quality.

Service quality could be consortium member’s own in-house Quality Management System (QMS) or consortium member’s Quality Assurance accreditation, such as BS EN ISO9000 or European equivalent standard. Contact NamePosition

A7.1.2 Please specify certification such as BS EN ISO9000 or European equivalent standard that the consortium member organisation holds with the relevant schedule.



A7.1.3 Please provide details of other quality marks which the consortium member organisation holds (for example Investors in People) or other




recognised or equivalent quality standard.



A7.1.4 Please provide a statement of the measures taken by the consortium organisation to ensure quality within the organisation. Bidders are required to provide a detailed but focussed response to this section.

Max 500 words.Response:




A7.2 Equal Opportunities.

The detail provided within this Appendix A7.2, is for information purposes and shall not be scored.

A copy of the consortium member’s Equal Opportunities policy is required and further verification may be requested if you are invited to tender.

If your organisation does not currently operate in the UK, you should still try to answer each question, substituting any law or code of practice etc that is appropriate to your domestic jurisdiction.

A7.2.1 Please confirm that it is the consortium member’s policy as employers to comply with the statutory obligations under the Equal Pay Act 1970, Race Relations Act 1976, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Employment Equality Regulations 2003 and 2006 which apply in the United Kingdom, or equivalent legislation that applies in the countries in which the consortium member employs staff.

YES NO

A7.2.2 Is it the policy of the consortium member as employers to promote equality as set out in the Employment Equality Regulations 2003 and 2006?

YES NO

If NO, to questions A7.2.1 or A7.2.2, please provide other evidence to show how the consortium organisation promotes equality in employment.Response:

A7.2.3 Please provide a URL link to the consortium member’s Equal Opportunities policy.





A7.2.4 Is it the policy of the consortium member that staff that have managerial responsibilities are required to receive training on equal opportunities.

YES NO

If YES, please provide further details.Response:

A7.2.5 In the last three years, has the consortium organisation been the subject of formal investigation by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) or a comparable body, on the grounds of alleged unlawful discrimination in the employment field?

YES NO

A7.2.6 In the last three years, has any finding of unlawful racial discrimination, sex or disability discrimination in the employment field been made against the consortium member’s organisation by any court or industrial and/or employment tribunal or in comparable proceedings in any other jurisdiction?

YES NO

If YES, to either A7.2.5 or A7.2.6, then please state the finding or nature of the investigation and the action you took in consequence.Response:

A7.2.7 Is the consortium member’s policy on equality promotion set out in the following:A7.2.7.1 Instructions to those concerned with recruitment, training and promotion? YES NO

A7.2.7.2 In documents available to employees, recognised trade unions, or other representative groups of employees? YES NO A7.2.7.3 In recruitment advertisements or other literature? YES NO A7.2.7.4 If YES to A7.2.7 then please confirm that relevant examples have been attached? YES NO Please enter the document name.Response:




A7.2.8 Does the consortium member’s organisation observe as far as possible the Commission for Racial Equality’s Code of Practice for Employment, as approved by Parliament in 1983 (or equivalent if not in the UK), the Disability Rights Commission’s Statutory Code of Practice on Employment and Occupation and the Code of Practice on the Disability Equality Duty, or a comparable statutory code, or guidance issued under equivalent legislation in another member state, which gives practical guidance to employers and others on the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of equality of opportunity in employment, including the steps that can be taken to encourage members of the ethnic minorities to apply for jobs or take up training opportunities?

YES NO




A7.3 Health and Safety

The detail provided within this Appendix 7.3, is for information purposes and shall not be scored.

A copy of the consortium member’s Health and Safety policy is required and further verification may be requested if you are invited to tender. The consortium member should demonstrate adherence to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, where the consortium organisation has greater than five persons, then a copy of their Health and Safety policy must be provided.

The only exemption to this is where the consortium member’s organisation has fewer than five persons. In this event the consortium member will still be required to provide written assurance that they will provide a copy of their Health and Safety policy should the size of their organisation increase.

If the consortium member’s organisation does not currently operate in the UK, you should still try to answer each question, substituting any law, code of practice etc that is appropriate to your domestic jurisdiction.

A7.3.1 What is the consortium member’s company policy on Health and Safety, that is, even if it is not written, how does the consortium member intend to fulfil your legal duty to your staff and others?Response:

A7.3.2 Who is responsible for ensuring that the consortium member’s Health and Safety policy is implemented?Contact NamePosition

A7.3.3 Please confirm that a URL link to a copy of the consortium member’s Health and Safety policy is provided.

YES NO

If YES, please confirm URL link. If NO, then please provide further details. In particular please advise whether the whether the consortium member’s organisation has fewer than five persons.Response:

If applicable, please confirm that a statement as set out within Form 2, Appendix 11 is attached (signed by a duly authorised officer of the consortium member’s organisation)

YES NO N/A




providing written assurance that a copy of the Health and Safety policy will be furnished should the size of the organisation increase to greater than five persons?Please enter the document name.Response:

A7.3.4 During the last three years, has the consortium member’s organisation been prosecuted for contravening the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 or other Health and Safety law, or has the consortium member’s organisation been (or is currently) the subject of formal investigation by the Health and Safety Executive or similar national body which enforces Health and Safety standards?

YES NO

If ‘Yes’, please provide full details including preventative measures taken to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.Response:

A7.3.5 Please confirm whether all consortium members’ employees receive training related to health and safety on commencement of employment.

YES NO

If ‘YES’, please provide further details as to whether any subsequent training is provided following the initial induction.

If ‘NO’, please provide further details as to how the consortium member ensures that employees have the appropriate health and safety knowledge.Response:




A7.4 Environmental

Scores for this Appendix 7.4 and Section 7.4, when combined, will represent 5% of the selection scoring. The scores for Bidder (including consortium member(s)) will be apportioned equivalent to the percentage shareholding detailed in 2.3.

A7.4.1 Does the consortium member’s organisation hold certification under BS EN ISO14001 (environmental management systems)?

YES NO

If YES, Please confirm that a URL link to copies of certification are provided.

YES NO

If YES, please confirm the URL link.If NO, but consortium member’s organisation is currently working towards certification please provide details of the work you are doing to achieve approval, including timescales.Response:




Appendix 8

TABLE C – SUMMARY OF ATTACHMENTS & LINKS

PQQ Section Details Yes/No

All Completed PQQ – Bidder’s Response (Section B) YES NO

Section BBidder has indicated by checking the appropriate box whether they shall be bidding for Lot One and/or Lot Two

YES NO

Section B, 1.4 Bidder’s Certificates of Incorporation YES NO

Section B, 1.9Organisation chart detailing relations to any parent or other group or holding companies, key associates and partners

YES NO

Section B, 2.5 Organisational chart detailing relationships between the Bidder (which will include all consortium members)

YES NO

Section B, 4.1.1

Bidder’s three years audited accounts YES NO

Section B, 4.2.1

Bidder’s guarantor statement YES NO

Section B,4.2.2

Bidder’s guarantor three years audited accounts YES NO

Section B, 4.4 Bidder’s insurance certificates – Employers’ Liability

YES NO

Section B, 4.4 Bidder’s insurance certificates – Public Liability YES NO Section B, 4.4 Bidder’s insurance certificates – Professional

IndemnityYES NO

Section B,6.1.2

Organisation chart which details the division(s) of the organisation which provides the products and/or services relevant to this procurement.

YES NO

Section B,7.1.2

URL link - Certification such as BS EN ISO9000 or European equivalent standard

YES NO

Section B,7.1.3

URL link - Certification for quality marks which Bidder’s organisation holds (for example Investors in People) or other recognised or equivalent quality standard

YES NO

Section B,7.2.3

URL link - Bidder’s Equal Opportunities policy YES NO

Section B,7.2.7

Copies of example recruitment advertisements or other literature attached

YES NO

Section B, 7.3.3

URL link - Bidder’s Health and Safety policy or where applicable statement providing written assurance that a copy of the Health and Safety policy will be furnished should the size of the

YES NO




organisation increase (see Appendix 11)Section B,7.4.1

URL link - Bidder’s certification under BS EN ISO14001 (environmental management systems)

YES NO

Section B, 9 Signed declaration YES NO Appendix 2 Bidder (including consortium member(s) (where

applicable)) guarantor statementYES NO

Appendix 3,A3.3

Consortium members’ Certificates of Incorporation

YES NO

Appendix 3, A3.7

Consortium members’ organisation chart detailing relations to any parent or other group or holding companies, key associates and partners

YES NO

Appendix 4 Form 1 - Signed statement(s) of good standing for Bidder (including each consortium member)

YES NO

Appendix 5, A5.1.1

Consortium members’ audited accounts for the last three financial years

YES NO

Appendix 5,A5.2.1

Guarantor statement for each relevant consortium member

YES NO

Appendix 5,A5.2.2

Guarantor three years audited accounts for each relevant consortium member

YES NO

Appendix 5,A5.4

Consortium members’ insurance certificates – Employers’ Liability

YES NO

Appendix 5, A5.4

Consortium members’ insurance certificates – Public Liability

YES NO

Appendix 5,A5.4

Consortium members’ insurance certificates –Professional Indemnity

YES NO

Appendix 7,A7.1.2

URL link - Certification such as BS EN ISO9000 or European equivalent standard that each consortium member holds with the relevant schedule

YES NO

Appendix 7,A7.1.3

URL link – Certification for quality marks which each consortium member holds (for example Investors in People) or other recognised or equivalent quality standard

YES NO

Appendix 7,A7.2.3

URL link – consortium members’ equal opportunities policy

YES NO

Appendix 7,A7.2.7

Copies of example recruitment advertisements or other literature attached for each consortium member

YES NO

Appendix 7,A7.3.3

URL link - consortium members’ Health and Safety policy or where applicable statement attached providing written assurance that a copy of the Health and Safety policy will be furnished should the size of the organisation increase (see Appendix 11)

YES NO

Appendix 7, URL link – consortium members’ certification YES NO




A7.4 under BS EN ISO14001 (environmental management systems)

Appendix 9 Details of any commercially sensitive information YES NO




TABLE D - SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

PQQ Section

Details Document Name Page Reference


Becta Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) V0.1


Appendix 9

TABLE E – COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION

PQQ Section &/or

Document Name

DetailsCommercially Sensitive Information

PQQ Response

Page Reference(s)

Time Period Information

Commercially Sensitive

(in Months)

of 123



Appendix 10Clarification Notice:

CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU/INDEPENDENT SAFEGUARDING AUTHORITY CHECKS

Becta regards children’s safety issues as being of the highest priority. Proper staff - vetting arrangements are a key part of children’s protection.

This Notice clarifies the required staff vetting requirements, which are complex because of the impending change from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) arrangements to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Becta’s Plain English version of the clause relating to Criminal Records Bureau and Independent Safeguarding Checks which shall be within the Service Order Terms.

The following procedures must be carried out by all Framework Suppliers who have been contracted by a procurement authority to provide Services under Becta frameworks.

The procedures must be carried out prior to a Supplier’s Staff having contact with children or vulnerable adults, and renewed every 12 months.

“Staff” in this context means any person performing any of the Services whether within an educational institution or on-line.

of 123

Prior to July 2010

Procedure 1

Staff must be questioned on convictions by the Supplier. These convictions must relate to children and vulnerable adults.

Procedure 2Suppliers must ensure “Enhanced” CRB checks have been conducted re. Staff (must include searches of ISA Barred Lists)

Post July 2010

Procedure 1

Staff must still be questioned on convictions by the Supplier. These convictions must relate to children and vulnerable adults.

Procedure 2Staff must be registered with the ISASuppliers must provide customers with written verification that staff have been registered with the registration results.Any change to the ISA status must be advised to customers.



Appendix 11

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT

The Bidder (which includes consortium members) must complete and sign this FORM 2 within Appendix 11, where they have less than 5 persons currently employed.

FORM 2

STATEMENT RELATING TO A HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

We confirm that, the organisation named below has fewer than five persons employed as at the date of signatory and in the event that the size of the organisation were to increase to greater than five persons that a copy of the Health and Safety policy will be furnished to Becta within 30 calendar days of such increase, thus demonstrating compliance with The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Organisation's name ……………………………………………..………

Signed ………………………………………………………………………

Position …………………………………………………………………..…

Date …………………………………………………………………………

of 123



Appendix 12PQQ EVALUATION MATRIX

TABLE F – MANDATORY CRITERIA (PASS/FAIL)

LOT ONE & LOT TWO

CRITERIA PQQ REFERENCE

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION & COMPLIANCE ALL SECTIONS OF PQQ RESPONSE

CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 3FORM 1 - STATEMENT OF GOOD STANDING APPENDIX 4

FINANCIAL DETAILSBIDDER’S ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL STANDING BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 4.1BIDDER’S GUARANTOR ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL STANDING

BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 4.2

BIDDER AND BIDDER’S GUARANTOR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 4.3

BIDDER’S INSURANCE BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 4.4CONSORTIUM MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL DETAILS

APPENDIX 5 (WHERE APPLICABLE) – QUESTION A5.1

CONSORTIUM MEMBERS’ GUARANTOR ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL STANDING


CONSORTIUM MEMBERS AND CONSORITIUM MEMBERS’ GUARANTOR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


CONSORTIUM MEMBERS’ INSURANCE APPENDIX 5 (WHERE APPLICABLE) – QUESTION A5.4

of 123



TABLE G – SELECTION PROCESS WEIGHTING

LOT ONE & LOT TWO

CRITERIA PQQ REFERENCEMAXIMUM WEIGHTED

SCORE

OVERALL PERCENTAGE

(%)

COMMERCIAL FACTORS – 20%LIQUIDATED/ASCERTAINED DAMAGES BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 5.1 50 5%CONTRACT TERMINATION BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 5.2 50 5%CONTRACT RENEWAL BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 5.3 50 5%CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 5.4 50 5%

BIDDER’S QUALITY ASSURANCE & ENVIRONMENTAL – 20%

BIDDER’S & CONSORTIUM MEMBERS’ QUALITY ASSURANCE

BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 7.1.250 5%CONSORTIUM MEMBER’S APPENDIX 7 (WHERE

APPLICABLE), QUESTION A7.1.2BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 7.1.4

100 10%CONSORTIUM MEMBER’S APPENDIX 7 (WHERE APPLICABLE), QUESTION A7.1.4

BIDDER’S & CONSORTUM MEMBERS’ ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 7.450 5%

APPENDIX 7 (WHERE APPLICABLE), QUESTION A7.4

Please note that with reference to the Quality Assurance & Environmental section, the scores for Bidder and each consortium member will be apportioned equivalent to the percentage shareholding as provided within Section B, 2.3 of the PQQ.

There is a pass mark associated to question 7.1.4 & A7.1.4 (where applicable), where Bidders (including consortium member(s)) are required to achieve a minimum score of 50% of the available score.

of 123



LOT ONE


SCORE

OVERALL PERCENTAGE

(%)

TECHNICAL/CAPACITY INFORMATION -60%BUSINESS ACTIVITIES BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.1 200 20%QUESTIONS 6.1.1 AND 6.1.2 120 12%

QUESTIONS 6.1.3 40 4%

QUESTIONS 6.1.4 40 4%

MARKET APPROACH BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.2 100 10%QUESTIONS 6.2.1 40 4%QUESTIONS 6.2.2 40 4%QUESTIONS 6.2.3 20 2%

CLIENT & STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIP BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.3 50 5%QUESTIONS 6.3.1 50 5%

MANAGING SUPPLY CHAIN MEMBERS BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.4 100 10%QUESTIONS 6.4.1 100 10%EXPERIENCE OF THE EDUCATION SECTOR

BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.5 150 15%

QUESTIONS 6.5.1 AND 6.5.2 AND APPENDIX 6 (WHERE APPLICABLE), A6.1.1 & A6.1.2 120 12%QUESTIONS 6.5.3 AND APPENDIX 6 (WHERE APPLICABLE), A6.1.3 30 3%

of 123



LOT TWO


SCORE

OVERALL PERCENTAGE

(%)

TECHNICAL/CAPACITY INFORMATION -60%BUSINESS ACTIVITIES BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.1 200 20%QUESTIONS 6.1.1 AND 6.1.2 120 12%QUESTIONS 6.1.3 40 4%QUESTIONS 6.1.4 40 4%

MARKET APPROACH BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.2 100 10%QUESTIONS 6.2.1 40 4%QUESTIONS 6.2.2 40 4%QUESTIONS 6.2.3 20 2%

CLIENT & STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIP BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.3 50 5%QUESTIONS 6.3.1 50 5%

MANAGING SUPPLY CHAIN MEMBERS BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.4 200 20%QUESTIONS 6.4.1 200 20%EXPERIENCE OF THE EDUCATION SECTOR

BIDDER RESPONSE (SECTION B), QUESTION 6.5 50 5%

QUESTIONS 6.5.1 AND 6.5.2 AND APPENDIX 6 (WHERE APPLICABLE), A6.1.1 & A6.1.2 40 4%QUESTIONS 6.5.3 AND APPENDIX 6 (WHERE APPLICABLE), A6.1.3 10 1%

of 123

pre-qualification questionnaire ("pqq")

Education

pqq information

pqq andornot

pqq stage

becta inconnection

british summer timesection

marked page

suitability of bidders

competitive tendering