Public procurement notice: Contract Notice
Published: 2017-04-26
Buyer: Transport for London — Commercial Surface
Country: UK
Region: UNITED KINGDOM
Contract type: Supplies
Procedure: Negotiated procedure
CPV classification: 24111600 | 31122100 | 34121000: Buses | 34121100: Public-service buses | 34121300
Estimated value: 120000000 GBP
Submission deadline: 2017-05-26
Award criteria: The most economic tender

Technical requirements: TfL is conducting a competition to establish a multi supplier, multi lot framework for the purchase of single and double deck buses which use hydrogen fuel cells as their primary source of drive-train power, which will also allow for the capability to provide support services such as maintenance. An objective of this Framework is to encourage local, national and international collaboration in an attempt to generate large scale deployment, standardisation, and ultimately commercialisation of fuel cell buses. A number of UK city transport authorities and transport operators have expressed their desire to use this Framework. During the term of the Framework, TfL will encourage further city authorities and transport operators to utilise the Framework whilst supporting its objectives, in an effort to maintain large scale fuel cell bus orders. A number of UK and EU authorities and operators, have successfully secured funding to support the deployment of fuel cell buses from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), under the Joint Initiative for Hydrogen Vehicles across Europe (JIVE) project. The current JIVE Bus Deployment Partners can be found by following the link as set out in section VI.2 of this contract notice. In its 2017 call for proposals, the FCH JU has allocated further funding to support an additional large-scale fuel cell bus project (at least 125 vehicles across Europe), which is expected to begin in 2018. Given the duration of this Framework, it is expected to be used for the procurement of fuel cell buses in the UK (and possibly in other countries) associated with the project formed in response to the 2017 call, and potentially other future projects. Alongside the city authorities, TfL wishes to enable existing and future London and UK Bus Operators to utilise this Framework should they desire. Therefore, TfL is establishing this framework on behalf of itself and other awarding bodies including UK city transport authorities, EU transport authorities and Bus Operators. Bus Operators will include, but not be limited to, third party companies who operate bus services in the UK from time to time, or any third party who in the ordinary course of business provides buses to such operators. Whilst TfL will manage the framework, all Call Off contracts will be between the Supplier and the awarding body. This Framework will also be accessible for use by any corporation established, or a group of individuals appointed to act together, for the specific purpose of meeting needs in the general interest.
A single deck hydrogen fuel cell bus converts hydrogen gas (stored on board) into electricity using a fuel cell. This electricity is used to provide the propulsion for the bus through its electric drive-train creating zero tailpipe emissions. A hydrogen fuel cell bus will be classed as such if it is able to complete a full daily duty cycle using hydrogen only (i.e. no other fuel / energy source is required).
A double deck hydrogen fuel cell bus converts hydrogen gas (stored on board) into electricity using a fuel cell. This electricity is used to provide the propulsion for the bus through its electric drive-train creating zero tailpipe emissions. A hydrogen fuel cell bus will be classed as such if it is able to complete a full daily duty cycle using hydrogen only (i.e. no other fuel / energy source is required).
A single/double deck hydrogen fuel cell bus converts hydrogen gas (stored on board) into electricity using a fuel cell. This electricity is used to provide the propulsion for the bus through its electric drive-train creating zero tailpipe emissions. A hydrogen fuel cell bus will be classed as such if it is able to complete a full daily duty cycle using hydrogen only (i.e. no other fuel / energy source is required).
The Contracting Authority's requirements will be set out in the Invitation to Negotiate — Initial Offer and Final Offer documents and Call Off documents. A parent company guarantee or/and a performance bond may be required.
Details will be provided in the Invitation to Negotiate documentation. Payment will be in pounds sterling and will normally be made by means of an electronic funds transfer. The Awarding Authority will reserve the right to make payment in Euros.
No specific legal form is required to bid for this opportunity. However, The Contracting Authority requires that any contract(s) awarded will be entered into by a single legal entity on behalf of a successful candidate(s), to act as the principal contractor. Alternatively, the Contracting Authority may request that 2 members of the consortium are appointed as principal contractors. Potential suppliers bidding as a consortium or relying on third parties may also be required to create a legal entity which results in all consortium members being jointly and severably responsible for the contract. A parent and/or director guarantee will be required.
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: All Applicants will be required to express an interest in the opportunity and complete a Selection Questionnaire. To express an interest as a potential supplier your company needs to be registered on the TfL e-procurement portal. To register or to check if you are already registered log on to www.tfl.gov.uk/eprocurement
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Interested parties should note that they will be required to supply copies of at least 2 years of accounts/financial statements. The services of an independent third party financial assessment agency may also be used to determine Economic and Financial Ability.
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Interested parties will be required to undergo an assessment of their technical capacity via the completion of an Selection Questionnaire and if successfully shortlisted, completion of an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN)/Invitation to Submit (ITS) response.
http://www.fch.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/FCH2%20JU%202016%20AWP%20and%20Budget_en_0.pdf
The FCH JU have released a further funding call for a secondary large scale deployment of Fuel Cell buses, of which this Framework will also support the objectives of the call.
http://www.fch.europa.eu/sites/default/files/FCH2%20JU%202017%20AWP%20and%20Budget_FINAL-20122016-Clean%20%28ID%202892681%29.pdf.
Precise information on deadline(s) for lodging appeals: Upon contract award, TfL will enter into a 10-day Standstill period upon which, if an unsuccessful bidder chooses to lodge an appeal regarding the award decision, they will be able to do so before a contract is entered in to.