Public procurement notice: Contract Notice
Published: 2020-08-21
Buyer: Orkney Islands Council
Country: UK
Contract type: Services
Procedure: Open procedure
CPV classification: 50211200: Aircraft repair services | 60400000: Air transport services | 60410000: Scheduled air transport services | 60420000: Non-scheduled air transport services | 63730000
Estimated value: 5300000 GBP
Submission deadline: 2020-10-20
Award criteria: The most economic tender

Technical requirements: Provision of Air Services between Orkney Mainland (Kirkwall) and the Islands of Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and Eday
Orkney Islands Council (the Authority) has a requirement for the provision of an Inter Island Air Service operating to the six Outer North Isles under a Public Service Obligation (PSO), which establishes the minimum frequencies and sets the maximum fare levels provided to each of the isles.
The maintenance of scheduled air services between Orkney Mainland (Kirkwall) and the islands of Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, and Eday are essential to counter the islands peripherality, fragile economic base and depopulation of the islands. There is no rapid alternative means of transport to Kirkwall on the Orkney Mainland, and for onward connections with the Scottish Mainland. The designated services, which are currently operated by the air carrier Loganair Ltd, are essential for the maintenance of the economic and social fabric of the islands. They are used for access to essential services (e.g. educational, financial, commercial, professional, advisory and health) which cannot be provided locally; and are also used for tourism. Should these air services be withdrawn the upkeep of the airfields could be placed in jeopardy and this in turn would put at risk the vitally important air ambulance service (currently operated by helicopter) which provides the essential emergency medical link. In recognition of the importance of these services, subsidy is made available by Orkney Islands Council (‘the Council’) to subsidise the designated services.
The Public Contracts Scotland electronic postbox will be opened by 3 authorised Officers of the Council following the deadline for receipt of tenders, one of which will be the procurement manager.
Orkney Islands Council reserves the right to cancel the procurement at any stage and not award a contract. The expenditure, work or effort undertaken by bidders prior to the award of any contract is accordingly a matter solely for the commercial judgement of bidders.
Late tenders will not be considered by the Council and all questions are to be submitted via the question and answers section of this contract advertisement on PCS.
An economic operator that suffers, or risks suffering, loss or damage attributable to a breach of duty under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 may bring proceedings in the Sheriff Court or Court of Session.
Tenderers should complete the ESPD (Scotland) document contained within the ESPD Module attached to this notice.
Note: to register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=628073.
The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the postbox facility. A user guide is available at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.
Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.
A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2361
Community benefits – tenderers will be required to provide a method statement detailing how the following community benefits are achieved (supply chain development activity, working with schools, colleges and universities to offer work experience opportunities where appropriate and minimising negative environmental impacts, (for example impacts associated with vehicle movements and/or associated emissions and impacts on protected areas, buildings or sites).
Download the ESPD document here: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ESPD/ESPD_Download.aspx?id=628073

Eligibility requirements: As detailed in the ESPD documentation.

Award value: 5300000