Public procurement notice: Prior Information Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2016-04-27
Buyer: UK Shared Business Services Ltd
Country: UK
Contract type: Works
CPV classification: 45000000: Construction work | 45220000 | 45235200 | 45241500 | 71000000
Estimated value: 40000000 GBP

Technical requirements: British Antarctic Survey — Construction Works, comprises a number of construction works associated with the introduction of the UK Governments New Polar Research Vessel (NPRV) and the modernisation of research stations, including related offices and buildings, in the Antarctic and other regions of the world where scientist research is managed or carried out by and on behalf of the Natural Environmental Research Council, including the scientific research activity of the British Antarctic Survey. Works in scope may comprise some or all of the following and other related works:
Following the commissioning of its New Polar Research Vessel (NPRV) in 2015, the UK Government is now moving forward with its plans to up-date and modernise the scientist research stations in Antarctica and the South Atlantic region. A key component of this activity is the appointment of a suitable construction partner. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) working very closely with its parent organisation, the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) has, via the issue of this Notice officially commenced its search for a capable and trusted construction partner that can help bring these modernisation plans into reality over the course of the next 3 to 10 years.
Construction works will commence with the alteration and extension of the Wharf and slipway at Rothera to accommodate the NPRV which is 1
Subject to a competitive tendering process, the Government's preference is for the selection of a construction partner than can work very closely with BAS over an extended period of time to pro-actively share and jointly manage the numerous risks and challenges associated with construction in the Antarctic region. Also that has the overall capability to deliver effective construction programmes that combine civils, building and facilities both in the Antarctic region and other potential regions of the world, including the UK, where BAS and NERC has a scientific research interest.
In addition to working very closely with BAS and NERC a strong partnership ethos will be essential to work openly, transparently and effectively with the Government appointed Technical Advisors and cost engineers towards ensuring that the overall modernisation delivers both on-time and provides sound value for money.
The Authority anticipates that an Industry Day will be held during May or June 2016. Details of this event will be advised to those parties expressing an interest nearer the time. In addition, further information will be released publicly in due course.
Payment will be made against agreed and authorised stage payments and key milestones. Bids to be priced in pounds sterling (GBP).
The Government has set out the need for greater transparency across its operations to enable the public to hold public bodies and politicians to account. This includes commitments relating to public expenditure, intended to help achieve better value for money. As part of the transparency agenda, Government has made the following commitments with regard to procurement and contracting:
All new Central Government contracts over the value of 10 000 GBP to be published in full online from July 2010;
All new Central Government sourcing documents for contracts over 10 000 GBP to be published on a single website from September 2010, with this information to be made available to the public free of charge;
Suppliers and those organisations looking to bid for public sector contracts should be aware that if they are awarded a new Government contract, the resulting contract between the supplier and Government will be published. In some circumstances, limited reductions will be made to some contracts before they are published in order to comply with existing law and for the protection of national security.
Service providers must clearly demonstrate recent successful experience in similar projects and environments.
— The supplier is in a state of bankruptcy, insolvency, compulsory winding up, administration, receivership, composition with creditors or any analogous state or subject to relevant proceedings;
— Is not in possession of a licence or not a member of the appropriate trade or other organisation where the law requires it.