Framework for consultants for planning permissions

Quantity or scope

Framework for consultants for the preparation of planning applications for sites (as a pre-condition for their purchase). The work involves master-planning the site in consultation with the department, consulting with the local authority, dealing with traffic management issues, and preparing and submitting the application. It is envisaged that there will be some 15-20 such projects each year.

Additional information

The project specific services to be provided will be set out in the secondary competition tender documentation. No project specific information is available at this time.

Before submitting an expression of interest, applicants should refer to the suitability assessment questionnaire DoES-QC1 (framework for consultants for planning applications) and the tender proposal form - framework for consultants for planning applications 2012 - attached to the eTenders advertisement, and satisfy themselves that they meet the minimum standards required.

All applicants who meet both the minimum standard for participation (suitability assessment) and the minimum award criteria standard will be included on the panel.

To apply for inclusion on the panels the applicant must:

(1) complete and sign the suitability assessment questionnaire;

(2) complete and sign the tender proposal form and

(3) send in both the questionnaire and the tender proposal form with a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to the address stated in this contract notice before the time and date specified. No other information should be provided.

The onus rests with the applicant to ensure that the submission is received by the Contracting Authority. In cases of disputed delivery the only acceptable evidence of delivery is a registered letter or signed CA receipt for hand delivery (not swift post).

Note: the envelope must be clearly marked with the name of the tenderer, the name of the contract, and the content for example "tender of ABC limited for xxx services for XYZ...project”.

The estimated total performance period for appointment arising from a secondary competition will be specified in the relevant tender documentation.

The award criteria are as stated in this notice and in the tender proposal form.

The Contracting Authority reserves the right to terminate a secondary tender competition process at any time. The Contracting Authority also reserves the right to procure replacement consultants by alternative means if it appears that the consultants can be thereby more advantageously procured. The lowest or any tender at secondary competition stage will not necessarily be accepted.

The funding agency, the department of education & skills is subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. If a candidate considers that any of the information supplied in response to this notice is either commercially sensitive or confidential, this should be highlighted and reasons for its sensitivity given. The relevant material will, in response to a request under the Act, be examined in the light of exemptions provided for in the Act.

All queries should be directed through the eTenders query facility.

This comprises the complete information to be issued to the applicants. No additional information will be provided.

The Purchasing Authority is acting on behalf of the following organisations:

(1) Boards of Management and other bodies under the aegis of the Department of education and skills

(2) Other organisations acting for the Department of education and skills

(ET Ref:350512).

Legal form to be taken by the group of economic operators to whom the contract is to be awarded

Appointment to frameworks and contract award subsequent to secondary competition is intended to be awarded to single service providers. If a group of service providers apply either a lead service provider must be nominated who will be responsible for providing the service or a joint venture must be formed with whom the Awarding Authority will form the framework agreement/contract.