- Features
- The Authority intends to conduct this procurement through a two-stage process under the Competitive Flexible Procedure established by the Public Procurement Act 2023. Stage 1 will involve the completion and assessment of a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ), while Stage 2 will consist of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) process. The Competitive Flexible Procedure provides a structured procurement framework while allowing sufficient flexibility to adapt to changing requirements throughout the process.
During the PSQ stage, suppliers will be assessed against the selection criteria set out within the questionnaire. Each response will be evaluated to determine whether the supplier meets the required conditions of participation. The Authority intends to undertake a pass/fail assessment, with only those suppliers that meet all mandatory requirements and are not subject to any mandatory exclusion grounds progressing to the next stage. Expressions of interest must be submitted via the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP) by completing the PSQ. At this point, draft procurement documentation, including requirements, specifications, and contractual terms, will be issued.
Suppliers successfully shortlisted following the PSQ stage will be invited to participate in the ITT stage. At this point, full procurement documentation, including detailed requirements, specifications, and contractual terms, will be issued. Suppliers will have the opportunity to submit clarification questions to ensure they fully understand the Authority’s requirements and any flexibilities within the procurement process.
The Framework Agreement will be awarded to the bidder submitting the most advantageous tender. Evaluation will be based on a combination of pricing and supply information, technical submissions, and social value commitments. Technical evaluation criteria will include Supply Chain Management, Contract Coverage, Price Control, Lead Time Control, Availability Management, Delivery Excellence, Counterfeit Management, and Obsolescence Management. Social value considerations will focus on fair work practices, including the provision of fair wages and good working conditions, support for individuals to secure, maintain, and progress in employment, and the creation of employment and training opportunities for people facing barriers to employment, those living in deprived areas, individuals in sectors experiencing skills shortages, and those in high-growth industries.
Bidders should note that no business is guaranteed under any resulting Framework Agreement, and there is no commitment that a Framework Agreement will ultimately be awarded. The Authority reserves the right to withdraw the procurement at any stage and will not provide compensation, reimbursement, or other payments in the event that the tender process or any resulting Framework Agreement is cancelled or withdrawn. Participation in the procurement process constitutes acceptance of these conditions.
It should also be noted that this Planned Procurement Notice (PPN) does not represent a commitment to proceed with any future procurement activity. Following the conclusion expressions of interest process, the Authority may, at its sole discretion, proceed with the procurement as planned, pursue an alternative procurement or commercial route, or decide not to proceed at all.
Organisations wishing to express an interest in this forthcoming procurement may do so by emailing IRM_PROCUREMENT_TEAM @babcockinternational.com. Any information provided by email will be used for information purposes only and will not be evaluated or form part of the tender assessment process. Expressions of interest are voluntary and will not be used to restrict or limit competition in any way.