http://www.nwda.co.uk/docs/NWDA00268%20PQQ%202

Pre-Qualification Questionnaire NWDA00268

BUSINESS START UP

RETURN DATE FOR SUBMISSION Not later than 10.00 am on 1 September 2008

Issued 25 July 2008

RES002 V3/SC Issued: September 2007

1

CONTENTS

1.

2.

3.

4.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1.1

Purpose of the document

1.2

Scope of the requirement

1.3

Objectives of the requirement

1.4

Outline timetable for the procurement

1.5

Consortia and sub窶田ontracting

1.6

Queries about the procurement process

1.7

Supplier/organisation contact point

EVALUATION APPROACH 2.1

Procurement Process

2.2

Evaluation Criteria

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE RETURN OF THE COMPLETED PQQ DOCUMENTATION 3.1

Instructions for Completion

3.2

Important Notices

3.3

Freedom of Information legislation

PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE A.

Organisation identity

B.

Organisation information

C.

Compliance with EU legislation/UK procurement legislation

D.

Quality assurance

E.

Project Management

F.

Management Information and Reporting

G.

Financial and economic capacity

H.

Insurance

I.

References

J.

Disputes

K.

Business capability

L.

Technical capacity

M.

Prime Contractor

N.

Conflict of Interest

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5.

O.

Terms and Conditions of Contract

P.

Comments

Q.

Form completed by

APPENDIX A

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1.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1

Purpose of this document

1)

This PQQ is the first stage of the tender process and responses to this PQQ will enable the Agency to assess the ability, competence and financial standing of any Suppliers.

2)

Selected organisations will be invited to participate further in the second stage of this process (Invitation to Tender).

3)

This is a competitive procurement conducted in accordance with the Restricted Procedure under the EU Procurement Directives and as implemented in English Law in the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No.5) and such other UK regulations implementing its provisions as may be made from time to time.

4)

Please read this PQQ carefully before attempting to answer any questions. All parts of the Questionnaire must be completed and supporting information and evidence must be supplied where appropriate or requested. Failure to furnish the required information, make a satisfactory response to any question, or supply documentation referred to in responses, within the specified timescale, may mean that Suppliers will not be invited to participate further.

1.2

Scope of the requirement

There are 2 Lots within this PQQ. Organisations may bid for Lot 1 or Lot 2 but may not bid for both.

Lot 1 is a sole supplier Contract to provide a regional project management service across this particular project panel.

Lot 2 is a Panel and it is envisaged that between 5 and 120 organisations, which can be a single organisation, partnership, joint venture or consortium, will be selected for the Panel (hereinafter referred to as Panel Members). The Agency will be seeking to select a range of delivery organisations able to deliver as per the specification. The Agency must also give due regard to relevant Equality legislation and ensure that third sector Suppliers are afforded equal or equivalent opportunities.

Being selected as a Panel Member does not guarantee the award of any individual contracts under the Panel.

Although services will be commissioned by the Agency, the Panel Members may from time to time be required to act for the Agency or any other organisation/s in partnership with other entities both in the public and private sector.

1.3

Objectives of the requirement

The 2006 Regional Enterprise Strategy (RES) highlights business start up and survival as a key priority for developing the economy.

Currently the Northwest has some 18% fewer businesses (per 10,000 adults) than the England average, resulting in a gap of 91,000 businesses (VAT registered and self employed).

The Project The purpose of this Business Start Up (BSU) project is to contribute to the closing of this gap through building on the good practice and learning from BSU Phase I due to be completed by 31st March 2009. An interim evaluation of Phase I is due to be completed by the end of July 2008, and any recommendations will be incorporated into this project as appropriate. The project will be RES002 V3/SC Issued: September 2007

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compliant with Business Support Simplification Programme (BSSP) in that it will fit with the ‘Business Creation: Additional Help for Under Represented Groups and Priority Areas’ and Local Community Business Coaching products. For further information about BSSP please visit the BERR website (www.berr.gov.uk/bbf/simplifying-business-support/). The inclusion of which, does not obligate Northwest Development Agency (the Agency) or its partners to include this element within the final Invitation to Tender (ITT).

The focus of this project is to provide intensive and specialist services and support for people considering setting up in business including social enterprises, improve survival rates of businesses through targeted support for up to 36 months, and to contribute towards increased levels of enterprise activity - particularly within the underperforming groups/areas of the North West region. In addition, it should be noted that this could include ongoing support and aftercare for a range of clients who entered BSU Phase I. The service will complement and add to the universal start up service provided by Business Link that is available to any individual in the Northwest.

The Approach The Agency is developing an innovative new approach with partners which aims to: -

Package together relevant funding, e.g. from the Agency, Local Authorities, European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and any other relevant sources. This funding will provide the resource for participating partners to draw off delivery capacity from the Panel;

-

Achieve economies of scale and value for money; and

-

Achieve a clear, accountable, and simplified delivery structure in each area; and

-

Provide clients with easy local access to tailored services.

In addition to the panel there will be a regional project management service as part of this project.

Partners The partners potentially include the Northwest Regional Development Agency, individual or collaborations of Local Authorities, Sub Regional Partnerships, Urban Regeneration Companies or other similar organisations funded to improve levels of enterprise performance in their areas.

Priority Targets The service to clients will potentially be available across all 46 Local Authority areas of Northwest England. It is envisaged that resources will be focussed on target groups and areas that, in due course, will be defined by BSSP and these will be outlined within the ITT. These will be groups and areas that underperform in terms of enterprise. Target groups and areas must be compliant with BSSP. NB These priorities may need to be amended to be compliant with BSSP guidelines when published.

It should be noted that the contract will NOT provide support to High Growth businesses which are defined as: -

Start up businesses with the potential to achieve a turnover of £500,000 within 3 years and

-

Existing businesses with the potential to achieve a 20% growth per annum

Business support for this sector will be provided under a separate contract (High Growth Business Support Programme) which has been tendered by the Agency, and is excluded from this tender.

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Lots The Agency anticipates that this contract will consist of 2 ‘Lots’. Lot 1 providing a regional project management service and Lot 2, providing the Panel Members for BSU support delivery. The project value could be up to a maximum of £75,000,000 and will be for a maximum financial duration of 5 years. The exact value will be determined through negotiations/approvals with participating partners and ERDF. Services from Lot 2 will be called off from the Panel by the Agency, participating partners or a combination/s thereof.

Organisations may bid for Lot 1 or Lot 2 but may not bid for both Lots. Similarly, subsidiary companies of the same organisation cannot bid for both Lots.

Lot 1 – Regional Project Management To provide the Agency and participating partners with a range of project management services including:Regional management of the overall project -

Quality assurance of the performance of the project and Lot 2 Panel Members possibly including client satisfaction surveys, mystery shopping, advisor assessment panels and compliance with project specification;

-

Monitoring and evaluation of the overall project;

-

Aggregation and analysis of expenditure, outputs and impacts of the project and the collation and submission of reports/claims to the funding bodies;

-

Communication with other partners and stakeholders on the overall performance of the project.

Lot 2 – Local Delivery To provide local delivery of specialist and intensive support to target groups/areas.

The focus of this project is to provide intensive and specialist services and support for people considering setting up in business, improve survival rates of businesses through targeted support for up to 36 months, and to contribute towards increased levels of enterprise activity - particularly within the underperforming groups/areas of the North West region.

The target client group for support are those people with a desire to start a business or have started a business less than 3 years old - VAT registered business or self employment. Support will be available to individuals whilst they are in the process of creating and starting their businesses, as well as ongoing support to the business for up to 36 months from the commencement of trading.

This project will aim to ensure that individuals who are in need of support to start a business receive the relevant skills, confidence and practical assistance to set up their business, and that a subsequent level of support is available to improve business survival rates and potential growth in the future years.

The nature of the project’s support provision will include engagement with clients, enquiry handling, business diagnostic service, direct training (in one-to-one as well as one-to-many situations), and trading/aftercare support for the businesses once they start trading. It will build on the universal service provided by Business Link.

The project will include on going support to individuals and businesses that have been assisted by the Agency’s current BSU project which is due to conclude on 31 March 2009

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Bidders Conference A bidders’ conference will be held at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton on 5 August at 10.30am, (registration from 9.45am) and will conclude at 1.00pm, further details of which can be found @ www.nwda.co.uk/pqqstartup. The event will be an opportunity to provide a broad overview of the services to be delivered under this contract and where necessary for bidders to further strengthen or build their consortium.

1.4

Outline Timetable for the procurement:

Anticipated dates are Bidders Conference Return of Pre-Qualification Questionnaire Invitation to Tender issue date Anticipated Tenders Conference Invitation to Tender return date Tender Presentations Post Bid Clarifications Contract award date

1.5

5 August 2008 1 September 2008 20 October 2008 October 1 December 2008 December 2008/January 2009 January 2009 February 2009

Consortia and sub-contracting

Lot 1 The Agency wishes to receive responses from any Supplier who can deliver all aspects the regional management service. It is recognised that some specialist elements, e.g. customer satisfaction surveys may be subcontracted.

Lot 2 The Agency is seeking to achieve a more a simplified delivery structure in each locality. If this cannot be provided by a single organisation, then a consortium, partnership or joint venture or similarly integrated structure would be considered.

The Agency is looking to receive responses from any organisation capable of delivering all aspects of the service specification for particular groups/areas, however where a consortium, partnership or joint venture consortium approach is proposed, all information requested should be given in respect of the proposed prime contractor or consortium leader. Relevant information should also be provided in respect of consortium members who will play a significant role in the delivery of services or products under any ensuing contract. Responses must enable the Agency to assess the overall specialist service proposed.

The Agency does not wish to receive responses from any Supplier wishing to subcontract all or parts of the service.

Where the proposed prime contractor is a special purpose vehicle or holding company, information should be provided of the extent to which it will call upon the resources and expertise of its members.

The Agency recognises that arrangements in relation to consortia and sub-contracting may be subject to future change. Service providers/organisations should therefore respond in the light of such arrangements as are currently envisaged.

The Agency intends seeking independent financial and market advice to validate information declared or to assist in the evaluation.

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1.6

Queries about the procurement process

The Agency will not enter into detailed discussion of the requirements at this stage.

All questions must be addressed to Tender.Board@nwda.co.uk and be received at least 5 working days before the submission date, otherwise a response cannot be guaranteed.

Replies will be given no later than 27 August 2008.

If the Agency considers any question or request for clarification to be of material significance, both the query and the response will be communicated on the Agency’s website, www.nwda.co.uk/tenders in an anonymous form.

It is the responsibility of Suppliers to check this website for information on a regular basis.

1.7

Supplier / Organisation contact point

Section 4.A requires suppliers to provide a single point of contact in their organisation for their response to the PQQ. The Agency shall not be responsible for contacting the supplier through any route other than the nominated contact supplied. The supplier must therefore undertake to notify any changes relating to the single point of contact promptly to karen.burton@nwda.co.uk.

2.

EVALUATION APPROACH

2.1

Procurement Process

The procurement process will follow a structured selection and tender process led by the Agency but may involve participating partners.

The Pre-Qualification Questionnaire will be given an overall score as shown in the Evaluation Criteria below.

This Stage 1 evaluation will lead to a provisional selection. Only those Suppliers who are shortlisted following the PQQ evaluation exercise will then be invited to tender.

2.2

Evaluation Criteria

The Agency’s approach to evaluation of tenders is shown below. Each individual tender may require relevant criteria to be based on the technical nature of the goods or services being procured: these will then be detailed in the PQQ or ITT. The objective of the selection process is to assess the responses to the PQQ and select Suppliers to proceed to the next stage of the procurement on an evidenced based approach.

Selection criteria will be a combination of both financial and non-financial factors and will consider: a) Supplier Acceptability – status of supplier (in relation to Regulation 23(4) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No 5)). A summary of Regulation 23(4) is included in Section 4. b) Economic and Financial Standing – the supplier must be in a sound financial position to participate in this procurement as set out in Regulation 24 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No 5). This may entail independent financial checks. c) Supplier Track Record - The supplier must be able to demonstrate a successful track record of providing similar services to those listed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) notice as set out in Regulation 25 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No. 5).

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d) Supplier capacity and capability – Assessment of the totality of resources and core competences available to the supplier(s) in the delivery of this service.

The high level Evaluation Criteria for the assessment of tenders are as follows: Question Organisation Information Organisational Structure Lead Contractor Status Legal Obligations Quality Project Management Management Information Financial References Experience Knowledge and Expertise of Personnel Cost and Value for Money

Weighting FI 1 5 In/Out 5 5 2 In/Out 5 5 5 5

However, for this PQQ the detailed Evaluation Criteria for the assessment are as follows: Lot 1 Questions A Organisation Identity B (1) Is your organisation a SME? B (2) Organisational Type B (3) Enclosed organisation structure B (4) Are you a subsidiary/holding/parent company?

B (5) Executive Directors / Partners B (6) Brief History C Public Contracts Regulations D (1) Quality Assurance certification D (2) QA criteria E (1) Project Management Methodologies E (2) Risk Management E (3) Value Management Experience F (1) Management Information & Reporting G Financial H Insurance I (1) References - Private Sector I (2) References - Public Sector J Disputes K (1) Professional or Trade bodies K (2) Staff turnover K (3) Acts - disability, equal opportunities K (4) Number of locations of premises K (5) Number of staff for this work K (6) Data Protection L (1) Previous Experience L (2) Go live, April 2009 L (3) Fit with Business Link Services L (4) Key Challenges for the NW RES002 V3/SC Issued: September 2007

Weighting FI FI 1 1 1 1 1 In/Out 5 5 5 5 5 5 In/Out In/Out 5 5 In/Out 1 2 In/Out 2 2 In/Out 1 5 5 2 9

L (5) Innovation as part of service L (6) Local Accountability L (7) Major public sector contracts L (8) Fit with other start up services L (9) QA procedures M Prime Contractor N Conflict of Interest O Terms and Conditions Overall compliance with PQQ instructions Overall presentation of PQQ submission

5 1 5 2 5 5 In/Out In/Out In/Out 5

*Note: References will be evaluated based on the calibre (organisations and relevance) not the actual reference as these will be sought at Stage 2.

Invitation to Tender Stage Suppliers will be informed in writing of the Agency’s decision concerning their submission.

Lot 2 Questions A Organisation Identity B (1) Is your organisation a SME? B (2) Organisational Type B (3) Enclosed organisation structure B (4) Are you a subsidiary/holding/parent company?

B (5) Executive Directors / Partners B (6) Brief History C Public Contracts Regulations D (1) Quality Assurance certification D (2) QA criteria E (1) Project Management Methodologies E (2) Risk Management E (3) Value Management Experience F (1) Management Information & Reporting G Financial H Insurance I (1) References - Private Sector I (2) References - Public Sector J Disputes K (1) Professional or Trade bodies K (2) Staff turnover K (3) Acts - disability, equal opportunities K (4) Number of locations of premises K (5) Number of staff for this work K (6) Data Protection L (1) Previous Experience L (2) Go live, April 2009 L (3) Fit with Business Link Service L (4) Key Challenges for the NW L (5) Innovation as part of service L (6) Local Accountability L (7) Major public sector contracts L (8) Fit with other start up services RES002 V3/SC Issued: September 2007

Weighting FI FI 1 1 1 1 1 In/Out 5 5 5 5 5 5 In/Out In/Out 5 5 In/Out 1 2 In/Out 5 2 In/Out 5 5 5 5 2 5 2 5 10

L (9) QA procedures M Prime Contractor N Conflict of Interest O Terms and Conditions Overall compliance with PQQ instructions Overall presentation of PQQ submission

5 5 In/Out In/Out In/Out 5

*Note: References will be evaluated based on the calibre (organisations and relevance) not the actual reference as these will be sought at Stage 2.

Weighting The following weightings definition applies: 5 – Is perceived as an essential requirement 2 – Is perceived as a preferred/minimum requirement 1 – Is perceived as a desirable requirement FI – Is perceived as for information only (i.e.no impact) In/Out Questions are perceived as mission-critical requirements and thus will not attract a score or weighting, but will determine whether a Supplier remains in the process.

Scoring The following scoring definition applies: 2 - Response exceeds requirement, appearing to offer improved value for money 1 - Response appears to meet requirements 0 - Response does not appear to meet requirements.

Invitation to Tender Stage Suppliers will be informed in writing of the Agency’s decision concerning their submission.

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3.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RETURN OF THE COMPLETED PQQ DOCUMENTATION

3.1

Instructions for Completion

1)

Responses should be returned by no later than the date and time stated on the front of this PQQ.

2)

PQQ’s must be submitted in paper format in one original and two copies. The complete PQQ must also be supplied in electronic format (CD or DVD). The electronic format must contain exactly the same proposal as the paper version enclosed. Please ensure that all documents on the CD or DVD have your organisations name in the title. Please note memory sticks are not accepted. PQQ’s must not be submitted via e-mail or fax unless specifically requested.

3)

If the Agency considers any question or request for clarification to be of material significance, both the query and the response will be posted on the Agency's website at www.nwda.co.uk/tenders in an anonymous form. It is the responsibility of Suppliers to check this website periodically before the submission date to check for any updates and to incorporate these updates into its submission. All questions must be addressed to Tender.Board@nwda.co.uk and be received at least 5 working days before the submission date, otherwise a response cannot be guaranteed.

4)

Documentation must be returned to: Tender Board, Northwest Development Agency, Brew House, Wilderspool Park, Greenalls Avenue, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6HL. A direction map can be downloaded from the Agency’s website: www.nwda.co.uk About NWDA, Office Locations, Cheshire Office.

5)

The PQQ address label must be used for the return of documentation. Envelopes/packages should be plain and must not show any reference to the Supplier's identity. The PQQ address label must be placed on the front of the return envelope. Documentation without the label or in envelopes, which in any way identify the Supplier, may be rejected.

6)

The date and time for return of the documents is shown on the label and in the PQQ. Documents must be returned no later than the date and time stated. Completed documents will be received up to the time and date stated. It is the Supplier's responsibility to ensure that their documents are received on time. The Agency does not undertake to consider documents received after that time unless there is sufficient evidence to pre-suppose its due delivery.

7)

Documents must be returned either by post, or by hand to the reception desk ensuring that a member of staff notes the time and date of receipt. Documents delivered otherwise may not arrive on time.

8)

The Agency does not acknowledge receipt of documents and accepts no responsibility for loss or non-receipt of applications.

9)

Submissions may be rejected if any of the requested information is not completed and/or supplied. If any of the requested information is missing or is incorrect, the proposal may be rejected on that sole basis and the submission will not be evaluated further.

10)

Prices are not required at this stage.

11)

Suppliers must not try to obtain any information about any other party's submission or proposed submissions before the contract is awarded.

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12)

Suppliers must not arrange with any other party the submission of any documentation, except in the cases where sub-contracting and/or joint ventures are applicable.

13)

Suppliers will be required to confirm acceptance of the Agency's Standard Terms and Conditions of Contract. Failure to accept the Agency's Terms and Conditions of Contract may result in Suppliers being disqualified from taking any further part in this process.

14)

All responses must be in English.

15)

All PQQ responses (or supporting and supplementary documentation) should be presented in the same order as, and must be cross-referenced to, the relevant question. Any separate sheets must be appended in the PQQ response document. All PQQ responses must be appropriately bound and any appendices must be clearly indexed or labelled.

3.2

Important Notices

1)

The information in this document provides an outline of the restricted procedure procurement process that the Agency intends to follow, although it reserves the right to amend this process or cancel the procurement at any stage without prior consultation.

Under no circumstances will the Agency or its advisers be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by Suppliers during the procurement process. Expressions of interest are only sought from organisations that are agreeable to these arrangements.

2)

The information in this PQQ is provisional and will be superseded by the Invitation to Tender.

3)

The information provided is intended only as an explanation of the Agency’s requirements and is not intended to form the basis of a Supplier’s decision on whether to enter into any contractual relationship with the Agency. The information provided shall not form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract.

4)

Whilst all materials supplied have been prepared in good faith the information provided has not been independently verified and does not purport to be all-inclusive or to contain all the information that a prospective supplier may require. Suppliers are responsible for making such checks and investigations as they consider appropriate. The supply of the information provided to Suppliers does not constitute an obligation to give further information or to update the information provided or to correct any information that is incomplete or inaccurate.

5)

None of the Agency’s directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or advisers (together the “Issuers”) make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information provided. Neither do they make any representation or give any warranty, express or implied, with respect to this document or any matter on which it is based (including, without limitation, any financial details). Any liability is therefore expressly disclaimed.

6)

Neither the Agency nor the Issuers shall be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance on the information provided. The subject matter of this document shall only have any contractual effect when it is covered and contained in the express terms of an executed contract.

7)

The issue of this document in no way commits the Agency to award any Contract pursuant to the bid process nor does it constitute an offer to enter into a contractual relationship.

8)

Save as provided below, in no circumstances shall the Agency or the Issuers incur any liability whatsoever or be liable for any expenses incurred by applicants at any time. Any and all liability in relation to this document is hereby expressly disclaimed and excluded to the maximum extent permissible by law. The exclusions of liability contained in this paragraph do not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by the Issuers’ negligence and/or to fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation by the Issuers.

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9)

The information provided is not, nor is it to be taken as, the giving of investment advice by the Agency or any of the Issuers nor is it an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity.

10)

The Agency does not bind itself to accept any PQQ or Tender.

11)

A payment schedule will be agreed. However, please note that the Agency's standard payment terms are 30 days and method is by BACS. The Agency will not deviate from this method.

12)

It should be noted that any information given at this stage by the Supplier will be subject to verification at later stages of the procurement process. If any error, omission or misrepresentation is discovered, the Agency reserves the right to disqualify the Supplier from further participation in the process, no matter what stage the process has reached.

13)

Responses will be evaluated in accordance with the procedures set out in Section 2. In the event that none of the responses are deemed satisfactory, the Agency reserves the right to consider alternative procurement options.

3.3

Freedom of Information Legislation

1)

The Agency may be obliged to disclose information provided by Suppliers in response to this PQQ under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, all subordinate legislation made under this and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (“the Freedom of Information Legislation�).

2)

Suppliers should be aware that the information they provide could be disclosed in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Legislation. The Agency will proceed on the basis of disclosure unless an appropriate exemption applies. Suppliers should be aware that despite the availability of some exemptions, information may still be disclosed if the public interest in its disclosure outweighs the public interest in maintaining the exemption.

No response to this PQQ should be covered by a general statement regarding its overall confidentiality; instead any specific areas of confidential information should be highlighted in accordance with paragraph 3 below. The Agency accepts no liability for loss as a result of any information disclosed in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Legislation.

3)

Suppliers should highlight information in their responses which they consider to be commercially sensitive or confidential in nature, and should state the precise reasons why they consider this.

4)

The Agency will use reasonable endeavours to consult with Suppliers over the release of information which is highlighted by them as commercially sensitive or confidential.

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4.

PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE

A

ORGANISATION IDENTITY

Name of the company (prime or single contractor) in whose name the tender would be submitted Contact name (Single point of Contact): Address:

Telephone number: Facsimile number: E-mail address: Company Registration number, date of registration and registration address: VAT Registration number: Website address (if any)

This PQQ is submitted as an initial request to be considered for: Lot 1

Regional Project Management

*Yes

*No

Lot 2

Local Delivery Panel

*Yes

*No

NB. BIDDERS MAY BID FOR EITHER LOT BUT NOT BOTH. Please indicate where your organisation/consortium is proposing to provide specialist and intensive support in the following areas. Complete one table per consortia. Please also indicate if this capacity is existing (E) or planned (P) and provide additional information on your capacity and capabilities. For example: Local Authority Area

Women

Anywhere area

E

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BME

15

Disabled

Other (please specify –e.g. young, old, ex offenders & generalist (all groups)

E

Ex offenders - P

Local Authority Area

Women

BME

Disabled

Cheshire and Warrington Chester City Congleton Crewe and Nantwich Ellesmere Port and Neston Halton Macclesfield Vale Royal Warrington Cumbria Allerdale Copeland Barrow in Furness Carlisle City Eden South Lakeland Greater Manchester Bolton Bury Manchester City Oldham Rochdale Salford City Stockport Tameside Trafford Wigan Lancashire Blackburn with Darwen Blackpool

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Other (please specify –e.g. young, old, ex offenders & generalist (all groups)

Burnley Chorley Fylde Hyndburn Lancaster City Pendle Preston Ribble Valley Rossendale South Ribble West Lancashire Wyre Merseyside Knowsley Liverpool City Sefton St Helens Wirral

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B

ORGANISATION INFORMATION

(1) Is your organisation a Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) as defined in Section 382 & 465 of the Companies Act (2006)?

(2) Is your organisation:

Y/N

i) a public limited company?

Y/N

iii) a sole trader?

Y/N

ii) a limited company?

Y/N

iv) a partnership?

Y/N

v) a limited liability partnership?

Y/N

vi) a social enterprise

Y/N

(3) Confirmation that an organisation structure chart is enclosed with this completed questionnaire

Y/N

(4) Is your company a subsidiary of another company, a holding or a parent company?

Y/N

Address for the organisation’s holding or parent company, country of origin and registration number (if applicable) Address for the organisation’s ultimate parent company, country of origin and registration number (if applicable) (5) Executive Directors/ Partners: Name

Responsibility

(6) Brief history of your organisation (not more than 200 words):

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C

COMPLIANCE WITH EU LEGISLATION/ UK PROCUREMENT LEGISLATION

Regulation 23 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 applies to the current tendering competition. Applicants must provide full details in respect of whether: i. Any matters referred to in Regulation 23 (1) (being grounds for mandatory exclusion) apply to the applicant, and in the case of a consortium applicant, to any of its constituent members, or to any of its or their directors, or to any other person who has powers of representation, decision or control of the applicant or, in the case of a consortium applicant, any of its constituent members?

Y/N

ii. Any of the matters referred to in Regulation 23(4) (being grounds for discretionary exclusion) apply to the Applicant, and in the case of a consortium applicant, to any of its constituent members?

Y/N

The Agency may seek evidence at a later date, in confirmation of your answer.

For convenience, the text of Regulation 23 can be found in Appendix A

D

QUALITY ASSURANCE

(1) Please provide details of any quality assurance certification that your company holds e.g. IS0 9000 or equivalent standard.

Please include a copy of any certificate.

If no accreditation is held, please provide documentary evidence of your quality assurance capabilities.

(2) Lot 1 – Please provide details of your existing procedures that could be adopted to ensure quality of organisational delivery from the Lot 2 Panel, or Lot 2 - Please provide details of your existing procedures that would be utilised to ensure quality of advice and service being provided by advisors

E

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

(1) Please provide details of any project management methodologies used/ where you have knowledge, e.g. PRINCE2 or OGC Gateway, enclosing any relevant documentation.

(2) Please provide details (including examples) of your Risk Management method, experience and capabilities

(3) Please provide details (including examples) of your Value Management

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experience and capabilities

F

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION & REPORTING

(1) Please provide details (including examples) of your standard management information reporting capabilities.

G

FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CAPACITY

The following financial information is required.

(1) A copy of the most recent audited accounts for your organisation that cover the last three years of trading or for the period that is available if trading for less than three years.

(2) A statement of the organisation’s turnover, Profit & Loss and cash flow position for the most recent full year of trading (or part year if full year not applicable) and an end period balance sheet, where this information is not available in an audited form at (1).

(3) Where (2) cannot be provided, a statement of the organisation’s cash flow forecast for the current year and a bank letter outlining the current cash and credit facility position.

(4) If the organisation is a subsidiary of a group, (1) to (3) are required for both the subsidiary and the ultimate parent. Where a consortium or association is proposed, the information is requested for each member company.

(5) A separate statement of the organisation’s turnover that relates directly to the supply of this service for the past three years, or for the period the organisation has been trading (if less than three years).

(6) If applicable, parent company and/or other guarantees of performance and financial standing may be required if considered appropriate. Confirm your organisation’s willingness and ability to arrange for a collateral warranty, parent company guarantee and /or performance bond if called upon.

Y/N

(7) Has your organisation made any application for third party funding – including State Aid assistance – in relation to the services you are intending to provide?

Y/N

(8) Please give address to which Payment/Remittances should be sent:

(9) Please also advise if your invoice address is different from the above:

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H

INSURANCE

Please confirm that your organisation’s insurance cover meets the Agency’s requirements below.

Policy

Value

Employer’s Liability

£5m

Public Liability

£5m

Professional Indemnity

£5m

Y/N

If not, please indicate that you will arrange for this insurance cover if successful in this tender.

I

Y/N

REFERENCES

Note: the Agency may elect to contact any of the given companies for a reference at any stage of the tendering process. Your permission to do so will be assumed unless you explicitly state any objections.

(1) Please provide details of three major recent private sector contracts you have been awarded for the provision of services similar to those required by the Agency Customer name and address

Contact name and Telephone number

Date contract awarded & duration of contract

Contract reference and brief description of service undertaken

Names of subcontractors and/ or consortium members and their role

1.

2.

3.

(2) Please provide details of any major recent contracts you have been awarded by organisations in the wider public sector (eg government departments, local authorities, NHS trusts, FE/HE, RDAs) for the provision of services similar to those required by the Agency Customer name and address

Contact name and Telephone number

Date contract awarded & duration of contract

1.

2.

3.

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Contract reference and brief description of service undertaken

Names of subcontractors and/ or consortium members and their role

J

DISPUTES

(1) In the last 3 years, has your organisation failed to complete a contract on time or at all, or where there have been claims for damages, or where damages have been deducted or recovered? YES/NO

If Yes, please provide the following details relating to the claim Customer name and address (postal & e-mail)

Contract reference and brief description of services provided

(2) Has your Company had a contract terminated or your employment determined under the terms of a contract within the last 5 years?

Customer name and address (postal & e-mail)

Y/N

Reason for claim

If Yes, please provide details:

Contract reference and brief description of services provided

(3) Has your Company had a contract that was not renewed due to failure to perform to the terms of a previous contract within the last 5 years?

Date of claim/ contract termination

Date of claim/ contract termination

Reason for contract termination

Y/N

If Yes, please provide details:

(4) Has your organisation been Y/N involved in any court action and/ or significant employment tribunal over the last 3 years?

If Yes, please provide details:

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(5) Are there any court actions and/ or significant employment tribunal hearings outstanding or pending against your organisation?

K

Y/N

If Yes, please provide details:

BUSINESS CAPABILITY

(1) To which professional or trade bodies your organisation belongs

(2) Details of staff turnover as percentage of your workforce (specifically engaged in the provision of services required by the Agency) for the last 3 years.

(3) Please confirm that you have policy documents relating to the following Acts: Disability, Equal Pay, Rehabilitation of Offenders, Equal Opportunities, Sex, Race Discrimination and Age Discrimination.

Y/N

(4) Number and locations of premises from which your organisation provides services similar to those required by the Agency (including details of staff numbers at each location)

(5) State the approximate number of staff in your Company engaged in the specific type of work for which you are applying. The figures are to be broken down by specific discipline and include core skills, competencies and relevant professional qualifications.

(6) Is your organisation registered under the Data Protection Act 1998? If yes, please provide your registration number.

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Y/N

L

TECHNICAL CAPACITY – NB word limit to 250 words per question

(1) Please outline your organisation or consortium’s experience in providing advice or support to the client groups and areas indicated earlier (pages 16 -17)

(2) It is likely that successful bidders will be notified by mid February 2009.Please explain how your organisation or consortium is able to put the required service in place to go live in April 2009?

Where you have indicated on pages 16 - 17 planned capacity please explain how/when this capacity will be in place.

(3) Outline how your organisation or consortium will ensure that the business start up provision within this contract fits effectively with the universal start up service provided by Business Link – for instance use of the IDB model, brand, communication with Business Link, referrals process.

(4) Please define the current key challenges faced by the North West in relation to the provision of consistent business support services at a local level.

(5) What additionality or innovation would your organisation offer in support of North West business start up / survivability as part of the service offering?

(6) This service will be required to deliver a flexible, local and accessible service to target client groups and areas across the North West region. How will you structure your service to achieve this requirement (e.g. accessibility, location, opening times, availability of advisors)?

(7) Outline the experience or capacity of your organisation / consortium to manage major public sector funded start up contracts and deliver programmes including EU funding.

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(8) How could your organisation / consortium align the services in this contract to the wider start up services market place in the North West to deliver enhanced partnership working and customer satisfaction?

(9) Outline your organisations/consortium procedures for ensuring the quality of service being provided and how achievement of key stages of an individual’s progress to start up and survival are recorded, monitored and audited.

M

PRIME CONTRACTOR

(1) Please select either a or b and answer as applicable a) Your organisation is bidding to provide all the services required

Y/N

b) Your organisation is bidding in the role of Prime Contractor and intends to form a partnerships/joint venture/consortium with third parties to deliver the services

Y/N

(2) If your answer to 1 is (b), please identify intended subcontractors/ partners /consortium members for the bid (if currently known) below: Organisation name

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Organisation address and contact details

25

Service provision responsibility and details of legal arrangements between partners (if known) indicating area/group specialism

N

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

(1) Are you aware of any conflicts of interest between your organisation/consortium and the Agency?

Y/N

*Where there is any indication that a conflict of interest exists or may arise, then it shall be the responsibility of the Supplier to inform the Agency, detailing the conflict in writing as an attachment to this PQQ. The Agency will be the final arbiter in cases of potential conflicts of interest.

Failure to notify the Agency of any potential conflict of interest will invalidate any verbal or written agreement A Conflict of interest is where a person who is involved in the procurement has or may be perceived to have a personal interest in ensuring that a particular supplier is successful. Actual and potential conflicts of interest must be declared by a person involved in a tender process.

O

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT

Your organisation agrees to carry out all contracts and/or other awards of business in accordance with the Agency’s standard Terms and Conditions of Contract for Services.

Failure to accept the Agency’s Terms and Conditions of Contract may result in Suppliers being disqualified from taking any further part in this process.

You are advised to take legal advice on the Contract terms before answering this question. If you respond with a “Y”, no amendments will be allowed to the Contract terms at any later stage of this process.

P

FORM COMPLETED BY:

Signature

Name

Position

Date

Telephone number

E-mail address

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Y/N

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APPENDIX A SUMMARY OF INELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS PROVIDED BY REGULATION 23(4) OF THE PUBLIC CONTRACTS REGULATIONS 2006 (SI 2006 NO 5) This summary is offered only as an indication for the convenience of bidders. Bidders should refer to the Regulations and satisfy themselves that they are not ineligible.

Regulation 23(4) sets out the grounds on which a services provider may be deemed ineligible to tender for or be awarded a public contract. Rejection is permissible when a Service Provider: - is in a state of bankruptcy insolvency compulsory winding up, administration, receivership, composition with creditors or any analogous state, or subject to relevant proceedings; - has been convicted of a criminal offence related to business or professional conduct; - has committed an act of grave misconduct in the course of business; - has not fulfilled obligations relating to payment of social security contributions; - has not fulfilled obligations relating to payment of taxes; - is guilty of serious misrepresentations in supplying information required by the Agency under the Regulations - is not in possession of a licence or not a member of the appropriate organisation where the law of that State requires it; or - subject to paragraphs (5) and (6) of Regulation 23, is not registered on the professional or trade register of the relevant State in which established

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