Expressions of Interest

The selection of the preferred development partner will be conducted in accordance with the Competitive Dialogue procedure, as defined in Article 29 of Directive 2004/18/EC. A Contract Notice was despatched on 10 March 2008 for publication in the Official Journal of the European Journal (OJEU).

The process will involve a number of stages as follows:-

• Evaluation of the completed PQQ
• Shortlisting of tenders
• Issue of the ITPD
• Dialogue phase
• Invitation to submit final tenders
• Fine tuning and clarification if requested by AWM and WCC
• Selection of a preferred bidder
• Standstill period
• Award of contract
• Concluding of agreement

Interestedfirms who request to be invited tp participate in the dialogue will be provided with a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) which is available here. Qualification will be evaluated upon the basis of the information submitted by each potential development partner, together with any related supporting documentation where appropriate.

In particular however, responses to the PQQ should contain the following:

1. Company Information

Full title of company and address of its registered office and company registration number. In the case of a Joint Venture (JV) or consortium proposal, details of all companies should be given, together with confirmation of which will be the lead company and the basis of the relationship between the other parties.
For a JV, confirmation of whether the JV is currently a legal entity or not will be required. Confirmation of any parent or subsidiary company, if applicable.

2. Track Record

Full details of the company’s track record in undertaking similar projects, in particular working in partnership with local authorities. Illustrative examples, including client references of current and previous schemes, if available, can be provided in support of this element of the submission.

3. Financial Information

Confirmation of how the company would propose to fund any development. The company should provide a statement of the precise role it envisages having in the development process.

4. Proposed Professional Team

Details of the proposed team including architects, with appropriate examples of all key team members’ track record in comparable regeneration projects and examples of where the team has worked together previously. Details of who will lead the team and the main day to day contact should also be provided. Confirmation that sufficient resources are readily available having consideration to other current projects.

5. Understanding the Brief

AWM and WCC are not seeking design proposals at the initial submission stage. Developers should however provide a statement demonstrating their understanding of the objectives and requirements for the development opportunities and provide their initial thoughts/concepts (limited to 2,000 words) together with management proposals.

6. Phasing

Detail on how it is envisaged that development of i54 will be procured following the initial proposals, including phased schemes on the Regional Investment Site and the developers’ proposals for dealing with the Major Investment Site. This should take into account the requirement of AWM and WCC to generate as much early development as possible.

7. Major Investment Site

It is possible that demand for this site, from a single occupier, may involve a direct sale of the MIS to that occupier. The way in which a development partner would deal with the direct sale of this part of i54 to an occupier must be covered in the developer’s proposal.

8. Sustainability / Design / Creativity

The approach taken by AWM and WCC in assessing sustainability is posted upon the i54 web site. Approaches to and experience of complying with sustainable and energy efficient development will be an important aspect of the selection process. The developer’s approach to innovation in design, construction and management – together with creative aspects of approach that will add value to the overall scheme will also be considered. Collaboration with local universities and other education bodies, creating potential centres for excellence, will be encouraged.

Qualification Criteria

Responses to the PQQ, will be used in the first stage of selecting developers.

Developers will be evaluated according to the following criteria in order to prepare a shortlist of parties who will be invited to participate in the dialogue and to submit an outline solution:-

• Personal Standing
• Economic & Financial standing
• Technical & Professional Ability

Prior to PQQs being submitted, AWM and WCC may or may not arrange a bidders’ conference, in which they will provide further information to potential bidders about the scheme, and will enable potential bidders to clarify issues.

The deadline for submission of completed PQQs is 12 noon Friday 9th May 2008.

8 hard copies of the completed PQQ and one copy on CD is to be provided in a plain envelope marked “Strictly Private & Confidential”
And
"i54 Dialogue – Not to be Opened Before 12 Noon on Friday 9th May 2008”.

The envelopes should be addressed as follows:-

Advantage West Midlands
3 Priestley Wharf
Holt Street
Aston Science Park
Birmingham
B7 4BN
For the attention of Steve Holland

Please ensure that the envelopes do not identify the name of the tenderer, as non compliance with this requirement may result in disqualification. Electronic and fax submissions will not be accepted.

Short listed parties will be notified during June 2008.

Award Criteria

Stage 2 submissions will then be invited from applicants who will be advised of the format and timing for detailed submissions at such time. The award criteria will be communicated at the ITPD stage. This is envisaged to be early September 2008.

Advantage West Midlands and Wolverhampton City Council reserve the right to alter this timescale.