CONTRACT NOTICE – NATIONAL

1 Authority Details

1.1

Authority Name and Address

1.2

Address from which documentation may be obtained

1.3

Completed documents must be returned to:

2 Contract Details

2.1

Title

John O’Groats Artist’s Commission

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

This commission is a substantial opportunity for a permanent feature work in a stunning and very special site.

John O'Groats is one of Britain's best know destinations and a major transformation has been underway over the last few years.

In leading this development HIE have been committed to working with artists to ensure a creative and unique development to the highest standards, reflecting the special sense of place of this stunning location. A series of temporary and permanent works have been delivered so far; based on extensive research, broad consultation and working closely with the community - see John O'Groats Public Art Strategy and the John O’Groats Concept Art Report http://www.hie.co.uk/investors/regionally-significant-investments/jog/public-arts-strategy.html.

The work will be located at a central point in the public area above the harbour - see Site Map attached. This preferred site is a raised open grassy area overlooking the harbour and the Pentland Firth.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=319045.

The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.

Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

2.4

Total quantity or scope of tender

Funding for this project must be spent by 3rd August 2015 at the very latest. Consequently it is expected that these services will be required from December 2014 until end of August 2015 unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Contract conditions.

The total budget available to deliver this project is £118k max (excluding VAT) including all related costs for example, artist’s fee, materials, installation, rectifications, planning permissions, travel and all other necessary expenses for the delivery of this project.

3 Conditions for Participation

3.1

Minimum standards and qualification required

Suppliers will be required to have in place the undernoted policies prior to contract award and to maintain them throughout the term of the contract. Suppliers will also be expected to supply to HIE, upon request, copies of the policies and evidence of premiums paid.

Public Liability Insurance- minimum £5m for each and every claim

Employers Liability Insurance (unless a sole trader) – minimum £5m for each and every claim

Professional Indemnity Liability Insurance – minimum £250k for each and every claim

The artist/organisation will be responsible for any defects occurring in the first two years after installation. Appropriate insurance must be in place with a minimum cover of £130,000.

Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria will not be evaluated further. Evidence will be sought at the next stage prior to Contract Award.

4 Administrative Information

4.1

Type of Procedure

Dual stage

4.2

Reference number attributed to the notice by the contracting authority

N/a

4.3

Time Limits

4.5

Language or languages in which tenders or requests to participate can be drawn up

4.6

Tender Submission Postbox

5 Other Information

5.1

Additional Information

In order to participate, artists should register their interest in this contract on the Public Contracts Scotland website and download and complete all relevant PreQualification Questionnaire (PQQ) documentation.

This free registration process also gives them access to an on line Question & Answer facility which allows queries to be submitted (anonymously), and answers published and shared with all potential bidders.

This tender exercise will follow a competitive 2 stage process. Stage 1, the PQQ, is designed to allow HIE to identify a number of suitably qualified and experienced artists. The highest scoring (maximum of 4) from Stage 1 will be shortlisted and invited to go forward to Stage 2 - the Invitation to Tender (ITT) (Concept Design) Stage, which will include an interview. Those shortlisted will be provided with a fee towards their Concept Design stage.

PQQ submissions must be submitted via the PCS postbox and received by the date and time indicated with all questions answered. Hard copy responses will not be accepted. Full details of the process are provided in the PQQ documentation.

(SC Ref:319045)

5.2

Additional Documentation

5.3

Publication date of this notice