Sectoral and Technical Advisory Resource for Space (STARS)

Concepts

• sectoral and technical advisory resource for space
• inverness
• management consultancy
• strategic advisory support
• implementation of the hie space programme
• technical advisory resource
• role of the advisory support
• external independent sectoral
• hie space programme
• independent technical expertise

Location

Inverness

Description

THIS IS A CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE AND AS SUCH THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS IS COMPLETE. HIE are seeking to appoint suitably qualified and experienced external independent sectoral, technical and strategic advisory support to contribute to the implementation of the HIE Space Programme. The role of the advisory support is important to HIE’s governance around the HIE Space Programme, as it will provide continuity of advice and support to HIE as the Space Programme evolves. It is recognised that the pool of potential companies may be limited, not least by the need to ensure they do not have conflicts of interest which would impinge on their ability to independently advise HIE. For example, companies providing support to HIE should not have a commercial relationship with any proposed launch sites or operators. These services will be required between 23 May 2023 and 22 May 2025 for a period of 2 years, with HIE having the option to extend twice for a period not exceeding 1 year following the Initial Term (2+1+1 years i.e. maximum total extension period of 2 years, until 22 May 2026 or 2027). It is a duration contract and payments will be made in arrears, based on the services carried out. Therefore, the total amount paid under this contract might be less than the maximum budget (maximum budget is not guaranteed to be used up). Please refer to the Scope of Requirements and Tender Guidance document for full details.

Total Quantity or Scope

While there is a growing level of knowledge in relation to space within HIE, independent technical expertise is needed to support its decision-making processes and to highlight opportunities for the Region. To that end, we are seeking to appoint a Sectoral and Technical Advisory Resource for Space (STARS) which will support the wider HIE Space programme in its implementation and benefits realisation. HIE may also seek to draw down support from the STARS to inform ourselves and our engagement with the sector eg SaxaVord Spaceport, Spaceport 1 and for other projects, see below (Orbex, Machrihanish Airfield Community Company, and potentially others yet to emerge). Please refer to the Scope of Requirements and Tender Guidance document for full details.

Award Detail

Renewal Options

HIE reserves the right, on giving reasonable written notice from time to time, to require changes to the Services (whether by way of the removal of Services, the addition of new Services, or increasing or decreasing the Services or specifying the order in which the Services are to be performed or the locations where the Services are to be provided). HIE shall not require any such change other than where it is permitted by Regulation 72 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. The following are examples of potential modifications: -where significant new opportunities for economic and community development for the Highlands and Islands arose that would mean that HIE considers that it would benefit from additional Services of a similar character to the Services; -where HIE requires additional relevant Services as a result of changes in Scottish Government policy or as a result of a direction given to them by the Scottish Government; -services no longer required e.g. due to changes in the Space project; HIE budget etc; -reduction in volume of services required.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
• 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
• 71316000 - Telecommunication consultancy services
• 71351210 - Geophysical consultancy services
• 71621000 - Technical analysis or consultancy services
• 90710000 - Environmental management
• 71350000 - Engineering-related scientific and technical services
• 79311410 - Economic impact assessment
• 90711000 - Environmental impact assessment other than for construction
• 90712000 - Environmental planning
• 90713000 - Environmental issues consultancy services
• 71620000 - Analysis services
• 79310000 - Market research services
• 71313000 - Environmental engineering consultancy services

Indicators

• Options are available.
• Award on basis of price.

Other Information

Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. It is estimated that the total value of the services over the maximum duration of 4 years will be GBP 270,000 (excluding VAT). This is the figure which has been used in II.1.5 & II.2.6. (SC Ref:731053)