774_18 eProcurement Solutions

ESPO is seeking to establish a framework agreement with a number of Service Providers for the provision of eProcurement Solutions.

The Framework will offer customers access to a number of comprehensive eProcurement web-based solutions and will be split into seven distinct modules:

Service providers must be able to deliver the above 6 core modules as a minimum.

The procure-to-pay module is a non-mandatory solution to be delivered through the framework should the service provider offer the module as part of their services.

• Procure-to-Pay (P2P)

The Invitation to Tender documentation can only be requested directly from tenders@espo.org.

ESPO operates an eProcurement portal, through which it usually conducts tender exercises. However, ESPO has determined that the specialised nature of this procurement means that, in order to be able to demonstrate that the confidentiality of tenders has been preserved, the use of electronic means of communication would require specific tools, devices or file formats that are not generally available or supported by generally available applications. Regulation 22(3) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 permits ESPO not to use electronic means of communication in these circumstances. Therefore, ESPO shall carry out communication in accordance with regulation 22(4) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the tender process will be completed outside the portal, through a postal exercise.

In order to submit a tender for this procurement, you are required to submit one paper copy and one electronic copy (i.e. USB 'flash' drive), to ESPO prior to the tender closing date and time.

Further details on this process are contained within the Invitation to Tender.

Any communications during the process will be via tenders@espo.org. All Tenderers must regularly check their designated email for updates and have sole responsibility for doing so.

The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months. The total estimated value stated includes the option period.

Please note: the closing date and time for submission of tenders is 17:00, 16 November 2018

Additional information: The Invitation to Tender documentation can only be requested directly from tenders@espo.org.

Please note: the closing date and time for submission of tenders is 17:00, 16 November 2018.

As a Central Purchasing Body as defined by the EU Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU, the Framework Agreement is open for use by Public Bodies (defined at https://www.espo.org/ESPO/media/Documents/FAQs/ESPO-s_powers_to_trade__website_-2016-12-22.pdf) that also fall into one of the following classifications of user throughout all administrative regions of the UK: Local Authorities; Educational Establishments (including Academies); Central Government Departments and Agencies; Police, Fire & Rescue and Coastguard Emergency Services; NHS and HSC Bodies, including Ambulance Services; Registered Charities; Registered Social Landlords; or any public body established by or under the Scotland Act 1998 or any Act of the Scottish Parliament. Details of the classification of end user establishments and geographical areas are available at: http://www.espo.org/About-us-%281%29/FAQs/Legal

ESPO has established a commercial trading company, ESPO Trading Limited, whose target clients are third sector organisations such as national and local charities, public sector mutual organisations and other organisations involved in the delivery of services to or for the public sector. The successful Supplier will be asked to enter into an additional separate framework agreement (the Second Framework) with ESPO Trading Limited on materially similar terms to that found in the tender pack to be entered into by ESPO itself.

The Second Framework agreement will be a purely commercial agreement and will, for the avoidance of doubt, not be governed by the Public Contract Regulations 2015 or other public procurement legislation. ESPO Trading Limited will enter into the framework agreement with the successful supplier and make it available to third sector clients who themselves are not required to follow the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or other public procurement legislation. Accordingly, this is provided for bidders' information only.