External Support for the assessment of RAPID's Accelerated Gate 1 Submissions

External Support for the assessment of RAPID's Accelerated Gate 1 Submissions

(PROC.01.0665)

This work will consist of a desk-based assessment of each of the received submissions and appended documentation. It will support the development of RAPID's recommendations and Ofwat's final decisions.

The Contractor will have access to the submissions supported by a number of appendices and will be working as part of structured assessment team. The assessment will be carried out using a proportionate and risk based approach using a framework that incorporates assessment criteria supported by a number of tests. We will provide training on the assessment framework, criteria and outcomes prior to the work commencing.

To ensure consistency in assessment we have developed a structured evaluation template which covers:

 Assessment of completeness and quality of the submission based on 5 quality criteria underpinned by assessment challenges1

 The extent of delivery incentive and penalty that may apply to submissions that do not meet these criteria

 Identification of remedial actions that would influence the assessment at the next gate and the extent of penalties applied

 Decision on whether further funding should be allowed for the solution to progress

The contractor must complete the evaluation pro forma and provide an accompanying commentary setting out the key findings, issues and risks drawn out from their assessment. The Contractor will be responsible for undertaking the analysis and prepare a report to a standard sufficient to be included as part of our formal recommendations. This would be in a form agreed with RAPID in advance.

This work will require the Contractor to undertake detailed analysis, working closely with and under the direction of our project team. The Contractor is not expected to present to external stakeholders or act on our behalf with stakeholders. Any internal or external presentation of the assessment will remain with us, but the Contractor may be required to contribute where necessary.

Additional information: For further information, please contact procurement@ofwat.gov.uk