When it comes to tendering, panel opportunities are always a good starting point. For the buying agency they provide a shortlisting method and an opportunity to agree to one set of terms and conditions for a long term period and direct access to a pre-selected set of suppliers. Panels could be established to have several different skill sets, or multiple numbers of the same skill set to either deal with fluctuating demands or geographic dispersion. Panel arrangements do not however guarantee any work for the supplier and you will still need to compete via Requests for Quote against other panellist. The positive is that the tendering process is usually less onerous and the chance of success is higher.
This week we look at a Standing Offer for Design Consultants to support the National Gallery of Australia’s Capital Works Program. This Request For Tender is seeking to establish a panel of appropriately skilled architects and design engineers to support the planning, design and technical oversight for the delivery of all capital works from 2020 until 2025. The aim is for a broadly skilled panel representing the following skill sets:
a. Architecture;
b. Landscape Architect;
c. Mechanical Engineering;
d. Electrical engineering;
e. Hydraulic engineering;
f. Fire Engineering;
g. Fire Protection Design;
h. Structural Engineering;
i. Façade Engineering;
j. Civil Engineering;
k. Electronic Security;
l. Communications; and
m. Quantity Surveyor.
Whilst many of the works to support the Gallery are considered minor in nature, the aim is for successful panellists to bring innovative, whole of life, cost effective solutions. The intent is to limit the panel size to ensure there is an appropriate balance between the amount of work available, and ensure adequate competition for work. As such it is likely, depending on the number of multi-disciplinary tenderers, that there will be between three and four panel members for each discipline. Tenders can bid on one or more skill sets.
The Standing Offer is expected to commence July 2020 and run for five years. This RFT closes on 28th May 2020.
If you are after further advice on this topic or any opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
