DAC 128/22 DFI - Rathlin Island Ferry Service

Concepts

• ferry transport
• rathlin island ferry service
• belfast
• maximum value
• dfi - rathlin island ferry service
• rathlin
• lifeline service
• critical service
• residents of rathlin
• continuity of this lifeline service

Location

Northern Ireland:

Description

The Rathlin Island Ferry Service is a critical service providing a lifeline service for the residents of Rathlin, therefore it must be replaced and have contingency arrangements in place as a matter of urgency. It is not an option to do nothing. Given the urgency, a direct award is the only option available to the Department to ensure continuity of this lifeline service.

Total Quantity or Scope

The Rathlin Island Ferry Service is a critical service providing a lifeline service for the residents of Rathlin, therefore it must be replaced and have contingency arrangements in place as a matter of urgency. It is not an option to do nothing. … Additional information: The value at II.1.7 - is the maximum value, it is based on the best estimate available at time of publication.

Award Detail

Renewal Options

One option to extend for a period of one year

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 60610000 - Ferry transport services

Indicators

• Options are available.

Legal Justification

The value of this Direct Award Contract (DAC) at approximately £3,500,000 is above the threshold and therefore the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (as amended) apply. There are derogations under the regulations to award a contract to a single supplier where the supplies or services can only be supplied by a particular supplier in cases of extreme urgency brought about by events unforeseen or attributable to the contracting authority, where the time limits for the open, restricted or competitive procedures with negotiation cannot be compiled with (regulation 32(2)(c)). On the basis of the information presented, it may be possible to rely on a derogation in this case. The current contractor has advised they cannot continue to deliver the services. The Rathlin Island Ferry Service is a critical service providing a lifeline service for the residents of Rathlin, therefore it must be replaced and have contingency arrangements in place as a matter of urgency. It is not an option to do nothing. Given the urgency, a direct award is the only option available to the Department to ensure continuity of this lifeline service. Nothing in the procurement regulatory frameworks can prevent the imposition or enforcement of measures necessary to protect public policy, public morality, public security, health, human and animal life, the preservation of plant life or other environmental measures, in particular with a view to sustainable development. A minimum period of two years will be offered to a replacement contractor to provide economic incentive for them to take on the running of the service, which includes TUPE obligations. This would be the minimum time required to investigate whether the services should be brought in house or competitively retendered. The Department has build in an option to extend for a further period of 12 months to ensure contingency in place and sufficient time to go to market or insource, both of which options require careful consideration of the legal implications of TUPE. After the contract is awarded, CPD are obliged to publish the award details on the CPD website and publish an Award Notice in Find a Tender Service.

Other Information

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