Window Cleaning Services

The University of Edinburgh will shortly be going out to tender via a Restricted Procedure to engage suitably qualified, resourced and experienced suppliers to provide window cleaning services across the estate.

The University of Edinburgh is procuring window cleaning services across a large and diverse estate, including historic listed buildings and modern facilities, spanning multiple campus locations. The requirement is for a prompt, efficient and consistently high-quality service delivered year-round (52 weeks), with capacity to flex to changing priorities and emerging needs. Suppliers are expected to work collaboratively with University representatives and operate in a way that minimises disruption, as many buildings will be occupied during service delivery.

Window cleaning requirements include both planned/programmed cleans and reactive/short-notice cleans. For planned works, cleaning will be scheduled in advance and must be delivered to agreed timescales, with early notification to the University if issues arise that may affect delivery. For reactive requests, the University requires a same working day response to enquiries, with a quotation and agreed delivery timescales within 24 hours. Predominant cleaning method is expected to be reach and wash, however some buildings will require alternative access methods such as rope access/abseiling and MEWPs, and bidders must demonstrate capability to deliver these safely and compliantly.

A key operational feature is significant peak demand during defined periods, with a requirement for sufficient staffing, vehicles and equipment to deliver high volumes within short timescales. Quality sign-off is required following completion of cleans (by the University’s nominated representative). Contractors are responsible for taking due care of University fixtures and fittings and must report any defects discovered (e.g., broken or defective windows, hinges, safety catches) and any accidental damage immediately, in line with contract reporting procedures.

It is proposed this procurement will be conducted through the use of the Restricted Procedure.

The evaluation process shall be as follows.

Stage 1- Pre-Qualification via the submission of the completed SPD (Scotland).

Bidders must pass the minimum standards (pass/fail) sections of the SPD (Scotland). These can be found within the qualification envelope of PCS-T. Statements detailing the specific requirements can be found within Section III 1.1, 1.2 & 1.3 and of the Contract Notice. Bidders must complete the technical envelope in PCS-T. The responses to these statements will be scored as per the scoring methodology. SPD Technical Envelope Scores shall be allocated based on the total percentage achieved by the response out of the maximum possible percentage. This takes into account the score out of 4 and the weighting allocated to individual questions. For example, if a question is weighted 10 percent and your submission scores 3 points out of 4 for that question then you will receive 7.5 percent out of a possible 10 percent.

A 50%minimum threshold will apply, whereby only bidders achieving a total score greater or equal to 50% for their responses to the SPD scored questions will be considered for shortlisting. The top six (6) Bidders based on the scored questions will be invited to submit a bid in response to the subsequent Invitation to Tender (ITT). Where the number of bidders meeting the selection criteria is below the minimum number, the University may continue the procedure by inviting the candidates with the required capabilities. In any event, the number of candidates invited shall be sufficient to ensure genuine competition at ITT stage.

Stage 2- Invitation to Tender (ITT)

The University will evaluate all shortlisted bidders’ ITT submissions via undertaking a Technical and Commercial evaluation. The ITT will be weighted at 60% Technical and 40% Commercial. The weightings of each technical question will be detailed within the ITT. Technical Scores shall be allocated based on the total percentage achieved by the response out of the maximum possible percentage. This takes into account the score out of 4 and the weighting allocated to individual questions. For example, if a question is weighted 10% and your submission scores 3 points out of 4 for that question then you will receive 7.5% out of a possible 10%. A60%minimum technical threshold will apply (48% after technical weightings are applied).

Each bidder achieving a score greater or equal to 50% will only then progress through to the commercial evaluation. For the Commercial evaluation, the Bidder who submits the lowest-cost bid will be awarded the maximum score and others will be awarded a pro rata score in relation to the lowest bid. The technical and commercial scores will then be combined to give each bidder an overall total score and to calculate the winning bidder. Bidders can choose to bid for either one or both Lots. Where a bidder opts to bid for both Lots, they will need to state their preference between Lot 1 and Lot 2. The top scoring Bidder will be appointed to each Lot.

The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this PQQ exercise. The Project code is 32018. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343

Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/

A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:

Further information will be detailed within our ITT documentation.