Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Request for Written Tender for Internationalisation Strategy and Delivery Plan October 2017 Contents Section 1. INTRODUCTION Background and summary/overview of requirements 2. SPECIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS A comprehensive description of requirements, specifications and criteria to be met 3. FORMAT OF TENDER How the tender is to be structured and how any proposal is to be presented 4. CONTRACT Indicates the basis on which the contract will be awarded 5. EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION OF TENDER How tenders will be examined and criteria under which they will be evaluated 6. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF TENDER Generally sets out conditions relating to such matters as need for tax compliance, freedom of information and data protection provisions, conflict of interest, intellectual property, latest time for submission of tender, etc. Section 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Introduction 1.1 Background and Summary of Requirements: The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) of No. 1 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP has been commissioned by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (CA) to develop a business led Internationalisation Strategy and Delivery Plan for the City Region and is now inviting written tenders for a consultant to support this work. In June 2016, the LEP and CA jointly published the Liverpool City Region Growth Strategy which sets the strategic direction of travel for City Region over the next 25 years. See copy here:(https://www.liverpoollep.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sgs-final-mainlowres.compressed.pdf). The focus of the strategy is economic growth which will be delivered through a focus on three pillars productivity, people and place. Liverpool City Region has been highly successful in the attraction of international students to its outstanding universities and visitors to its world class attractions, contributing significantly to its economy. It has a wealth of globally competitive and innovative sectors, including Health and Life Science, Digital and Creative, Advanced Manufacturing and Renewable Energy; and through its ports and airport is a global gateway for trade and investment for the Northern Powerhouse and wider UK. The Liverpool brand is globally recognisable and has had much success over the years but this strategy and delivery plan RFT is seeking an innovative partner to broaden horizons by bringing new ideas and approaches to LCR s current promotion, inward investment and export support provision beyond the non-exhaustive outline of requirements set out in this RFT; and creating a fresh and simplified approach across the City Region. It is home to some of the world s leading international businesses including Unilever, Jaguar Land Rover, IBM, Astra Zeneca, NGF, Ørsted, Santander and a range of globally competitive exporters. It hosts world class assets such as Sci-Tech Daresbury, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool2, Sensor City, and the Materials Innovation Factory. It has globally significant research and development in infection, high performance computing and materials chemistry and is increasingly attracting international investment in its major development and infrastructure projects; including its offshore wind farms and the Mersey Gateway Bridge. It has a strong, active and highly engaged partnership of business, universities, colleges and Local Authorities committed to promoting the City Region and working together to attract business, investment, students, research and visitors. These partners form a vibrant entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem with clusters in health, manufacturing, digital, creative, maritime and energy. This is supported and guided by a series of strategic advisory boards, managed by the LEP and feeding into the main LEP Board: including Innovation, Enterprise, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital and Creative, Health and Life Science, Financial and Professional, Low Carbon, Superport and Visitor Economy. These Boards, alongside the Department for International Trade and university representation; will directly support the development of the Internationalisation Strategy and Delivery Plan and will be incorporated into a business led City Region governance structure (initially a Working Group) to oversee its delivery and performance. We are seeking a consultant to create an activity plan which builds on the City Region s strengths, harnessing the insight, interest and networks of businesses and stakeholders across the City Region to develop an innovative and pragmatic Internationalisation Strategy and Delivery Plan; to focus our resources on the areas of greatest economic opportunity; effectively communicating our global competitiveness and excellence to enable the City Region to realise its global potential. As a key supporter and participant in the Northern Powerhouse, LCR believes the Internationalisation Strategy and Delivery Plan should highlight our assets and strengths and where they sit within this broader context; to enable a pragmatic approach where we work with
partners across the Northern Powerhouse and wider UK to amplify our message and impact globally. We would like to identify those sectors where we stand to gain from a collaborative outlook. This strategy and delivery plan should be rooted in a clear and compelling evidence base and incorporate pragmatic, costed collaborative interventions, led by business, that will deliver significant, tangible and sustainable trade and investment outcomes and impact on the economy. These interventions should include: An export plan that equips businesses to realise their global trading opportunities including specific intervention to support SMEs Attraction of international investment capital into infrastructure, property and business Attraction of international world leading research Securing global end user investment that strengthens core sectors and productivity Investment to use and stimulate the City Region s innovation ecosystem Attraction of international students (supporting our universities and colleges) Attraction of international visitors (working with our attractions and facilities) Extensive promotion of Liverpool City Region s assets and opportunities through the Liverpool brand and successfully portray the strength of place In summary, it is recognised by the multiple partners that the various messages about the City Region s competitiveness and attractiveness for investment, trade, research, visitors and students are highly complementary. By working together with a much fuller understanding of these propositions and messages and a clear focus, we will achieve a far greater awareness and impact in all areas and with that a more transformational outcome for our economy. A detailed specification of requirements is set out in Section 2. 1.2 Financial Arrangements Payment terms for services covered by this invitation to tender will be specified on the appropriate invoices, which will be based on agreed deliverables. Invoicing arrangements will be agreed with the successful service provider, following the award of contract. 1.3 Further Information and Query Handling Every effort has been made to ensure that this documentation contains all the necessary information to enable a tender to be made. However, in the interests of equity, requests for additional information, clarification on the content of this document and all other queries of substance (other than in relation to purely factual or procedural matters) must be made in writing or by email. 1.4 Timetable The timetable in relation to this tender process is as follows: Requests for clarification must be submitted by email to Claire.Delahunty@liverpoollep.org no later than noon on 10 November 2017. Deadline for receipt of tenders: 5pm on 24 November 2017 Interviews (dates may change): 7 December 2017 Award of contract anticipated: December 2017 Contract commencement meeting: 18 December 2017 Contract end: August 2018 Dates of award of contract may change. The responsible officer for the project is Mark Basnett, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region LEP.
2. Specification of Requirements 2.1 The provision of the following consultancy services for the LEP: (i) Internationalisation Strategy: Work through the LEP and Combined Authority with their extensive network of their public and private partners including local authorities, universities, colleges, businesses, chambers of commerce and business organisations; and particularly through the City Region sector boards to establish a single, agreed, comprehensive and inclusive business led Internationalisation Strategy for the City Region to increase trade and attract talent, visitors and investment from key global markets. The Strategy will be built upon the globally competitive sector strengths and capabilities of the City Region which are widely documented, its extensive international connections, its global brand, its spatial investment opportunities and its research, innovation, further and higher education excellence. This will need to be substantiated with a coherent and compelling evidence base and have the backing of a wide cohort of partners, convened through the LEP and Combined Authority. It will advise the reasonable resources required, in consultation with partners, to deliver the strategy over a three-year period, and determine aspirational but achievable high-level objectives and outcomes across a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as in the following list; having first established a clear baseline and recording methodology in agreement with the LEP and CA. Number of exporters in the City Region Value of exports by sector and comparative to other UK regions/ average SME exporters as a share of total SMEs in the City Region SME exports/ overseas sales as a share of total SME sales Number of foreign owned businesses in the City Region Number and value of foreign direct investment projects in the City Region Employee count of foreign owned businesses in the City Region International capital investment into development, infrastructure and business Value and global significance of international research and development investment Number of international students registered with LCR colleges and universities Number of international visitors to the City Region Value/ spend of international visitors to the City Region This will be achieved through: (a) Extensive engagement with the City Region s exporters, investors, developers, universities, colleges, local authorities, Invest Liverpool, the Department for International Trade and others through the City Region sector boards and wider networks facilitated by the LEP (b) A review of the City Region s current export performance and its potential for growth (c) Evidenced proposals for how this can be significantly improved through a partnership approach and with regard to sector strengths and available market share (d) A review of the City Region s current/ recent inward investment activity and performance (e) A review of the City Region s value propositions, products, international competitiveness and attractiveness for investment, particularly around its key growth sectors, property and infrastructure (f) A review of current/ recent international research secured in the City Region (commercial and academic) and areas of greatest opportunity to expand this (g) A review of current international student numbers, why they attend and how this can be increased in line with and support of college and university strategies (h) A review of international visitor numbers, value, strategies to attract and potential for growth
(i) An analysis of those markets that offer the greatest potential to attract business, investment, research, talent, visitors and trade and how to most effectively penetrate these markets with the available budgets (j) An innovative approach that involves these multiple partners in the co-ownership and delivery of the strategy (k) A strong focus on how the agreed messages about the excellence of the City Region are amplified by these multiple partners to significantly raise awareness of these globally (ii) Delivery Plan: Production of a clear, prioritised and achievable three-year resource and delivery plan that sets out how the high-level Internationalisation Strategy will be achieved, leveraging the knowledge, insight and connections of hundreds of businesses, individuals and organisations throughout the City Region engaged in trade, investment, development, research, tourism etc. This will identify proactive interventions and key markets for trade, investment, business, research, student and visitor activity and the indicative utilisation of existing resources from partners and new resources required from these partners and from the Single Investment Fund. This will include: (a) A review of good practice and wider learning from elsewhere (b) A review of current and potential resources and practices from public and private partners, including funding, dedicated staff resources and expertise, budgets, etc. This should include engagement with the City Region Global Partners Programme and a review of existing practices developed in a partnership approach to international trade and investment programme (eg. MIPIM, China Partnership) and how these can be built upon and developed further (c) An assessment of the resources required in addition to those available currently and from partners, to achieve the objectives, set by the Working Group and Combined Authority (d) An annualised activity schedule that identifies a manageable and prioritised suite of proposed activity areas based on those activities likely to have the most impact on the KPIs set out above to increase awareness in target markets and grow trade and investment (e) A register of business/ other partners who will be actively engaged in this activity and how (f) A schedule of anticipated cost and investment required, with clear ownership, to achieve the strategic objectives. The LEP and CA will actively support this through its networks, partnerships and existing evidence and data sources. (iii) Governance and Delivery Structures: A business led Internationalisation Strategy Working Group will be established to oversee this project, drawing on key expertise from the LEP Board and City Region sector boards, alongside the Department for International Trade and university representation; and supported by the LEP Executive. Consultants are invited to work with the LEP/ CA to consider the effectiveness of these governance and oversight arrangements for the longterm development, delivery and evaluation of the City Region Internationalisation Strategy. Suggestions for the most effective delivery structures for this strategy will also be invited to provide a single, coherent and business led approach. 2.2 City Region partners have a great deal of experience in many of these areas and have a willingness to collaborate, so much of this work will involve the skilful engagement of these multiple partners to develop a coherent strategic and delivery framework, built on proven best practices and available resources, aligned with global insight from the consultants. The LEP will actively facilitate this engagement.
2.3 The prospective consultant should be able to commence the assignment at the point of contract and deliver to externally set deadlines. The anticipated timeline is as follows: Dec 2017 Jan 2018 Apr 2018 Jun 2018 Jul 2018 Aug 2018 Internationalisation Strategy development commences Extensive consultation with key partners commences Outline Strategy produced for CA approval Full Strategy and Outline Delivery Plan produced for CA approval Detailed Delivery Plan, Governance and Delivery Structure for CA approval Final Project Sign Off 3. Format of Tenders Tenders must address all the requirements and must be in the format requested below. 3.1 General Information The following must be supplied: (a) Name, address, telephone number and e-mail address of supplier. (b) Name, address, telephone number and e-mail address of any ultimate insurer or third parties involved in tender. 3.2 Proposals 3.2.1 Proposals should include a textual response to the requirements set out in this RFT on no more than 20 pages. 3.3 Warranties, Services 3.3.1 Prospective suppliers must confirm that the level, extent and nature of the Services including any associated warranties described in Section 2 of this document will be fully met. Where this support would be provided by a third party, the name, address and telephone number of the third party must be disclosed. 3.4 Schedule of Costs Important Note: THE LEP DOES NOT AWARD AGREEMENTS BASED ON LOWEST COSTS BUT COST WILL BE AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS. All costs must be quoted in pound sterling, exclusive of VAT and the schedule must take the following format: 3.4.1 Confirm that the tender holds good for 90 days after the closing date for receipt. 3.4.2 Indicate the applicable rate of VAT in respect of each of the services being proposed. 3.4.3 Give details of any other costs, taxes or duties which may be incurred. Any licensing costs associated with any part of the proposal should be clearly identified. Proposals should clearly indicate any discounts to which The LEP would be entitled, including not for profit discounts, early payment discounts, forward contract discounts and any other discounts. 3.5 Other Information Prospective suppliers should provide details of their proposed transition arrangements and should provide any other information which may be relevant to this proposal.
4. Contract A contract will be provided to the supplier whose tender is deemed to be the most economically advantageous subject to agreement on conditions of that contract. Acceptance of the terms of that contract shall be upon signature by an authorised officer of The LEP. Award Criteria Proposals will be scored based on the following criteria: Criteria Weighting Experience and demonstrable understanding of global capital 25% and end user investment markets, drivers and opportunities Experience and demonstrable understanding of export 25% markets and delivery of export plans and growth Expertise in delivering multi-partner economic development 20% projects in an inclusive and consultative manner Knowledge of Liverpool City Region value propositions, 15% sectors and export capabilities Value for money 15% Please note the following: (a) Any terms and conditions in the proposed contract does not imply acceptance by The LEP of the Services until the contract is signed by an authorised officer of The LEP. (b) All works carried out shall be governed by the Laws of England and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England. (c) The maximum sum available for this work is 90,000 including VAT. 5. Examination and Evaluation of Tenders 5.1 Tenders will be examined initially by reference to the following: (a) Completeness of proposals and documentation as specified in section 3; (b) Technical / professional ability of the prospective supplier to meet the requirements specified in this RFQ, with reference to: i. Expertise in the development of internationalisation strategies; ii. The Liverpool City Region and its business community; (c) Statement that none of the circumstances listed in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 45 of EU Directive 2004/18/EC apply to the prospective supplier. Only those tenders that satisfy conditions in relation to the above will be selected for inclusion in the award process. 6. General Conditions of Tender Tenders should be prepared in English and are subject to the following: 6.1 This Request for Tender shall form part of the contract documents. 6.2 The LEP will use its reasonable endeavours to hold confidential any information provided by prospective suppliers, subject to their obligation under law, including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Prospective suppliers should indicate, when quoting, what parts of their tender are commercially sensitive and which they consider should be kept confidential should
an FOIA request be received. The LEP may not consult with prospective suppliers about any such sensitive information before making a decision on any FOIA request received. Similarly, The LEP requires that all information provided pursuant to this invitation to quote will be treated in strict confidence by prospective suppliers. 6.3 Prospective suppliers must comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. 6.4 Prospective suppliers must have regard to statutory terms relating to minimum pay and to legally binding industrial or sectoral agreements in preparing tenders. 6.5 Information supplied by prospective suppliers will be treated as contractually binding. However, The LEP reserves the right to seek clarification or verification of any such information. 6.6 Any conflicts of interest involving a prospective supplier must be fully disclosed to The LEP particularly where there is a conflict of interest in relation to any recommendations or proposals put forward by the prospective supplier. Any registerable interest involving the prospective supplier and The LEP, members of the local authority or their relatives must be fully disclosed in the response to this tender request, or should be communicated to The LEP immediately upon such information becoming known to the prospective supplier, in the event of this information only coming to their notice after the submission of a bid and prior to the award of the contract. 6.7 In the event of a group of respondents jointly submitting an acceptable offer, the contract will be awarded by The LEP to one contractor who acts as the agreed prime contractor. The prime contractor is responsible for the delivery of all services provided for under the terms of the contract and shall assume all the duties, responsibilities and costs associated with the position of prime contractor. (a) The successful supplier shall be responsible for the delivery of all services provided for within the contract on the basis of a fixed price agreement set at the beginning of the contract. Prices quoted cannot be increased during the term of the tender. Similarly the prospective supplier cannot alter the terms and conditions. (b) The LEP retains the right to withhold payment where a contractor has failed to meet his/her contractual obligations in relation to the delivery of services to an acceptable level of quality. 6.8 The LEP will not be liable in respect of any costs incurred by prospective suppliers in the preparation of tenders or any associated work effort. 6.9 Responses to this Tender Request will be evaluated in their own right. No recognition will be given to information previously submitted. 6.10 The LEP is not bound to accept the lowest cost or any tender submitted. 6.11 Tenders must be completed in accordance with the format specified in Section 3. Tenders which are incomplete will not be evaluated. 6.12 An electronic copy of the tender marked Tender for Internationalisation Strategy and Delivery Plan Consultancy Services should be emailed to: Name: Claire Delahunty Email address: Claire.delahunty@liverpoollep.org Address: Liverpool City Region LEP, No. 1 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP
and two hard copies delivered in a sealed envelope to the above address not later than 5pm on 24 November 2017. Envelopes must not indicate the identity of your organisation. Tenders delivered after this time will not be accepted. 6.13 Acceptance by The LEP of the prospective supplier s application does not indicate acceptance by The LEP of an agreement for the prospective supplier to supply the services to The LEP. 6.14 The contract can be withdrawn at any time by either party, by providing 30 days written notice.
Appendix A ARTICLE 45 OF EU DIRECTIVE 2004/18/EC Personal situation of the candidate or prospective supplier: 1. Any candidate or prospective supplier who has been the subject of a conviction by definitive judgment of which the contracting authority is aware for one or more of the reasons listed below shall be excluded from participation in a public contract: (a) (b) (c) (d) participation in a criminal organisation, as defined in Article 2(1) of Council Joint Action 98/733/JHA; corruption, as defined in Article 3 of the Council Act of 26 May 1997 and Article 3(1) of Council Joint Action 98/742/JHA respectively; fraud within the meaning of Article 1 of the Convention relating to the protection of the financial interests of the European Communities; money laundering, as defined in Article 1 of Council Directive 91/308/EEC of 10 June 1991 on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering. 2. Any economic operator may be excluded from participation in a contract who: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) is bankrupt or is being wound up, whose affairs are being administered by the court, who has entered into an arrangement with creditors, who has suspended business activities or who is in any analogous situation arising from a similar procedure under national laws and regulations; is the subject of proceedings for a declaration of bankruptcy, for an order for compulsory winding up or administration by the court or of an arrangement with creditors or of any other similar proceedings under national laws and regulations; has been convicted by a judgment which has the force of res judicata in accordance with the legal provisions of the country of any offence concerning his professional conduct; has been guilty of grave professional misconduct proven by any means which the contracting authorities can demonstrate; has not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions in accordance with the legal provisions of the country in which he is established or with those of the country of the contracting authority; has not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of taxes in accordance with the legal provisions of the country in which he is established or with those of the country of the contracting authority; is guilty of serious misrepresentation in supplying the information required under this Section or has not supplied such information. Other For the latest information about The LEP s activities, please visit: http://liverpoollep.org