Written Question · S3W-08413 · Session 3
Whether, during the tendering process for services currently operated by CalMac Ferries Ltd, it advised CalMac Ferries Ltd that some of its…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether, during the tendering process for services currently operated by CalMac Ferries Ltd, it advised CalMac Ferries Ltd that some of its proposals were non-compliant and, if so, how that advice was given, on what date, by whom and to whom.
The answer
The Invitation To Tender (ITT)set the service specification for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) contract as the thencurrent timetable plus a number of specified enhancements. The ITT also requiredtenderers to submit a variant bid that included a Mallaig to Lochboisdale servicewhile continuing to provide an Oban to Caslebay service and the rest of the CHFSservices as specified.
In response to the Invitationto Tender for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services Contract CalMac Ferries Limitedsubmitted:
A “base network” bid that wascompliant with the ITT for the minimum service specification;
A “variant bid” for a Mallaigto Lochboisdale service that was compliant with the terms of the ITT, and
An “optional variant bid” thatwas not compliant with the terms of the ITT.
CalMac recognised that this proposed“optional variant bid” would have been a medium term option, which would have requiredconsultation and the support of all communities affected had it been deemed appropriateby the Scottish Government. This potentially attractive solution was submitted bythe company as an innovative alternative to the main proposal.
The contract was awarded forthe “base network” bid which delivered the minimum service level and some minorenhancements.
There was extensive dialoguewith CalMac Ferries Ltd, and their advisors, during the tender process regardingtheir proposals.
In response to the Invitationto Tender for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services Contract CalMac Ferries Limitedsubmitted:
A “base network” bid that wascompliant with the ITT for the minimum service specification;
A “variant bid” for a Mallaigto Lochboisdale service that was compliant with the terms of the ITT, and
An “optional variant bid” thatwas not compliant with the terms of the ITT.
CalMac recognised that this proposed“optional variant bid” would have been a medium term option, which would have requiredconsultation and the support of all communities affected had it been deemed appropriateby the Scottish Government. This potentially attractive solution was submitted bythe company as an innovative alternative to the main proposal.
The contract was awarded forthe “base network” bid which delivered the minimum service level and some minorenhancements.
There was extensive dialoguewith CalMac Ferries Ltd, and their advisors, during the tender process regardingtheir proposals.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-08413 by reference.