---
title: "Specialist Advice Framework Agreement"
ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000618060"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000618060"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000618060.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000618060.json"
source: "Public Contracts Scotland"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS ENTERPRISE"
published: "2021-03-17"
---

# Specialist Advice Framework Agreement

Buyer: HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS ENTERPRISE  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-r6ebe6-0000618060

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## Summary

The procurement process for the "Specialist Advice Framework Agreement" has been completed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), a regional agency based in Inverness, UK. The contract, aimed at identifying and managing specialist advisors for various clients, was awarded on 15th March 2021, with the services set to commence from 1st April 2021 and continue for an initial period of three years, potentially extendable by one additional year. The total budget for the framework is £900,000 (excluding VAT), with a three-year advisory budget of £2.9 million (excluding VAT). The procurement employed an open procedure method.

This framework creates substantial opportunities for businesses, particularly those that provide consultancy or advisory services, as HIE seeks to establish a pool of competent advisors. Companies with capability in areas such as economic affairs or management will find this an attractive opportunity. SMEs and larger firms that can demonstrate a proven track record in advisory roles will be well-positioned to participate, considering the requirement for extensive experience and the establishment of high-quality delivery. The ability to submit electronic tenders offers a streamlined application process for interested suppliers.

## Notice

THIS IS CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE AND AS SUCH THE PROCURMENT PROCESS IS COMPLETE. HIE requires a Supply Partner to identify, procure and manage specialist advisors capable of delivering advice to our clients on a case by case basis. For clarity, the Framework will not be for the delivery of advice. The delivery of advice will be provided by advisors directly to clients. However, it is recognised that some organisations may be able to undertake both elements. Delivery of advice will therefore be via a separate arrangement between the client and an advisor. It is expected that advice services will be required from 1st April 2021 for an initial period of 3 years with HIE having the option to extend for a period or periods together not exceeding 1 calendar year following the Initial Term. The total 3 year budget currently available for this Framework and for the subsequent delivery of Specialist Advice is 2.9m GBP (excluding VAT). However, for the avoidance of doubt, the overall 3 year Framework value is maximum 900k GBP (ex VAT) which relates only to the services being delivered under the Framework - the costs of the subsequent delivery of the specialist advice (whether by the Supply Partner directly, or by a third party advisor) will be paid for by HIE clients so are not included in the Framework value.

### Lot Information

Lot 1

The key Objectives of the Framework are as follows: 1. Establish and maintain a pool or data base of competent, quality assured advisors 2. Delivery of high quality "one to one" advice 3. Delivery of high quality "one to many" advice4. 4. Delivery of high-quality programmes 5. Improve and develop Specialist Advice delivery in the HIE area such that the use of existing sources is maximised, and duplication of effort is avoided 6. Identify where added value can be achieved through management role 7. Management and Administration of service Full details can be found in the ITT.. Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Options: HIE may require the supplier to provide additional services. Any such modification shall be in terms of Regulation 72 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Renewal: The Framework will be awarded for an initial period of 3 years with HIE having the option to extend for a period or periods together not exceeding 1 calendar year following the Initial Term.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Public Contracts Scotland |
| Latest notice | https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR409699 |
| Notice type | OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 17 Mar 2021 |
| Submission deadline | 8 Dec 2020 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 15 Mar 2021 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | HIE reserves the right to re-tender for these services upon termination of the Framework or at the end of the Framework period, including any extension period. |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £1,200,000 |
| Lots value | £1,200,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £969,200 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS ENTERPRISE |
| Locality | INVERNESS |
| Post town | Inverness |
| Postcode | IV2 5NA |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM2 Highlands and Islands |
| ITL 3 | TLM20 Highlands and Islands |
| Local authority | Highland |
| Electoral ward | Inverness South |
| Westminster constituency | Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire |
| Delivery location | TLM6 Highlands and Islands |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | ANDERSON ANDERSON & BROWN |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

### Codes

- 72221000 - Business analysis consultancy services
- 72224000 - Project management consultancy services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services

## Release History

- 17 Mar 2021 at 00:00 - Award - OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR409699
- 27 Oct 2020 at 00:00 - Tender - OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT398195

## Documents

- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=2
  25th November 2020 - Terms and Conditions
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=11
  25th November 2020 - Revised Framework Agreement highlighting minor amendments made - see Clarifications 17 & 19.
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=6
  29th October 2020 - Community Benefits and Fair Work Practices Guidance
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=7
  29th October 2020 - Community Benefits and Fair Work Practices Response Form - for return by bidders
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=8
  29th October 2020 - HIE Conflict of Interest Policy
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=9
  29th October 2020 - HIE Business Travel Policy
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=10
  29th October 2020 - Forms For Signature - for return by bidders
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=1
  29th October 2020 - Scope of Requirements & Guidance Notes
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=3
  29th October 2020 - Award Criteria Tender Response form - for return by bidders
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=4
  29th October 2020 - Cyber Security Response Form - for return by bidders
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=OCT398195&idx=5
  29th October 2020 - Pricing Proforma - for return by bidders
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT398195
  Specialist Advice Framework Agreement - HIE requires a Supply Partner to identify, procure and manage specialist advisors capable of delivering advice to our clients on a case by case basis. For clarity, the Framework will not be for the delivery of advice. The delivery of advice will be provided by advisors directly to clients. However, it is recognised that some organisations may be able to undertake both elements. Delivery of advice will therefore be via a separate arrangement between the client and an advisor. It is expected that advice services will be required from 1st April 2021 for an initial period of 3 years with HIE having the option to extend for a period or periods together not exceeding 1 calendar year following the Initial Term. The total 3 year budget currently available for this Framework and for the subsequent delivery of Specialist Advice is 2.9m GBP (excluding VAT). However, for the avoidance of doubt, the overall 3 year Framework value is maximum 900k GBP (ex VAT) which relates only to the services being delivered under the Framework - the costs of the subsequent delivery of the specialist advice (whether by the Supply Partner directly, or by a third party advisor) will be paid for by HIE clients so are not included in the Framework value.
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR409699
  Specialist Advice Framework Agreement - THIS IS CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE AND AS SUCH THE PROCURMENT PROCESS IS COMPLETE. HIE requires a Supply Partner to identify, procure and manage specialist advisors capable of delivering advice to our clients on a case by case basis. For clarity, the Framework will not be for the delivery of advice. The delivery of advice will be provided by advisors directly to clients. However, it is recognised that some organisations may be able to undertake both elements. Delivery of advice will therefore be via a separate arrangement between the client and an advisor. It is expected that advice services will be required from 1st April 2021 for an initial period of 3 years with HIE having the option to extend for a period or periods together not exceeding 1 calendar year following the Initial Term. The total 3 year budget currently available for this Framework and for the subsequent delivery of Specialist Advice is 2.9m GBP (excluding VAT). However, for the avoidance of doubt, the overall 3 year Framework value is maximum 900k GBP (ex VAT) which relates only to the services being delivered under the Framework - the costs of the subsequent delivery of the specialist advice (whether by the Supply Partner directly, or by a third party advisor) will be paid for by HIE clients so are not included in the Framework value.

## Notice URLs

- http://
- http://www.hie.co.uk
- http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse40.pdf
- http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
- https://aab.uk/
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000618060
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-employment-status-for-tax
- https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/the-courts/court-locations/inverness-sheriff-court-and-justice-of-the-peace-court

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000618060. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000618060.json.