Clarifications
There are 214 clarifications for this DPS
75. I have just completed the SQ but have not been prompted to complete the DPSQ as per the webinar instructions. Where can I find it?
Your application is currently in Registered 2 stage. For help completing it please see the Help link in the top right corner of the supplier registration website. Here you will find guidance and a Contact us option to speak directly with the service providers or email support@NQC.com for further assistance.
Answered
10/09/2021 16:39
74. In regards to SSQ question 21 regarding the use of sub-contractors, we will use sub-contractors to support some aspects of event delivery including audio visual suppliers. However, the sub-contractors we will use will be subject to the specific requirements of each brief. Therefore at this stage, it is difficult to name our sub-contractors. We are aware of the definition for Key Subcontractors as noted in the clarification responses however Q21 only refers to sub-contractors. Please could you advise on whether we should declare Yes to Q21 but not define the number and details of sub contractors at this stage?
CCS can confirm that where a supplier intends to use key subcontractors, suppliers should answer Yes to question 21 and provide details of any key subcontractors (that meet the definition within Joint Schedules 5 and 6) that it is known will or would likely be used to deliver the services.
Suppliers can update the list of Key subcontractors accordingly through the life of the DPS. Please se paragraphs 1.3 onwards of Joint Schedule 6 (Key Subcontractors) for details of the process.
Answered
09/09/2021 14:21
73. I was provided out of date information for the completion of the SQ and now need to amend after submission. Will that be possible?
Page 9 of 'READ FIRST RM6124 - DPS Needs_v1.0.pdf' in the bidpack covers updating your registration. You will find more guidance in the Help link at the top of supplier registration page. For further assistance you can contact NQC for support at the following link.
https://supplierregistration.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/contact
Answered
10/09/2021 16:38
72. Can separate files be uploaded to support our contract examples? If so, how should they be submitted?
CCS can confirm that only the Attachments 1a and 1b should be uploaded in support of the contract example you provide. No other attachments are permitted
Answered
24/09/2021 14:31
71. Will agency bids be ranked? If so, how and will the buyers have visibility of that ranking?
CCS can confirm that agency bids will not be ranked.
Answered
06/09/2021 11:33
70. The number of services for which we are bidding, exceeds those which we can evidence across just two case studies. If our bid proves to be successful, will we only join the roster for those services evidenced in our case studies?
CCS requires you to only submit two contract examples. You do not need to address all of the services you are registering for within the contract example. In response to questions 55 and 58 you are required to describe how the performance of the contract example you have provided demonstrates one or more of the services within the Communications Marketplace Agreement.
Answered
06/09/2021 11:33
69. Is there a required format for the two contract examples? Do you need just text or can we include additional media such as images and video embed links, etc...?
Please populate the word document templates found at Attachments 1a and 1b and return in the same format. No additional media or links are required.
Answered
06/09/2021 11:33
68. How will the contract examples be assessed / measured? Will you be using a weighting matrix and if so, can you share the criteria?
CCS will review contract examples against the compliance criteria set out at DPSQ questions 54 and 57. No weighting matrix will be used.
Answered
06/09/2021 11:32
67. Is there a cap on the number of agencies to be appointed to the DPS and if so, what is it?
There is no limit to the number of agencies appointed to the DPS.
Answered
06/09/2021 11:31
66. Question 117 of the DPS Questionnaire asks for a DPS Agreement Manager. Who is this person meant to be?
The DPS Agreement Manager is the person within your organisation appointed to manage the DPS on a day to day basis and will be act as a lead contact point for CCS.
Answered
06/09/2021 11:30
65. Hi, we have submitted our application but do not have cyber essentials. We are in the process of applying for it but do not have yet. Having read one of the other clarification questions today, where the agency was advised to wait and submit their application once they have obtained Cyber Essentials, even if this is after 5th Sept. Is it possible for us to withdraw our application and then re-submit once we have cyber essentials? Thanks.
Your application will only be reviewed once it reaches the assessing stage so there is no need to withdraw. You can submit an application at any point during the lifetime of the DPS once you meet all the requirements.
Answered
01/09/2021 17:23
64. If I have not currently got Cyber Essentials certification (Basic and/or Plus) will you accept my ISO 27001 accreditation instead?
CCS can confirm that they will accept ISO27001 if an Agency does not already have Cyber Essentials certification (Basic and/or Plus). CCS is in the process of updating the DPS Questionnaire to reflect the fact that we will accept ISO27001. In the meantime CCS will ask Agencies who enter the assessing stage as they have answered 'no' to Cyber Essentials, if they have ISO27001.
Answered
27/08/2021 11:02
63. You've said that 'The credit reference agency score applies your organisation and any organisation that is part of a Group of Economic Operators (Consortium)' but does this apply to our named sub-contractors as well (when we're applying as a single agency with sub-contractors rather than as a consortium).
The credit reference agency score applies to the organisation which is the bidding entity.
Answered
01/09/2021 16:58
62. Question 54 of the DPS questionnaire
One of our 'contract example' clients, who is a global bank have come back to us and stated that they are unwilling to sign the Letter of Confirmation (Contract Example) as the document bears no watermark or similar identification markings to align it with the CCS or any other government service.
They are willing to allow us to share with CCS a signed copy of the contract and/or a Tasking Order, that contains the same information.
The 'client' is happy to act as a referee regarding our work in-line with the confirmation contract example.
Are we able to proceed in this manner, with one of our Letter of Confirmation (Contract Example)?
The Letter of Confirmation of works documents 1a and 1b have now been updated with Crown Commercial Service headers and are available in the bidpack.
Answered
08/09/2021 17:12
61. Do we need to complete Attachment 3 - Financial Assessment template v1 as part of the SQ and DPSQ submission?
No. Attachment 3 is provided for reference purposes only.
Answered
27/08/2021 11:07
60. Question 136 seems to have disappeared from the questionnaire in the portal. It jumps from question 135 to 137. Has 136 been removed?
Question 136 will appear only when a supplier answers yes to question 21, indicating that the supplier proposes to use subcontractors. If a supplier answers No to question 21, question 136 will not appear.
Answered
08/09/2021 16:24
59. If questions 133 - 135 do not need to be answered, do we click 'no' for them in the questionnaire?
CCS can confirm that Selection Questionnaire questions 133-135 are not applicable for the Communications Marketplace. Agencies are required to provide 2 contract examples as part of DPS Questionnaire questions 53-59.
It is appropriate to leave questions 133-135 of the Selection Questionnaire blank and instead, provide details of contract examples at questions 53 - 59 of the DPS questionnaire.
Answered
08/09/2021 16:24
58. Will agencies be penalised for not being a member of The Recruitment and Employment Confederation?
CCS can confirm that there is not a requirement for an agency to be a member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. A Client may request this at the Order Procedure stage.
Answered
01/09/2021 16:57
57. If you have confirmed that you have Cyber Essentials at Q.155 of the Selection Questionnaire and/or at question 5. above, please confirm that you are able to provide a copy of your Cyber Essentials certificate following appointment to this DPS.
► Guidance on non compliant criteria
This section is evaluated as PASS/FAIL. If you answer No, your organisation will be deemed as non compliant and will therefore be rejected from the RM6124 DPS.
We have a cyber essentials plus, not a cyber essentials, so would we still tick yes for this?
If you are able to provide evidence of your Cyber Essentials certification then please select 'yes' at DPSQ question 6.
Answered
27/08/2021 11:06
56. There is a link on my dashboard to enter an invitation code. What is this referring to? Is this something we get once our SQ has been assessed, that enables us to complete the DPSQ. I cannot see any reference to it in the guidance doc. Thanks
Buyers can upload a list of suppliers and invite them to register for a specific DPS. Suppliers invited in this way receive an invitation code to begin their application. Unless you have received a code you can ignore this feature and begin registering as normal.
Answered
01/09/2021 16:55
