GOV.UK Clarifications
There are 129 clarifications for this DPS
29. Within the Dynamic Purchasing System Agreement, page 23/24 section 25.4 competitive terms, point 25.4.1 and within Appendix 6 - DPS Schedule 4 - Order Form and Contract Terms, page 51 section 29.5 competitive terms, point 29.5.1, we would like to modify the clause to protect the level of security of the products and services we could deliver under this contract and therefore we propose the highlighted addition to the terms:
If the Customer is able to obtain from any Sub-Contractor or any other third party more favourable commercial terms with respect to the supply of any materials, equipment, software, goods or services used by the Supplier or the Supplier Personnel in the supply of the Goods and/or Services **without compromising security**, then the Customer may:
This would for example protect the delivery of the service where an item of critical IT hardware is procured from a supplier that manufactures goods in secure locations/countries over a supplier that does not.
The substitute goods should be able to perform the same function without detriment to the delivery of services/ outcomes, part of this would be the security of the goods, at present this is implicit rather than explicit but we will factor this into our guidance for customers.
In relation to the terms we do not believe that suggested amendments are necessary but they would not constitute a material change if a customer and supplier wished to clarify things further at call-off."
Answered
08/04/2019 15:35
28. Once appointed to the SPARK DPS will suppliers have the ability to add/update Subject Area and Delivery Method as new products become available?
Yes - the supplier will be able to update their responses to the filter questions in the DPS selection questionnaire to reflect changes in capability.
Answered
08/04/2019 13:36
27. Will this be a suitable route to market for providers offering security related technology products and services?
Please see the User Needs document and Attachment 1 which explain the security products within scope of this agreement, products outside of the described scope cannot be offered.
Answered
08/04/2019 13:34
26. We have registered with the SRS. From our Dashboard, we can locate the Standard SQ with 160+ questions, but not the DPSQ. How can we locate the DPSQ questions?
It appears that you still have a couple of questions left to complete on the standard selection questionnaire.
Once you have completed all of the questions you should be presented with text stating that your selection questionnaire is complete and you can click 'complete and exit' to save the selection questionnaire. You should then be presented with the DPS SQ part of the selection questionnaire.
Answered
27/03/2019 09:13
25. Who is the category lead?
Peter Kirwan and Rob Whitehead are the leads during the set-up and go live phases of the DPS.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:25
24. Do buyers still need to complete a Procurement Regulations compliant competition?
Customers will need to complete a call-off in line with process described in Schedule 5 of the DPS Agreement.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:24
23. Is there a requirement to bid once on the framework? e.g a minim amount of bids?
There is no KPI or other clause linked to suppliers bidding on opportunities.
We are aware that some suppliers may have very niche capabilities and this would present them with problems.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:24
22. Is a parent company guarantee required?
Depending on the outcome of the financial assessment a parent company guarantee might be requested.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:23
21. When will the pin be released?
The contract notice has been published.
No associated PIN was published.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:22
20. Do suppliers have to have any certification or be on any associations?
Suppliers are required to meet all mandatory requirements including standards as set out in the Customer Needs document which forms part of the bid pack. Supplier are also required to fulfil the Cyber Certification obligations as detailed in the Selection Questionnaire and DPS Agreement (Clause 9).
Answered
25/03/2019 14:21
19. Will customers requirements be openly published like in DOS?
Customers need to invite all suppliers identified via their filter selection.
All customers should also publish opportunites and contract details via ContractsFinder where appropriate.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0716-legal-requirement-to-publish-on-contracts-finder
The DPS does not use the Digital Marketplace for the call-off process but that may change in future.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:20
18. Do you need one contract example for Radical Innovation and one for Disruptive?
No, you need one example for either, not both.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:20
17. Will all parties on the DPS be invited to bid for call-offs?
All suppliers idenfitied through a customers filter selection will be invited to participate initally.
The customer may use a multi-stage process to further refine the supplier list prior to a final tender.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:19
16. Is this for products only or a mix of product and services?
The focus is the technology and services needed to support the technology / create the outcome using the technology. We would not expect to see any managed service like arrangements.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:18
15. Will the slides be available?
We will publish slides and the Q&A.
Unfortunately CCS's website is in the process of being migrated so it is likely to be early April before we can post the deck online
Answered
25/03/2019 14:18
14. Are the terms negotiable?
The DPS terms aren't but if spot any issues prior to the opening of the DPS let us know.
Call-off terms can be altered by the customer, any alterations should be prior to their tender being issued and will not be material changes.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:17
13. The DPS agreement is marked as 'sample' - are all the documents final?
The DPS Agreement in the bid pack is sample watermaked. If your organisation is appointed to the DPS you will receive a non watermarked version.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:16
12. Is there a limit on call-off length?
Call-offs are capped at a total of 5 years with an initial maximum call-off length of 3 years.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:16
11. Is there a total limit on call-off value?
The OJEU notice has been published with a maximum value of £650m, this is the upper limit of our expected spend through the agreement.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:15
10. Is there a limit on the call-off value?
No there is no limit on the call-off value. With our colleagues in GDS and other departments we will providing customers with advice on how to get the best outcome from working with suppliers, this will focus on agile methodologies and scaling as capability grows.
Answered
25/03/2019 14:14
