The Establishment of a Multi Party Framework Agreement for the Provision of Legal Services

Tender description

An Bord Pleanála wishes to establish a multi-party framework agreement in a single lot for the provision of legal services (solicitors) to support the delivery of its activities. The framework will have a maximum potential duration of four (4) years. An Bord Pleanála wishes to have access to legal expertise and representation for services relating to Planning & Development Law, Environmental Law and other applicable statutory instruments and regulations. This will also encompass relevant European Directive and case law and extends to relevant international agreements. The above requirements represent the current anticipated range of legal services required by An Bord Pleanála during the operation of the proposed framework. However, following ongoing review and development of services by An Bord Pleanála, it is anticipated that additional legal service requirements may arise during that period. At its sole discretion, An Bord Pleanála reserves the right to (i) engage in a separate procurement procedure outside of the framework for any contract arising within the lifetime of the framework and admission to the framework will also be conditional on acceptance of this condition. (ii) transition its services to any Framework established by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) for the provision of legal services from Solicitors. As the subject matter of the framework agreement comprises a non-priority (Annex IIB) service in accordance with Directive 2004/18/EC, the establishment of the framework will not be fully subject to the provision of that Directive, in particular with regard to the choice of award procedure. An Bord Pleanála will employ a competitive process analogous to the negotiated procedure provided for in the aforementioned Directive in order to establish the framework.