Legal services

Tender description

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has put in place a framework contract for the provision of specialist legal services for International Trade Law, to be utilised by UK Central Government Departments and associated bodies (Buyers) identified at VI.3). This framework will be the recommended vehicle for all international trade law services required by buyers. Its purpose is to complement existing government legal frameworks and specifically assist with international trade disputes and negotiations. The framework will be established for 4 years and comprises of: Lot 1: (International Trade and Disputes); Lot 2: (International Trade and Negotiations). Appointed suppliers will provide legal services in respect of all the mandatory specialisms detailed in the specification and optional specialisms (if qualified to do so). Suppliers will provide services relating to domestic law of different jurisdictions. The full specification is set out in Framework Schedule 1 (Specification). Lot 1: covers advice and services in relation to the mitigation and conduct of disputes under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and trade agreement dispute settlement mechanisms, as well as compliance with and enforcement of international law relating to trade, including but not limited to the law of WTO and trade agreements. Lot 1 is predominantly for the provision of services in the law of the WTO and trade agreement disputes as well as both international and foreign domestic law in respect of the framework’s subject matter. Suppliers appointed to this lot must provide advice and services in relation to the areas of mandatory specialism detailed in the specification for Lot 1. Lot 2 covers the provision of legal advice and services in relation to the negotiation and implementation of trade agreements and trading relationships, and compliance with and enforcement of international law relating to trade. This includes the law of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and trade agreements. Suppliers appointed to this lot must provide advice and services in relation to the areas of mandatory specialism detailed in the specification for Lot 2. Suppliers will also be required to provide subcontracting arrangements rapidly and advise on, or provide ready access to, the whole range of chapters within a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).