Independent Tester for New Velindre Cancer Centre MIM Project

Tender description

Velindre University NHS Trust (the “Authority”) and ACORN (defined in II.2.4) (together the "Contracting Authority") are seeking tenders for the appointment of an Independent Tester for a new cancer center at Whitchurch in Cardiff (the “NvCC”). The design, build, finance and maintenance of the NvCC (the “Project”) is being procured by the Authority separately through the Welsh Government's Mutual Investment Model ("MIM"). The Contracting Authority is seeking an Independent Tester with the skills and experience to deliver services relative to the nature, scale and complexity of the Project and including project specific aspects of the design and construction. The new state of the art cancer centre facility (anticipated to be approximately 32,000m2) is to be delivered by the special purpose vehicle (“Project Co”). Project Co is to be established by ACORN (selected participant for the Project). Please refer to the procurement documents referred to at IV.3 for further information. Lot 1: The Contracting Authority is undertaking a joint procurement for an Independent Tester for the Project. The award of the contract shall be in accordance with the procurement documents (see I.3 and VI.3). The Contracting Authority's key priorities for the procurement include: - independent scrutiny of quality assurance measures, including in respect of specific key risk areas such as fire-stopping and drainage on accommodation projects; - adoption of an approach that assures the Works comply with the requirements of the Project Agreement, including a robust approach to identification of defects and snagging and a 'zero defects' handover in Bunker Areas; - patient service commencement in accordance with the Programme for the Project; - clear and definitive processes, rights and responsibilities which limit the scope for dispute on the Project; and - an approach that seeks to apply pro-active solutions based on lessons learned on comparable projects in the sector, including in respect of the scope of Services, resourcing and expertise. The estimated duration for the main services (“Services”) under the contract is 27 months. Additional varied services may be requested over the duration of the Project (see II.2.7). Further details regarding the services and varied services are contained in the relevant procurement documents which can be accessed in accordance with VI.3 below. Background information relevant to the Independent Tester procurement The Contracting Authority is observing MIM policy on the Independent Tester contract for accommodation projects, which has been developed by Welsh Government and which is available at Mutual Investment Model independent tester contract supplementary guidance | GOV.WALES. In developing the guidance for the scope of services for the Independent Tester, Welsh Government reviewed construction issues that arose in PPP Projects, and in particular the Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Construction of Edinburgh Schools, dated February 2017. The Contracting Authority's vision for the Project is for a facility which has the strength to last for the long-term, which promotes excellence in future cancer services and which exceeds the expectations of the future generations who use it. The Project (including delivery of the Services) is expected to deliver the requirements of the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. Following a successful procurement for the Project, the Authority intends to appoint a joint venture comprising (i) Kajima Partnership Limited, (ii) Sacyr Infrastructure UK Limited and (iii) Aberdeen Standard European Infrastructure GP IV Limited ("Acorn") as the successful participant on the Project. The Cancer Centre includes major medical equipment (including radiotherapy treatment equipment) that will be procured separately by the Authority but remains relevant to the Independent Tester’s role. Further details are provided in the procurement documents (see VI.3 below).