20Interim%20V7%20PQQ-%20Final

Northwest Development Agency

Pre-Qualification QuestionnaireNWDA00301

The provision of Fund Management Services for the NWDA’s Transitional Venture Capital and

Loan Fund

RETURN DATE FOR SUBMISSIONNot later than 12 noon 13th July 2009

2nd July 2009

NWDA00301 PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIREPage 1 of 43 1

Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund

Contents1.0 NOTES FOR BIDDERS....................................................................................31.1 THE PROJECT.................................................................................................31.2 GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................41.3 IMPORTANT INFORMATION............................................................................51.4 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION..........................................................................62.0. BIDDER SELECTION PROCESS.......................................................................72.1 STAGE 1 PRE-QUALIFICATION STAGE............................................................72.1.1 STAGE 1 SELECTION PROCESS......................................................................73.0 CONFIDENTIALITY..........................................................................................94.0 BIDDERS COSTS............................................................................................95.0 INDICATIVE TIMETABLE...............................................................................10

Appendices

APPENDIX 1 – PQQ EVALUATION CRITERIA…………………………………..………………………… 11APPENDIX 2 - COMPLIANCE CHECK..............................................................................20APPENDIX 3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS...............................................................29APPENDIX 4 – TECHNICAL CAPABILITY.........................................................................35

PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE 2


1.0 NOTES FOR BIDDERS1.1 The Project:

Background Information:

The North West economy has performed well in recent years as the GVA of the Northwest has increased by £3.7bn from 2004 to 2005 (3.7%). However GVA growth has been below the England average of 3.9%. This means that the GVA gap has increased from £17.3bn to £17.8bn. (The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) identified the GVA gap as £13bn, however subsequent data revisions changed this figure)1. Finance is a critical factor in supporting the Regions’ policy drivers to build a ‘dynamic, sustainable international economy which competes on the basis of knowledge, advanced technology and an excellent quality of life for all’.

The vision on the 2006 North West Regional Economic Strategy (RES) is to nurture a dynamic, sustainable, international economy which competes on the basis of knowledge. Improving access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has been identified by the RES (Key Action 5 & 6) along with UK central Government and the European Commission as one of the major barriers to formation, survival and growth of businesses.

Inability to access the right funding package at the right time is a barrier to all business groups – whether they want help to get started or trying to develop a new product, technology or process. Whilst many businesses in the region are well served by our dynamic and flexible financial markets there are other businesses still unable to access the finance they need to innovate, invest and grow. These lost opportunities represent both an economic cost – through reduced job creation and lower productivity growth – and a social cost.

The Agency’s Finance For Business Strategy (FFB) recognised that access to finance is the catalyst that will support the start-up, survival and growth of the region’s business community, creating the wealth that will provide sustainable jobs and prosperity for the working population and investors in the UK. The FFB recommendations set out a framework to address the three key components in the ‘financial equation’ – demand, supply and intermediation services. A key recommendation addressing ‘supply’ is to create capital and loan provision to further help address the growing finance and equity gap, providing risk capital up to £2m, to growth companies and supporting sector development.

The Agency is in the process of developing a £140m North West Venture Capital Loan Fund (NW VCLF). The fund will have an initial investment period of six years ending in December 2009 2015 with all returns being invested in a legacy fund, creating an evergreen fund for the North West. Due to the size and complexity of the project a number of approvals are required from central government and others and therefore, it is not anticipated that this main fund will be operational until 2010.

This contract is for transitional Venture Capital and Loan fund management to manage circa £9.5m mezzanine and equity fund and £4m loan fund which has been made available pending the launch of the main NW VCLF scheme. Investments made through this transitional project will be transferred into the main fund for

1 NWDA, BASELINE UPDATE REPORT 2007 :Progress One Year On, June 2007



future management once operational.

It is anticipated that the successful bidder(s) or consortium(s) will be capable of delivering Venture Capital and/or Loan funding to these targeted groups. In addition, where applicable the successful bidder(s) must be able to exploit and maximise EU and other funding available to enhance provision under this contract.

Key Objectives: Invest in new or established SMEs in the North West Initiate or complete funding packages for such businesses Increase the supply of risk capital by encouraging other potential funders to

participate in this area of market failure Invest ERDF and Single Programme money within the prescribed time frames Secure private sector match funding to comply with state-aid regulations

It is expected that the contract(s) will be in place for an initial period of six months or until the main NW VCLF is operational. This is dependent on the timings of the approval of the main NW VCLF.



1.2 General information:

The purpose of this Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) is to assist in deciding which Bidders are to be short-listed and invited to tender for the provision of fund management services for the NWDA’s Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund.

The procurement process for the contract will follow the ‘ACCELERATED RESTRICTED” procedure as outlined in Regulation 16 of The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No. 5). This is a procedure in which the following stages will apply:

Stage 1 - Pre-Qualification stage: All those bidders expressing an interest to participate will be evaluated and a shortlist will be invited to tender.

Stage 2 – Competitive Tender Stage: Short-listed suppliers (up to 5) will be invited to tender.More details about the tender procedure are set out in this document.

In order to simplify the process, supporting documents (for example, accounts, certificates, statements or policies) do not need to be provided with this questionnaire, unless specifically requested.

Bidders should answer all questions as accurately and concisely as possible. Where a question is not relevant to the Bidders organisation, this should be indicated, with an explanation.

Questions and any supporting information should be answered in English and must be completed in a form to correspond with the same numbering and order as in the questionnaire, with the text being “Tahoma” and no smaller than 11 point.

Bidders wishing to express an interest in providing the services need to complete the PQQ and submit 2 hard copies and 1 CD copy to:Tender Board,Northwest Development Agency,Renaissance House,Centre ParkWarrington, WA1 1QNnot later than the deadline of 12:00 noon on 13th July 2009. Submissions shall be clearly marked with the reference NWDA00301. It must not identify the Bidder’s organisation. Bidders are asked to fully comply with the instructions at the front of this PQQ. Late submissions will not be accepted, unless there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate their intended delivery, via recorded or registered post.

Bidders are referred to the timetable for the tender process as set in the following pages.

Failure to furnish the required information, make a satisfactory response to any question or supply documentation referred to in responses, within the specified timescale may mean that Bidders will not be invited to participate further.



Any queries about this questionnaire should be emailed to the Agency’s Procurement Department at the following address: [email protected] and referenced NWDA00301 VCLF Transitional arrangements. In the event that none of the responses are deemed satisfactory, the NWDA reserves the right to consider alternative procurement options.

For the avoidance of doubt, neither the OJEU Contract Notice; and / or this PQQ; nor any related document referred to therein, constitutes an offer and the NWDA does not undertake to accept any response.

1.3 Important information:

The information contained in this PQQ, and all other information made available at any time to the Bidders or their advisors by or on behalf of the NWDA is supplied on the basis that the Bidders will keep such information confidential at all times and that such information will be used only for the purpose of participating in the bidding for the provision of Fund Management Services for the NWDA’s Transitional Venture Capital and/or Loan Fund.

Information provided by the NWDA, or their officers, employees, agents or advisers (‘Connected Persons’) to interested parties will be given in good faith, but Bidders will have to make their own investigations and interpretations as to its veracity, and no liability will be accepted by the Partners or any Connected Persons for the accuracy of completeness (whether or not within this PQQ).

No information contained in this PQQ or any other written or oral information made available to any Bidder or its advisers shall form the basis for any warranty, representation or term of any contract by the NWDA with any third party. Only the express terms of any written contract relating to the subject matter of this PQQ as and when it is executed and completed by all relevant parties shall have any contractual effect in connection with the matters to which it relates.

Nothing in this PQQ is, or should be relied on, as a promise or representation as to the future intentions of the NWDA. The NWDA reserve the right to change the procurement process or any of the proposal or information in relation to the Fund Management Services for the Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund, to reject any or all bids and to terminate discussions with any or all Bidders, and under no circumstances shall the NWDA or any Connected Person incur any liabilities in that respect.

The NWDA reserve the right not to follow up this PQQ in any way or to withdraw from the procurement process and no expense incurred by any Bidder or its advisers in responding to this PQQ and the preparation of tenders will be reimbursed. The NWDA reserve the right not to award a contract for any reason. The NWDA are not bound to accept the most economically advantageous offer, or tender. The Agency will not enter into detailed discussion of the requirements at this stage.

All questions must be addressed to [email protected] and be received at least 3 working days before the submission date, otherwise a response cannot be guaranteed.


mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


If the Agency considers any question or request for clarification to be of material significance, both the query and the response will be communicated on the Agency’s website, www.nwda.co.uk/tenders in an anonymous form.It is the responsibility of Bidders to check this website for information on a regular basis

1.4 Consortia and sub-contracting

Where a consortium approach is proposed, all information requested should be given in respect of the proposed prime contractor or consortium leader. The Agency will also require signed letters of confirmation from each of the partners acknowledging their participation in the consortium. Relevant information should also be provided in respect of consortium members or sub-contractors who will play a significant role in the delivery of services or products under any ensuing contract. Responses must enable the Agency to assess the overall service proposed.Where the proposed prime contractor is a special purpose vehicle or holding company, information should be provided of the extent to which it will call upon the resources and expertise of its members.The Agency recognises that arrangements in relation to consortia and sub-contracting may be subject to future change. Applicants should therefore respond in the light of such arrangements as are currently envisaged.Please provide details of the proportion of any contract awarded under this contract that the prospective partner proposes to subcontract, within the PQQ document where indicated.The Agency may seek independent financial and market advice to validate information declared or to assist in the evaluation., Site visits, demonstrations and/or presentations are unlikely to be requested at this stage.

1.5 Freedom of Information:

The NWDA is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

1 The Agency may be obliged to disclose information provided by Bidders in response to this PQQ under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and all subordinate legislation made under this. (“the Freedom of Information Legislation”).

2 Bidders should be aware that the information they provide could be disclosed in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Legislation. The Agency will proceed on the basis of disclosure unless an appropriate exemption applies. Bidders should be aware that despite the availability of some exemptions, information may still be disclosed if the public interest in its disclosure outweighs the public interest in maintaining the exemption. No response to this PQQ should be covered by a general statement regarding its overall confidentiality; instead any specific areas of confidential information should be highlighted in accordance with paragraph 3 below. The Agency accepts no liability for loss as a result of any information disclosed in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Legislation.


http://www.nwda.co.uk/tenders


3 Bidders should highlight information in their responses which they consider to be commercially sensitive or confidential in nature, and should state the precise reasons why they consider this.

4 The Agency will use reasonable endeavours to consult with Bidders over the release of information which is highlighted by them as commercially sensitive or confidential.



2.0 Bidder Selection ProcessThe services to be provided are split into two lots:Lot 1 – Fund management services for the Transitional Venture Capital – circa £9.5m fund providing mezzanine and equity funding between £250,000 to £1,000,000; and Lot 2 – Fund management services for the Transitional Loan – circa £4m fund providing loans from £50,000 to £250,000. Suppliers are invited to bid for one or both lots but must indicate within the PQQ which lots they are bidding for. If bidders are bidding for both lots in the responses evidence must be provided to support both lots as these will be evaluated separately.

2.1 Stage 1 – Pre-Qualification Stage:

The objective of the selection process for the Stage 1 – Pre-Qualification stage is to assess the responses to the PQQ in accordance with The Public Contracts Regulations 2006. Selection criteria will be a combination of both financial and non-financial factors and will consider:

i) Bidder Acceptability – Status of Bidders in relation to Regulation 23 of The Public Contracts Regulations 2006, including that the NWDA shall treat as ineligible to tender a Bidder where there has been a conviction of any offence as identified in Regulation 23 (1) and they may treat a Bidder as ineligible or decide not to select a Bidder for tender in accordance with Regulation 23 (4).

ii) Information as to economic and financial standing in relation to Regulation 24 of The Public Contracts Regulations 2006. The NWDA will assess whether a Bidder meets their minimum standards of economic and financial standing required in a contract of the complexity and value of the contract outlined in the OJEU contract notice, in this PQQ and related documents and information. Information should be provided as set out in the PQQ, but the NWDA reserve the right to seek supplemental or additional information and may also undertake independent financial checks and, given the current economic climate, may require bidders to confirm that they still satisfy these requirements at final tender stage.

iii) Information as to technical or professional ability – Status of Bidders in relation to Regulation 25 of The Public Contracts Regulations 2006. The NWDA will assess whether a Bidder meets their minimum standards of technical and professional ability and has an appropriate capacity and capability in regard to totality of resources and core competences such that are appropriate for such a contract.

iv) The Bidder may also be required to supply supplementary information or clarification details in addition to that provided in accordance with Regulations, 23, 24 and 25 of The Public Contracts Regulations 2006.

2.1.1 Stage 1 - Selection Process:

i) First Sift – Compliance Check:



a) Following receipt of responses to the PQQ a preliminary assessment of submissions shall be undertaken to determine for the following items:

o General compliance with PQQ requirements (satisfactory completion).

o Basic details of your organisation (satisfactory information provided).

o The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 compliance.

b) Responses should be in the format as required by the PQQ. The compliance check will result in the following evaluation:

o Pass - All documentation provided and compliance requirements met

o Fail - Information requirements missing and/ or compliance requirements failed

c) If a fail is noted, then the evaluation shall proceed no further subject to verification by the NWDA’s evaluation team.

d) Failure to provide sufficient information to an appropriate level of detail may render the application non-compliant and its evaluation may be taken no further.

ii) Second Sift – Mandatory Standards:

a) Bidders passing the first sift will be evaluated for meeting mandatory standards to be deemed suitable for the execution of the project in the following areas:

o Financial Informationo Banking Facilities and Funding Arrangements o Insuranceo Health and Safety o Equal Opportunitieso Business Activities

iii) Third Sift – Technical Capacity

b) Bidders qualifying from the first and second sift of PQQ responses will be evaluated by an evaluation panel made up of relevant representatives of the NWDA and their project team, and Bidders will be ranked and scored in the following criteria:

o Technical provision (experience and track record)o Quality Assurance / Quality Managemento Environmental/Sustainabilityo References

The evaluation criteria that will be used to assess PQQ submissions can be found in Appendix 1 and will be evidence based.



Those Bidders who are evaluated as the most appropriate for tendering for the contract in accordance with the selection criteria and process identified in this PQQ will be invited to tender.

3.0 Confidentiality & Conflicts of Interest:

In the interests of ensuring equality of treatment, any additional information requested during the PQQ and Invitation to tender Stages will be provided to all interested parties. The NWDA will not provide information in a discriminatory manner, which may give some Bidders an advantage over others.

Where there is any indication that a conflict of interest exists or may arise, then it shall be the responsibility of the Bidder to inform the Agency, detailing the conflict in writing as an attachment to this PQQ and how the bidder proposes to overcome that conflict to enable delivery of the requirements.

The Agency will be the final arbiter in cases of potential conflicts of interest. Failure to notify the Agency of any potential conflict of interest will invalidate any verbal or written agreementA Conflict of interest is where a person who is involved in the procurement has or may be perceived to have a personal interest in ensuring that a particular supplier is successful. Actual and potential conflicts of interest must be declared by a person involved in a tender process.

4.0 Bidders Costs:

Bidders must bear all of their own costs and expenses relating to their expression of interest, participation in the PQQ and ITT. Neither the NWDA nor any of their officers, employees, agents or advisors shall be liable for any such costs and expenses whether or not the procurement proceeds.



5.0 Indicative Timetable:

Milestone Period/ DateIssue PQQ 3rd July 2009

Deadline for submission of completed PQQs 13th July 2009(12:00 noon)

PQQ Evaluation period 14th-17th July 2009Issue Invitations to Tender 20th July 2009Tender return date 4th August 2009

Evaluation of tenders including Due Diligence5th August 2009 – 25th August 2009

Notification of intention to award a contract 26th August 2009

10 Day Stand Still (Alcatel period) 27th August 2009 –9th September 2009

Contract awarded 10th September 2009



Appendix 1 - PQQ Evaluation Criteria

The following schedule sets out the basis of evaluation of the responses to the PQQ to ensure that PQQs will be evaluated consistently and objectively.

The schedule identifies the Weightings for each section and applies to both Lots 1 and Lot 2.

The scoring matrix is located at the end of this Appendix


Transitional Venture

Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund PQQ Evaluation Criteria for Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund

Scoring Checklist Ref. No.

Appendix 2

Compliance Check2.1 PQQ Submission Information For Information Purposes Only2.2 Basic details your organisation For Information Purposes Only2.3 Prime Contractor For Information Purposes Only2.4 The Public Contracts Regulations

2006 QuestionnairePass/Fail

Appendix 3

Mandatory Requirements


Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund 3.1 Financial information

3.1.2 Annual turnover for the last three years3.1.2 Audited accounts for the last three years3.1.3 Interim Statements or other announcements since last annual accounts3.1.4 Subsequent circumstances or events since last annual accounts3.1.5 Statement of trading position3.1.6 Ultimate holding company guarantee3.1.7 Statement of cash flow forecast for the current Year

Pass / Fail Detailed financial checks will be carried out on the short listed Bidders. The information requested will be assessed on a risk based opinion as to whether a company has sufficient financial standing and capacity and deemed credit worthy on the NWDA credit checking system.

The Bidder(s) must have positive net current assets. To assess this, the Current Ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) obtained from the audited accounts must be 1 or more. The balance sheet must also show that assets exceed liabilities.

The Auditor’s opinion in the Report to the Accounts must be unqualified

The filing of accounts at Companies House must not be overdue3.2 Banking Facilities & Funding

Arrangements3.2.

1Banking Details For information purposes only

3.2.2

Meeting terms of your banking facilities and financial agreements

Pass / Fail Failure to meet these terms will result in a Fail

3.2.3

Meeting obligations to pay creditors and staff

Pass / Fail Failure to meet these obligations will result in a Fail

3.2.4

Bank Reference for current banking facility

Pass / Fail Failure to demonstrate ability to fund contract will result in a Fail

3.3 Insurance3.3.1 Certificate of Professional Indemnity Insurance (not less than £2.5m)3.3.2 Certificate of Public and Employers Liability Insurance (not less than £ 5 million)

Pass / Fail Detailed insurance checks will be carried out on the short listed Bidders. The information requested will be assessed by NWDA. Consideration given to consultation with Risk Management and Insurance. The opinion will be pass or fail


Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund 3.4 Business activities

3.4.1 Statement on Business activities3.4.2 No of Staff

Pass / Fail Must have demonstrable experience of their main business activity in providing fund management service

Appendix 4

Technical Capability

4.1 Technical provision (experience and track record)

Score Weighting Total Score

4.1.1 Project Management Experience 10 Scoring system of 'Very good/excellent understanding and experience of project management- 10; or ‘Good understanding and evidence of engagement with project management’ – 9; ‘Reasonable understanding and evidence of engagement with project management but with reservations’ – 5; or ‘Unacceptable and/or lack of evidence of project management’ or ‘Details of project management understanding and evidence not provided’ – 0 marks.

4.1.2 Management Information and Reporting

15 Scoring system of 'Very good/excellent examples of internal/external reporting’- 10 or ‘Good examples of internal/external reporting– 9; ‘Reasonable examples of reporting but with reservation’– 5 or ‘Poor/lack of examples of reports’ provided’ – 0 marks.

4.1.3 Understanding of Finance Gap 10 Scoring system of ‘'Very good/excellent understanding the finance gap and relevant experience of operating within it’– 10; ‘Good understanding of the finance gap and relevant experience of operating within it’– 9; or ‘Limited understanding of the finance gap’ 5 or ‘Irrelevant information about the funding gap which demonstrates lack of experience or ‘Poor/lack of detail of understanding finance gap' – 0 marks.


Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund 4.1.4 Fund Management Experience 15 Scoring system of ‘Very good/excellent experience demonstrating

investment in the sub £2m market’ – 10; ‘Good experience and track record of investments in the sub £2m market’– 9; ‘Evidence of some fund management experience but not relevant to this fund' – 5; or ‘Lack/no demonstrable experience of operating in the equity gap market’ – 0 marks.

4.1.5 Investment Support

(a) Loan 10

Scoring system of ‘Very good/excellent experience in providing loan investments and finance support to businesses’ – 10; ‘Good experience in providing loan / equity investments/finance support to businesses’ – 9; ‘Evidence of some loan / equity experience but not relevant to this fund’ – 5; or ‘Lack/no experience of providing loans’ – 0 marks.

(b) Mezzanine/equity 10 Scoring system of ‘Very good/excellent experience in providing mezzanine/equity’ – 10; ‘Good experience in providing mezzanine/equity to businesses’ – 9; ‘Evidence of mezzanine/equity but not relevant to this fund’ – 5; or ‘Lack/no experience of providing mezzanine/equity’ – 0 marks.

4.1.6 Contract Award Pass/Fail Pass – ability to go live in September 2009;Fail – unable to deliver to the September 2009 timescale.

4.1.7 ERDF Funding Experience Pass/Fail Pass – demonstrable experience of delivering ERDF projectsFail – no experience of delivering ERDF projects

4.1.8 Risk Management 5 Scoring system of ‘Very good/excellent evidence of risk management processes and capabilities’ – 10; ‘Good experience of risk management processes and capabilities’ – 9; ‘Evidence of risk management but with reservations’ – 5; or ‘Lack/no evidence of risk management’ – 0 marks.

4.2 Quality assurance / quality managementRecognised Quality Management System

5

Scoring system of ‘The bidder has a proven quality assurance process with accreditation from a UKAS or equivalent accredited company, or a quality management system’ – 10; ‘The bidder has evidenced a quality management system’ – 9; ‘Evidence of a quality management system but with reservations’ – 5; or ‘Lack/no evidence of quality management system’ – 0 marks.


Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund 4.3 Health and Safety

4.3.1 Health and Safety PolicyIf the bidder employs five or more staff they are legally required to have a written Health and Safety policy which should be compliant with the current Health and Safety at Work Act.

Pass/Fail Pass – Meet the legal requirements set out in the Health and Safety at work Act.Fail – Do not meet the legal requirements under the Heath and Safety at Work Act.

4.4 Equal Opportunities4.4.1 Diversity and inclusion4.4.2 Unlawful discrimination4.4.3 Commission for Racial Equality4.4.4 Copy of Equal Opportunities Policy

5 Scoring system of ‘Demonstrates equal opportunities are adhered to and policy included’ – 10; ‘Evidence of equal opportunities and policy included’ – 9; ‘Equal opportunities policy included but reservations on adherence’ – 5; ‘Lack of or no evidence of equal opportunities’ – 0 marks.

4.5 Environmental / Sustainability policy4.5.1 Environmental / Sustainability Policy Statement

5 Scoring system of ‘Provides a comprehensive environmental/sustainability policy that demonstrates the business is actively pursuing’ – 10; ‘Environmental/sustainability policy included but with reservations on adherence’ – 5; ‘No environmental/sustainability policy provided’ – 0 marks.

4.6 References4.6.1 Provision of References

10 Scoring system of ‘Very good/Excellent unqualified references provided’ – 10; ‘Good references provided’ – 9; ‘References provided but with reservations’ – 5; ‘Poor or no references provided’ – 0 marks.



Evaluation Matrix for Technical Capability Selection Process

Score Scoring Principles

0 Unacceptable / Unaddressed – Evidence is unacceptable or non-existent, or the relevant evidence require the reviewer to make assumptions, or there is a failure to properly address any issues.

5 Reservations– The evidence is acceptable, but with some minor reservations. The response deals only with processes and little output evidence is provided.

9 Full meets– The standard of evidence fully meets expectations.

10 Usefully Exceeds– The standard of evidence exceeds expectations.



Appendix 2 - Compliance Check

Bidders should respond to the following questions in the various Appendices by completing the questionnaires contained within this section and provide information and evidence where requested:

List of enclosures / attachments checklist2.1 PQQ submission information2.2 Basic details of your organisation2.3 The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 questionnaire




List of enclosures / attachments:Please confirm that you have completed all the sections within this PQQ, and where appropriate, that you have enclosed the relevant information with your completed submission:

Appendix 2 Completed(Yes / No)

Enclosed (Yes / No)

Appendix 2: Compliance Check

2.1 PQQ submission information

2.2 Basic details of your organisation

2.3 Prime Contractor

2.4 The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 questionnaire

Appendix 3: Mandatory Requirements

3.1 Financial information

3.1.1 Annual turnover for the last three years

3.1.2 Audited accounts for the last three years

3.1.3 Interim Statements or other announcements since last annual accounts

3.1.4 Subsequent circumstances or events since last annual accounts

3.1.5 Statement of trading position

3.1.6 Ultimate holding company guarantee

3.1.7 Statement of cash flow forecast for the current Year

3.2 Banking Facilities and Funding Arrangements:

3.2.1 Banking Details

3.2.2 Meeting terms of your banking facilities and financial agreements

3.2.3 Meeting obligations to pay creditors and staff

3.2.4 Bank Reference for current banking facility



Appendix 2 Completed(Yes / No)

Enclosed (Yes / No)

3.3 Insurance

3.3.1 Certificate of Professional Indemnity Insurance (minimum indemnity limit £2.5m)

3.3.2 Certificate of Public and Employers Liability Insurance

3.4 Business activities

3.4.1 Statement on Business activities

3.4.2 No of Staff

Appendix 4: Technical Capability


4.1.1 Project Management Experience

4.1.2 Management Information and Reporting

4.1.3 Understanding of Finance Gap

4.1.4 Fund Management experience

4.1.5 Investment support(a) Loan (b) Mezzanine/

Equity

4.1.6 Contract Award

4.1.7 ERDF Funding experience

4.1.8 Risk Management

4.2 Quality assurance / quality management

4.2.1 Quality Management System

4.3 Health and Safety

4.3.1 Health and Safety Policy

4.4 Equal Opportunities



4.4.1 Diversity & Inclusion

4.4.2 Unlawful discrimination

4.4.3 Commission for Racial Equality

4.4.4 Copy of Equal Opportunities Policy

4.5 Environmental / Sustainability policy

4.5.1 Environmental / Sustainability Policy Statement

4.6 References



2.1 PQQ submission information:

Please confirm which Lots you are bidding for:

Please indicate Yes/No in the boxes below

Lot 1 - Venture CapitalLot 2 – Loan

Name of the organisation for which this PQQ has been completed:

Contact name for enquiries about this PQQ submission:

Contact position (Job Title):

Address:

Post Code:

Telephone number:

Fax number:

E-mail address:

This form has been completed by (name):

Position (Job Title):

Telephone number:

I declare that to the best of my knowledge the answers submitted in this PQQ (and any supporting documents) are correct. I understand that the information will be used in the evaluation process to assess my organisation’s suitability to be invited to tender for the NWDA’s requirement

Signature:

Date:



2.2 Basic details of your organisation:

Contact name for enquiries about your organisation:

Contact position (Job Title):

Address:

Post Code:

Fax number:

E-mail address:

Website:

Company Registration number (if applicable):

Date of Registration:

Registered address if different from the above:

VAT Registration Number:

Is your company a Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) as defined in Section 382 and 465 of the Companies Act (2006)?

Y/N

Confirmation that an organisation structure chart is enclosed with this completed questionnaire?

Y/N

Is your organisation: (Please tick one)

i) a public limited company?ii) a limited company?iii) a partnershipiv) a sole traderv) other (please specify)

Is your company a subsidiary of another company?

Y/N

Name of Holding or Parent Company



Name of (ultimate) parent company (if applicable):

Company’s House Registration number of parent company (if applicable):

Number and locations of premises from which your organisation provides services similar to those required by the Agency

Brief History of your organisation (no more than 200 words)



2.3 PRIME CONTRACTORIs your organisation is bidding to provide all of the services required

Y/N

Is your organisation is bidding in the role of Prime Contractor and intends to use a consortium to provide some services

Y/N

If you have answered yes to the above please identify intended partners for the bid (if currently known) below (more than one partner can be named in each area, and the same partner can be named in more than one area) :

Service provision Organisation name

Organisation Address and Contact details

Loan

Mezzanine/Equity

Other

The Agency will also require signed letters of confirmation from each of the partners acknowledging their participation in the consortium.

Supplied Y/N

2.4 THE PUBLIC CONTRACTS REGULATIONS 2006

Any contractor may be excluded from participation in accordance with Regulation 23 of The Public Contracts Regulations 2006. Please complete the questionnaire below to confirm if any of the circumstances as set out in The Public Contracts Regulations (PCR) 2006 Regulation 23, apply to your company:

SUMMARY OF INELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS PROVIDED BY REGULATION 23 OF THE PUBLIC CONTRACTS REGULATIONS 2006 (SI 2006 No: 5)

Answer:Yes / No

1) The NWDA shall treat as ineligible and shall not select an economic operator in accordance with these Regulations if NWDA has actual knowledge that the economic operator or its directors or any other person who has powers of representation, decision or control of the economic operator has been convicted of any of the following offences:



a. conspiracy within the meaning of section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (a) where that conspiracy relates to participation in a criminal organisation as defined in Article 2 (1) of Council Joint Action 98/733/JHA (b).;

b. corruption within the meaning of section 1 of the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act 1889 (c) or section 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906 (d);

c. the offence of bribery; d. fraud, where the offence relates to fraud affecting the

financial interests of the European Communities as defined by Article 1 of the Convention relating to the protection of the financial interests of the European Union, within the meaning of:i the offence of cheating the Revenue;ii. the offence of conspiracy to defraud;iii. fraud or theft within the meaning of the Theft Act 1968

(a) and the Theft Act 1978 (b);iv. fraudulent trading within the meaning of section 458 of

the Companies Act 1985;v. defrauding the Customs within the meaning of the

Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (d) and the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (e);

vi. an offence in connection with taxation in the European Community within the meaning of section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 (f); or,

vii. destroying, defacing or concealing of documents or procuring the extension of a valuable security within the meaning of section 20 of the Theft Act 1968;

e. money laundering within the meaning of the Money Laundering Regulations 2003 (g); or,

f. any other offence within the meaning of Article 45 (1) of the Public Sector Directive as defined by the national law of any relevant State.

2) The NWDA may treat an economic operator as ineligible or decide not to select an economic operator in accordance with the PCR 2006 Regulations on one or more of the following grounds, namely that the economic operator:a. being an individual is bankrupt or has had a receiving

order or administration order or bankruptcy restrictions order made against him or has made any composition or arrangement with or for the benefit of his creditors or has made any conveyance or assignment for the benefit of his creditors or appears unable to pay, or to have no reasonable prospect of being able to pay, a debt with the meaning of section 268 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (h), or is the subject of a petition presented for sequestration of his estate, or is the subject of any similar procedure under



the law of any other state;b. Being a partnership constituted under Scots Law has

granted a trust deed or become otherwise apparently insolvent, or is the subject of a petition presented for sequestration of its estate

c. being a company or any other entity within the meaning of section 255 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (a) has passed a resolution or is the subject of an order by the court for the company’s winding up otherwise than for the purpose of bona fide reconstruction or amalgamation, or has had a receiver, manager or administrator on behalf of a creditor appointed in respect of the company’s business or any part thereof or is subject of the above procedures or is the subject of similar procedures under the law of any other state;

d. has been convicted of a criminal offence relating to the conduct of his business or profession;

e has committed an act of grave misconduct in the course of his business or profession;

f. has not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of the relevant State in which the economic operator is established;

g. has not fulfilled obligations to the payment of taxes under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of the relevant State in which the economic operator is established;

h. is guilty of serious misrepresentation in providing any information required of him under this regulation;

i. in relation to procedures for the award of a public services contract, is not licensed in the relevant State in which he is established or is not a member of an organisation in that relevant State when the law of that relevant State prohibits the provision of the services to be provided under the contract by a person who is not so licensed or who is not such a member.

j Subject to paragraphs (7), (8) and (9) is not registered on the professional or trade register of the relevant State specified in Schedule 6 in which he is established under conditions laid down by that State.

If you have answered yes to any of the above, please provide us with further details:

The NWDA may seek evidence at a later date, in confirmation of your answer.


Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund Building 3

Appendix 3 – Mandatory Requirements

Bidders should respond to the following questions by completing the questionnaires contained within this section and by enclosing the relevant information where requested:

3.1 Financial Information3.2 Banking Facilities & Funding Arrangements3.3 Insurance3.4 Business Activities

PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE


30

Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund Building 33.1 Financial information:

Organisation (please name): Annual Turnover £ For Year 2007/08

Annual Turnover £ For Year 2006/07

Annual Turnover £ For Year 2005/06

Ultimate Holding Company (please name): Annual Consolidated Turnover

£ For Year 2007/08

Annual Consolidated Turnover

£ For Year 2006/07

Annual Consolidated Turnover

£ For Year 2005/06

Enclosed? Yes

No

If the above information has not been enclosed, please explain why and detail what alternative information will be made available.

Enclosed? Yes

No



3.1.1 Please provide the annual turnover of your organisation for the last three years. If your organisation is part of a group, please give figures for both your own organisation and the ultimate holding company.

3.1.2 Please enclose a set of your last three full (unabbreviated) audited accounts and those of the holding and ultimate parent company (if applicable).

3.1.3 Please provide any interim statements, preliminary announcements, trading statements or profit warnings published since the last accounts. This information must be provided for the specific legal entity which will enter the contract if successful and on a consolidated basis for the ultimate holding company, if applicable.

31


Enclosed? Yes

No


3.1.4 Please give details of any subsequent circumstances or events since the latest annual accounts which have had a material impact on the understanding of your financial status (or confirmation there are none). This must include, but should not be limited to: change of ownership/control, corporate re-financing, substantial acquisitions or disposals, potentially significant litigation or threatened litigation, and (if part of a wider corporate group) circumstances having a material impact on the understanding of the financial position of the group as a whole.

3.1.5 Please give a statement of your trading position in the period since the last annual accounts.

3.1.6 If you are part of a wider corporate group, please provide a statement confirming that the ultimate holding company will guarantee your obligations under the contract if it is successful. The guarantee must be in a form approved by the NWDA and this will be set out in the ITT

3.1.7 Please provide a statement of cash flow forecast for the current year.

32


3.2 Banking Facilities / Funding Arrangements:

Name

Branch Address:

Account Name:

Number of years account has been open:

Yes

No

If “No” please provide full details?

Yes

No

If “No” please provide full details?

3.2.4 Please provide a bank reference to demonstrate your current banking facility / commitment levels and hence your ability to cash flow this project.

Enclosed:Yes

No


3.2.1 Please give details of your Bankers:

Please provide any other information that the Bidder considers may be useful to enable a proper understanding of its financial status.

3.2.2 Has your organisation met the terms of its banking facilities and financial agreements (if any) during the past year?

3.2.3 Has your organisation met all its obligations to pay its creditors and staff during the past year?

33


3.3 Insurance:

Policy Insurer Indemnity Value (£)

Enclosed? Yes

No


Employer’s Liability £

Public Liability £

Please enclose a copy of the relevant Public and Employers Liability Insurance certificate(s).

Enclosed? Yes

No

Other (please provide details):


3.3.1 Please provide details of your organisation’s insurance protection in respect of professional indemnity cover, which should be not less than £2.5m for each and every claim.

Please enclose a copy of the relevant professional indemnity insurance certificate.

3.3.2 Please provide details of your current Public and Employers Liability Insurance cover Value which should not be less than £5m for each and every claim:

34


3.4 Business activities:

3.4.1 What are the main business activities of your organisation that are relevant to this project?


3.4.2 How many staff does your organisation have, who are to be engaged in the services to be provided under this contract?

35


Appendix 4 - Technical Capability

Bidders should respond to the following questions by completing the questionnaires contained within this section and by enclosing the relevant information where requested:

4.1 Technical provision (experience and track record)4.2 Quality assurance / Quality management4.3 Health & Safety4.4 Equal Opportunities4.5 Environmental / Sustainability Policy4.6 References

NWDA00301 - PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIREPage 36 of 43




For the following questions, please provide the relevant details of your experience and track record. This should be submitted in a separate / stand-alone document and marked NWDA00301 PQQ “Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund”: Technical provision (experience and track record)”. The name of your organisation should be clearly indicated on the front cover of your document.This document should contain a response to each question in the following format:

an outline statement per question;

a minimum of one case study (maximum of three) citing past experience and any lessons learned (your company / consortium’s involvement should be clearly stated);

Questions should be answered in English and must be completed in a form to correspond with the same numbering and order as in the questionnaire, with the text being “Tahoma” and no smaller than 11 point.

Addressed? Yes

No


4.1.1 Project Management Experience – Please provide details of any project management methodologies utilised by your organisation, e.g. PRINCE2 or equivalent, enclosing supporting information in evidence of your response such as certificates or copies of project management reports and procedures.

37


Addressed? Yes

No

Addressed? Yes

No

Addressed? Yes

No


4.1.2 Management Information and Reporting - The Agency requires copies of the following or equivalent reports to demonstrate your ability to manage and deliver a large portfolio of investments:Internal reports:

Investment Board minutes Investment decision report Monitoring report Due diligence report Investment Exit report Investment Offer Letter

External reports Portfolio Monitoring reports Annual report

4.1.3 Understanding of Finance Gap - Please explain your organisations understanding of the issues involved in addressing the finance gaps in the supply of loan and venture capital in the North West. In support of your response please submit evidence, where you have assisted SMEs in addressing this.

4.1.4 Fund Management Experience – Please provide evidence which clearly demonstrates a proven track record including details of ALL such funds operating in the finance/equity gap market (defined for these purposes as sub £2 million maximum investment size).


Addressed? Yes

No

Addressed? Yes

No

Addressed? Yes

No

Addressed? Yes

No

4.2 Quality assurance / Quality management


4.1.5 Investment Support – Please provide evidence which clearly demonstrates that your organisation or consortium currently provides business investment / support to the following:(a) Loan Y/N(b) Mezzanine/Equity Y/N

4.1.6 Contract Award – The contract is anticipated to go live by the end of September. Please confirm your organisations or consortium’s capability and capacity to go live by this date should you be successful.

4.1.7 ERDF Funding Experience – This is a transitional project which will be part funded by ERDF, experience of ERDF funding is essential to the successful delivery. Therefore only applicants with experience of delivering ERDF funding/funded projects will be considered for award of this contract. Please confirm whether your organisation or consortium has experience of delivering ERDF funding. Please provide relevant details/evidence of ERDF funded projects you have delivered within the last 5 years relevant to this PQQ (max 200 words).

4.1.8 Risk Management – In conjunction with project management of this scheme, risk management is also a very important element of any project. Please provide evidence of your risk management process and capabilities and examples of where this has clearly contributed to successful projects and specifically in relation to the type of services to be delivered under this contract.



Please provide evidence of your Organisations Q/A systems and include within your response copies of relevant extracts of your Q/A Manual. Please confirm whether your organisation currently holds valid recognised Quality Management certification for example BS/EN/ISO 9000 that is certified by a UKAS or EU or equivalent accredited body. If yes, please provide copy of your Certificate in support of your response.

Addressed?Yes

No


4.3 Health and Safety:

Enclosed? Yes

No


4.3.1 Health and Safety policy and organisation for Health and Safety.You are expected to have and implement an appropriate health and safety policy which should be compliant with the current Health and Safety at Work Act and which is regularly reviewed, and signed off by your Managing Director or equivalent. The policy must be relevant to the nature and scale of your work and set out the responsibilities for health and safety management at all levels within your organisation.Please enclose a signed, current copy of your organisation’s health and safety policy which details the organisation and responsibilities for health and safety, indicating when it was last reviewed and by whose authority it was published.


4.4 Equal Opportunities:

4.4.1

What measures do you take to ensure that there is diversity and inclusion in your workforce and that clients are treated fairly and do not suffer discrimination

4.4.2

In the last three years has any finding of unlawful discrimination been made against your organisation by any court or industrial or employment tribunal? If yes, please provide details

Yes /No

4.4.3

In the last three years has your organisation been the subject of a formal investigation by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) on grounds of alleged unlawful discrimination? If yes, please provide details

Yes /No

4.4.5 Please provide a copy of your Equal Opportunity Policy.

Enclosed? Yes

No

4.5 Environmental policy / Sustainability Policy:

4.5.1 Please provide a copy of your Environmental / Sustainability Policy Statement.

Enclosed? Yes

No


Some business operations can have a big impact on the environment, but all firms can help to ensure that they minimise any harmful effects of their work on the environment, for example green travel.


4.6 References Please provide the following referee details (precisely three in number) in support of your experience/track record of schemes over the last three years that are consistent with the likely size, value and complexity of the Transitional Venture Capital Loan Fund Building 3 (at least one should be from the public sector):

Customer name:

Customer address:

Contact name: Contact telephone number:Contact email details:

Date contract was awarded:

Details of Contract value and contract works undertaken

Customer name:

Customer address:

Contact name:Contact telephone number:Contact email details:



Customer name:

Customer address:

Contact name:Contact telephone number:Contact email details:




20Interim%20V7%20PQQ-%20Final

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