The Public Contract Regulations 2015 refer to a Framework meaning “an agreement between one or more contracting authorities and one or more economic operators, the purpose of which is to establish the terms governing contracts to be awarded during a given period, in particular with regard to price and, where appropriate, the quantity envisaged”.

This framework is open to all public sector bodies to use. The full list of those who can utilise the Framework can be found within the Contract Notice. Please click here to view the Contract Notice.

This Framework can be used by all Contracting Authorities throughout all administrative regions of the UK (as defined by the Public Contracts Regulations 2015) including but not limited to Government Departments and their Agencies, Non-Departmental Public Bodies, Central Government, NHS Bodies, Local Authorities, Emergency Services, Coastguard Emergency Services, Educational Establishments, Registered Social Landlords and Registered Charities who have a need to purchase the above services. Further details can be found in Annex 16.

No, the Framework is free to use.

Please see here for a full list of the suppliers.

Please see here for the lotting structure.

You can view the quick guide here and if you wish to access the full suite of documentation, you will need to complete the access agreement and submit it to consultancyframework@cardiff.gov.uk where the Framework Team will then send you all the information.

The SEWTAPS framework commenced on 19th April 2021 until the 18th April 2025, for a period of 4 years, with option to extend to 18th April 2027

Lot 1: Multi-Disciplinary
Lot 2: Civil and Highway Engineering Consultants
Lot 3: Transportation Consultancy
Lot 4: Ground and Water Consultancy
Lot 5: Estates and Residential Development Professional Services
Lot 6: Site Supervision
Lot 7: Aviation Consultants
Lot 8: Geotechnical Consultants
Lot 9: Archaeological/Cultural Heritage Consultancy
Lot 10: Master Planning and Urban Design
Lot 11: Neutral Vendor Services*

Further documentation can be obtained by emailing the team on Consultancyframework@cardiff.gov.uk

Furthermore, Lot 11 Neutral vendor service covers a range of professional services that includes:

• Construction Consultancy Services,
• Corporate, Policy, Audit and Finance
• Procurement
• Social Value
• Marketing, Media & Communications
• ICT, Transformation and Change
• Education, Learning and Curriculum
  
• Energy Consultancy
• Adult Care Services
• Children’s Services
• Commercialisation & Public Services
• Organisational Change and Transformation Management
• Facilities Management
• Housing & Communities
• Business Strategies
• HR
• Law
  

This is not an exhaustive list and may change depending on requirements by each customer.

The Framework was awarded via an EU Compliant OJEU process in line with the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The Framework Team can provide documentation in order to support your request for funding.

There is a quick user guide available to access here. Further guidance is available please email the team on Consultancyframework@cardiff.gov.uk

There are standard quality questions available on request. The Framework Team encourage to ask forward facing project specific questions to achieve the best responses from the bidders for your scheme.

The following weightings may be applied:

• 60% Price and 40% Quality / Technical
• 50% Price and 50% Quality / Technical
• 40% Price and 60% Quality / Technica
• 30% Price and 70% Quality / Technical
• 20% Price and 80% Quality / Technical

Yes, direct award applies to all Lots. Although there is a recommended 150k threshold customers are able to exceed that value. A Direct Award can be made and you can make your selection based on organisational need, urgency, level of expertise offered, availability, quality, value for money and response time that demonstrates value for money.

The Framework offers a variety of forms of Contract that can be used:

• Standard Consultancy terms and Conditions
• NEC4 Professional Service Contract
• JCT - e-Construction Services Agreement

The Framework was awarded on a 0-5 scoring methodology for quality, and a narrow average scoring methodology for commercials, but we have not stipulated that you must utilise a certain methodology. You may use a scoring methodology that is suitable for your requirement and tendering systems in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015.

Yes within the framework. Annex 3 details the hourly rates and these rates are maximum rates which cannot be exceeded.

This is for the customer to obtain they must complete Annex 14 and send to ConsultancyFramework@cardiff.gov.uk to obtain the unique SEWTAPS reference number.

For direct awards after scope/fee agreed but before any PO is raised.

This is a mandatory requirement and failure to get this will make call off non-compliant with the framework.

Email the team on ConsultancyFramework@cardiff.gov.uk and we can assist. The SEWTAPS unique reference number will be turned around with 4 hrs on sending through a completed Annex 14 so should not result in any delay.

Where relevant Customers can aggregate smaller commissions for multiple smaller projects and obtain one reference for these, this is covered in Annex 14.