Date of dispatch of this notice: 21/12/2015
Expire date: 05/02/2016
External Reference: 2015-601910
TED Reference: 2015/S 249-455248
Date of dispatch of this notice: 21/12/2015
Expire date: 05/02/2016
External Reference: 2015-601910
TED Reference: 2015/S 249-455248
Consultancy Support for Uisce Eireann’s Enduring Non-domestic Tariff Framework Project
Tallaght
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator. The CER was established in 1999 and now has a wide range of economic, customer protection and safety responsibilities in energy. The CER is also the regulator of Ireland’s public water and wastewater system.
The CER currently wishes to engage consultancy support to provide policy and economic advice in regard to UÉ’s Enduring Non-domestic Tariff Framework.
Over the next two years the CER will undertake extensive consultation to develop UÉ’s Enduring Non-Domestic Tariff Framework. The scope includes provision of policy advice regarding each aspect of the enduring non-domestic tariff framework throughout the project, as well as feedback and advice regarding UÉ’s non-domestic tariff proposals, customer impact analysis and tariff modelling. The policy advice will be based on a phased delivery approach with 5 stages.
Using a project gateway review, the successful tenderer will be required to complete the mandatory deliverables under Stage 2. Following completion of this stage, a decision will be made by the CER whether to progress with the first optional deliverable set out in Stage 3. Once Stage 3 has been delivered, the CER will decide whether to progress with the optional deliverables set out in Stage 5 and also separately decide on whether to progress with the optional deliverables outlined in Stage 4. Stage 4 and Stage 5 can be undertaken in parallel.
A detailed specification of requirements is set out in Section 2 of the Invitation to Tender document available to download from www.etenders.gov.ie
The scope of requirements for the provision of policy and economic advice for this project is as follows:
1. To review and advise on non-domestic tariff principles, designs, tariff generation methodologies, transitional arrangements and tariff rates in place in other relevant jurisdictions in order to benchmark various aspects of UÉ’s proposals against comparable utilities. The advice includes any clarifications requested by the CER.
2. To provide advice and assistance in the drafting of CER Consultation and Decision documents issued throughout the project.
3. To provide assistance in responding to comments/responses received at each stage of the consultation process (and meet with respondents as required).
4. To review and advise on UÉ’s tariff policy proposals and tariff modelling submissions throughout the project. This will include providing assistance with any clarification questions. The successful party will also need to attend meetings and review information provided by UÉ at these meetings and provide assistance with any clarification questions throughout the Project.
5. To review and advise on the customer impact analysis of different tariff setting design options (e.g., national/regional, customer segmentation, cost allocation, tariff structure) as well as the customer impact assessment of any transitional arrangements that may be adopted.
6. To evaluate and provide a report on the impact of any proposed charging design on UÉ’s revenue, interactions with domestic tariffs and other relevant regulatory policies.
7. To provide a presentation to CER Staff. The aim of this presentation will be to facilitate transfer of relevant experience on Non-domestic tariffs to CER staff members.
The CER also requires the successful tenderer to work closely with the CER to develop the skill set of the CER staff working on this project. The CER sees the transfer of knowledge as a key prerequisite of this tender.
Following the completion of the mandatory deliverables outlined in the specification of requirements, the CER will decide on whether to proceed with the optional deliverables. Should the first optional deliverable be completed (i.e. Stage 3), the CER may decide to exercise the option to initiate Stage 4 and/or Stage 5.
There is also an optional number of additional draw down contingency days provided for.
Options are as follows:
Option 1: Consultation on UÉ’s Transitional Arrangement Proposals (Stage 3).
Option 2: Consultation on UE’s Non-domestic Customer Handbook (Stage 4).
Option 3: Consultation on UE’s Water Charges Plan (non-domestic tariff rates) (Stage 5).
Option 4: Optional Contingency (50 consultancy days).
Tenderers should note that the CER does not guarantee that any of the options will be included in the total scope of this requirement.
A milestone payment schedule will be agreed between the CER and the successful tenderer. The draft anticipated milestone payment schedule for the mandatory and optional deliverables is given in Section 3.2 of the Invitation to Tender document and will be finalised in the Services Agreement signed with the successful tenderer.
Invoicing of contingency days is not included in this payment schedule and will be determined if and when the CER decides to draw-down.
The Commission for Energy Regulation operates in accordance with the European Communities (Late Paymentin Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002.
A grouping, if successful, must contract as a single entity, having joint and severable liability.
All tenderers are required to complete a Declaration of Bona Fides pursuant to Article 45 EU Directive 2001/1/EC (See Appendix B of Invitation for Tender).
Please refer to Section 4.1 of the Invitation to Tender document, available to download from www.etenders.gov.ie for relevant conditions with respect to Qualification Criteria applicable to this contract.
Please refer to Section 4.1 of the Invitation to Tender document, available to download from www.etenders.gov.ie for relevant conditions with respect to Qualification Criteria applicable to this contract.
011-03-338