Aston University are inviting tenders from suitably experienced architects to provide the architectural services, in respect of the BCU (Birmingham City University) building project, located on campus, at Aston University. The project comprises the part demolition and conversion of the BCU building, including all necessary infrastructure, services and temporary works. The project also includes the site preparation, infrastructure work for a four storey building to be constructed, under a separate arrangement. This work will also include the conversion of an existing car park, into a public square to link the BCU with Aston University main building and campus. The appointed Architect will be required to carry out an initial feasibility study in conjunction with the project team, who are being recruited separately. The overall project value, including fees, and excluding VAT, is estimated to be 7 800 000 GBP. The successful Architect will be required to work under an agreement, similar GC works 5, but it will be an Aston University bespoke Agreement. This authority will incorporate a minimum of 10 calendar days standstill period at the point, information on the award of the contract is communicated to tenderers. This period allows unsuccessful tenderers to seek further debriefing from the contracting authority before the contract is entered into. Applicants have 2 working days from notification of the award decision to request additional debriefing and that information has to be provided a minimum of 3 working days before the expiry of the standstill period. Such additional information should be requested from the address in Section 1.1. If an appeal regarding the award of a contract has not been successfully resolved the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No 5) provides for the aggrieved parties who been harmed or are at risk of harm by a breach of the rules to take action in the High Court (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Any such action must be brought promptly (generally within 3 months). Where a contract has not been entered into the court may order the setting aside of the award decision or order the authority to amend any document and may award damages. If the contract has been entered into the court may only award damages.

nformation about a particular profession Execution of the service is reserved to a particular profession: yes Reference to the relevant law, regulation or administrative provision:

Type of procedure Open

Award criteria The most economically advantageous tender in terms of the criteria stated in the specifications, in the invitation to tender or to negotiate or in the descriptive document

Time limit for receipt of requests for documents or for accessing documents: 2.3.2012 – 12:00