2015-05-26 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   26 MAY 2015


3.    Tender Process

On 10 April 2015 an invitation for public tenders for the Cooroy Library Coffee Service
(Contract 1415T025) was advertised, seeking an operator to establish a viable, vibrant
coffee service inside Cooroy Library.

Tenders were publicly advertised in the Sunshine Coast Daily and Noosa News on 10 April
2015. The tender documents were available via LG Tenderbox and 12 recipients
downloaded tender documents. Several other inquiries were received by phone and email.
Two groups attended the onsite information session held on 22 April 2015 at Cooroy Library.

At the close of the tender on 4 May 2015, only one submission was received, from United
Synergies. This tender was fully compliant and was evaluated by the members of the
assessment panel in accordance with the procurement probity plan developed for this
tender.

The proposal offers to recruit young people experiencing disadvantage or barriers to
employment and then provide quality training and a genuine workplace experience. The
operation would be fully managed by United Synergies staff with strong backgrounds in
hospitality, training and supporting young people.

The assessment panel noted that the tender was of a very high standard. It identified that
the tenderer, United Synergies, presented an offer that was financially viable and exceeded
all the non-price elements of the evaluation criteria. In particular, the offer demonstrated a
very strong track record in social enterprise and social services for young people, significant
experience in operating a retail coffee business and a methodology that will create positive
social outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage in the Noosa region and flow-
on positive social and economic outcomes for the hinterland region.

The tender process used existing procurement procedures and this pilot has demonstrated
that social procurement does not require a separate procurement process.

4.    Implementation

It is proposed to award Contract 1415T025 to United Synergies for an initial two (2) year
period commencing on 1 July 2015 (or nearest practical date to this) and expiring on 30
June 2017 with options for two extensions of up to one (1) year each.

A transition plan will be developed which will include:
-     development of lease and operational guidelines;
-     recruitment and training of initial young people;
-     changeover of equipment;
-     parallel operations between United Synergies and Noosa Council staff to ensure
      continuity and consistency of service; and
-     full transition to United Synergies operations.

It is anticipated that this transition plan will commence in June 2015.

Previous Council Consideration

Nil




                                                                                    Page 20 of 24