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1240/5/1(4)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE BY THE DEPUTY OF GROUVILLE
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 17th JANUARY 2017
Question
Have the Minister and his Department ever given consideration to conducting design competitions in order to evaluate ideas and proposals for the Island's architecture and landscape schemes; if not, why not; and, if so:
- what weighting, if any, is given to design above cost; and
- what encouragement, if any, is given to local design professionals who pay tax in Jersey and can demonstrate an understanding of the Island's character and uniqueness?
Answer
I am assuming that the Deputy is limiting her question to projects undertaken by the Department for Infrastructure on behalf of the Public rather than those undertaken by the private sector.
When in house resources are not used, the Department does not conduct design competitions but does encourage local architects to tender for projects in their own name or in conjunction with off-Island organisations where the on-Island practice does not have sufficient capacity or experience.
For appointments that exceed the threshold in relevant Financial Directions whereby a competitive process is required, the assessment of submissions will usually consider both cost' and quality' aspects.
A scheme where design is a key assessment criteria will attract a higher weighting within the overall quality' assessment and may impact on the relative weighting between cost' and quality'. These weightings, together with other procurement assessment criteria, are set out in an approved procurement strategy for the commission.
The quality' assessment is likely to include a requirement to provide experience relevant to the commission and any interview process would look to obtain an understanding of the applicant's design credentials and approach to the project.
The procurement process is undertaken using the States e-tendering portal. Expressions of interest and tender submissions are sought from suitably qualified organisations. Applicants will need to demonstrate an appropriate understand and experience of the Jersey design vernacular. Where the tender is not limited to on-Island suppliers, there is no adjustment to the cost submission between on-Island and off-Island submissions.