Tender: Land Registry needs systems integrator/developer for UK e-conveyancing

Land Registry is embarking on a programme of work to enable e-conveyancing within England and Wales. It is envisaged that a pilot of e-conveyancing will take place starting in 2006. Land Registry has a large in-house Information Systems Directorate and a strong track record of managing successful large-scale IT-enabled business change. However, due to the complexities of enabling e-conveyancing the Land Registry is seeking to engage and work closely with a prime-contractor to support the Land Registry's in-house IT capability in developing and implementing the services required to enable e-conveyancing.

The Land Registry has identified the following areas where help and support are required. Note, the list is not exhaustive and the Land Registry does not commit to including all these services within any contract award:

support to help develop and build the central e-conveyancing service;

support with back-office systems development;

general help and support - for development and user support (internal and external);

training and skills transfer;

development skills;

IT systems integration;

testing and assurance help and support;

development of channel services;

development of security solutions;

development of complex interfacing solutions (including interfacing to financial institutions);

software design and development;

ongoing hardware and software requirements;

systems implementation;

database development;

web development;

project management assistance;

interfacing with other government departments;

business system process design.

Site or location of works, place of delivery or performance: Potentially a range of sites throughout England and Wales, though likely to be predominately Plymouth.

Options. Description and time when they may be exercised: Land Registry will require unilateral options to extend the contract period of up to five years by up to a further two 12-month periods.

Time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate: 13.8.2004. Time: 12:00.

Dispatch of invitations to tender to selected candidates: Estimated date: 6.9.2004.

Additional information: The authority expressly reserves the rights:

(i) not to award any contract as a result of the procurement process commenced by publication of this notice; and

(ii) to make whatever changes it may see fit to the content and structure of the tendering competition; and in no circumstances will the Authority be liable for any costs incurred by candidates.

Qualifying candidates will be required to undertake a 'proof of capability' exercise.

Further information regarding e-conveyancing can be found at the Land Registry's website: http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/e-conveyancing/.

Is it a framework agreement: no; the contract may, however, include some framework elements.

Will variants be accepted: yes; the Land Registry may consider variant bids within parameters to be determined in the Invitation to Tender documentation provided that candidates also submit a compliant reference bid.

Duration of the contract or time limit for completion: it is envisaged that the contract will be awarded for an initial period of up to five years with unilateral options to extend for up to a further two 12-month periods.

Will legal entities be required to state the names and professional qualifications of the personnel responsible for execution of the contract: yes; key personnel only.

Envisaged number of suppliers which will be invited to tender: the Land Registry currently envisages that at least three qualifying candidates will be invited to negotiate.

Official name and address of the contracting authority: Land Registry, Information Systems, Att: Mike Ferguson, Sourcing & Procurement Manager, E-Conveyancing Taskforce, Drakes Hill Court, Burrington Way, UK-Plymouth PL5 3LP. Tel.: 01752 635802. Fax: 01752 635890. E-mail: mike.ferguson@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk. URL: www.landreg.gov.uk.