Older children tender - Questions
15-May-2009
Question 3
Clause 7.5 of the tender document refers to the possibility that TUPE obligations may arise as a result of winning this tender. Is there a specific example in mind where this may arise?
Answer 3
As noted in the 'Background and Notes' document, S4C does not foresee that any of S4C's own employees will be the subject of any TUPE transfer.
The question of whether or not TUPE is applicable is a legal matter and the applicant will need to consider and seek their own advice on the issue. As S4C is not part of any TUPE Transfer, this will be a matter to be resolved between the outgoing contractor and the successful tenderer.
Question 4
What will be the relationship between the successful tenderer and the proposed High Definition children's service - specifically, are there any obligations regarding the use of programmes on the new service?
Answer 4
The scope and range of the contract being tendered is noted in section 1 of the document 'Background and Notes'.
It is presumed that the principles of the Code of Practice and Terms of Trade will apply to any programmes commissioned (i.e. the content that will exist independently from the links/service) under this contract. These enable S4C to broadcast the content on all its services. The copyright of the service links and brand will be assigned to S4C.
Question 5
The tender document notes that the value of the tender is £4million for 156 hours of original programming, which is an average of around £25,641 per hour. S4C's Annual Report notes that S4C commissioned 198 hours of original children's programming in 2007 at an average cost of £53,141.
Answer 5
The tendering process is for a contract that includes programmes and presentation links, higher in value and hours than any other single contract previously tendered by S4C. Hence, the nature, size and basis of this contract are very different to the basis of the 2007 commissions. These factors have been considered in determining the value of the contract and it is not appropriate to compare it with the cost per hour of children's programming in 2007.
The process of assessing the tenders will also take into consideration the framework in order to recognise opportunities for partnerships/co-production. This will include an assessment of the advantages in order to extend the value of the investment and maximise production values for S4C.
Question 6
How much budget/hours are left for individual commissions?
Answer 6
Children's programming commissioning is led by the Content Strategy (2009/13) and the Programme Policy Statement. We have already confirmed that S4C will continue to commission a limited number of programmes for this age, beyond the scope of the contract. The number of hours will depend on the precise conditions of the contract tendered and the specific requirements of the service for older children.
Question 7
Will the successful applicant be expected to bring co-production finance/partnerships to the table?
Answer 7
It is a matter for applicants to decide whether they wish to include any partnerships as part of their application. Applicants can provide further information in Section A (if a consortium is applying) and also in Section O 'Partnerships/Co-production opportunities' of the application form. This is also included as one element of the assessment criteria.