Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to commence a new procurement exercise and enter into Agreements for the provision of highway and structural works following expiry of the current framework on 31 December 2022.

Portfolio Holder - Councillor Wallace Redford

In presenting this report, Councillor Wallace Redford (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) noted that the existing Construction Framework Contract, which delivered highway and structural construction services to Engineering Design Services, was due to expire on 31 December 2022 and this report sought authorisation to commence a procurement process so that a new Framework could be established.  Councillor Redford explained that an internal Framework was preferred as the best route to procurement rather than external Frameworks or other procurement options, such as SCAPE, as it provided many benefits including bespoke terms and conditions, financial assessments to be undertaken at the time of the project, being less resource intensive than procuring separate contracts,  provision for relationship building with suppliers, pre-qualification processes based on quality, evidence of experience and financial status and the use of local and national suppliers.  The 2019 Framework consisted of four financial lots where works were procured based on the scheme’s estimated construction costs and it was anticipated that a similar structure would be used for the new Framework as set out in the report.

In response to a question from Councillor Jerry Roodhouse, Councillor Redford advised that assurances projects were developed and funded would come through the project board. 

Responding to a question from Councillor Jonathan Chilvers, Councillor Redford advised that the existing relationship with Balfour Beatty to undertake “small” jobs would continue.

Resolved that Cabinet

1.     Approves the Strategic Director for Communities proceeding with a Public Contract Regulation 2015 compliant procurement process, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, for the provision of a Framework Agreement with multiple Lots for highways and structural works of varying price ranges.

2.     Approves and authorises the Strategic Director for Communities to enter into all relevant contracts for the provision of Framework Contracts for the Provision of Engineering and Construction Works on terms and conditions acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources.