The proposed contracts are required to prevent extension of existing contracts which would be in breach of Procurement Regulations.
A transparent and accountable procurement process has been used to select providers.
KCC has a statutory responsibility as the Waste Disposal Authority for the disposal of household waste and as such the contracts subject to this report are a fundamental requirement to ensure waste can be managed cost-effectively and via environmentally sound methods.
Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs) have been undertaken to inform the contract specification and assess the impacts of the procurement process. Resulting action plans have been implemented to ensure equitable access for Kent householders with regard to Protected Characteristics. The EqIAs informed the inclusion of equality related mandatory requirements within the tender documents including:
• Designated staff as ‘equality champions’ for customer care at each facility.
• Ensuring facility signage is clear and appropriate for customers where language and literacy may present as barrier to using the service
• All HWRCs are managed in line with KCC’s policies including the Disability Access Scheme.
HWRC and TS facilities will be leased/licenced to the selected providers through KCC Property.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 22/07/2014
Contact: Melanie Price, Partnership and Development Manager 01622 605841; 01622 605996 Email: melanie.price@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 605841, Roger Wilkin, Director of Highways, Transformation and Waste Email: roger.wilkin@kent.gov.uk Tel: +443000413479.
Consultation process
A competitive tendering process has been conducted through the Kent Business Portal and with support from KCC Corporate Procurement.
Key consultee groups (including district councils, Corporate Procurement, Legal, Finance, H&S, Corporate Director, Waste officers) have been engaged with to inform contract requirements and tender and evaluation processes, to ensure robust procurement and inform the Cabinet Member's decision to approve the procurement outcome.
On 22nd July 2014 the Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee endorsed the award of contracts to the preferred tenderers following completion of the procurement process for the provision of the Management and Operation of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) and Transfer Stations (TS) to ensure service continuity
Legal implications: 14/00035
Equalities implications: Expenditure exceeds £1m