HT&W Soft Landscape Service - Re-procurement and award contract(s) for rural swathe and visibility.
The current contract expires on 31 March 2017. Extension options have been considered by all parties but not considered viable in this instance. Accordingly, in order to ensure a seamless service remains in place a new procurement is required. Ongoing procurement enables market testing and ensures that the rates KCC pays of the work are competitive and reflective of the current market.
The commissioning of all work streams within the soft landscape services was considered, debated and agreed by the Strategic Commissioning Board on 4 July 2016. A broad range of commissioning solutions was considered by the board. The re-procurement of the Swathe and Visibility contract is in accordance with the board’s decision.
Rural Swathe and visibility cutting is a safety critical service that keeps Kent’s roads moving and assists economic growth.
The annual spend is estimated at £300k per annum and will continue to be funded from the soft landscape budget. The proposed contract length will be three years with an option to extend the contract for up to two years, one year at a time. Should KCC decide to run the contract for the full term, including extensions, total expenditure would be in the region of £1.5m
There are no significant legal constraints. Standard procurement risks would apply
Equality implications were considered during the analyse phase of the commissioning cycle. No significant impacts were identified through the re-procurement of the services.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 02/11/2016
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Richard Diplock, Soft Landscape Asset Manager 03000 413603.
Consultation process
A Member Task and Finish Group was set up in December 2015 to work with officers on the soft landscape commissioning options. Feedback from the group has shaped the current direction and approach of the services. The proposed procurement is a continuation of the existing service; there is no changed to the level of service.
Ongoing progress reports have been taken to Cabinet Committee to ensure all Members are fully informed. The next update will be January 2017.
Financial implications: Richard Diplock TEl 03000 413603 richard.diplock@kent.gov.uk
Legal implications: 16/00115