Proposed decision
To procure a Specialist Highway Support Services Framework to provide independent cost consultancy, specialist utility support and programme review services to support the delivery of highway and transportation schemes across Kent.
To delegate authority to the Director of Highways and Transport to take the necessary actions to award the framework and enter into the associated contractual arrangements, including any permitted extensions.
Reason for the decision
The existing Independent Cost Consultancy contract expires in March 2027. The proposed framework will ensure continuity of essential specialist support services required for the development and delivery of highway and transportation schemes. The framework expands the existing arrangements to include specialist utility support and programme review services, providing greater flexibility and resilience across the capital programme.
Background
The Major Capital Programme Team has utilised independent cost consultancy services for over 15 years to support the delivery of highway and transportation schemes. These services were formalised through contract arrangements in 2018 and have supported 69 projects to date.
The existing arrangements provide independent assurance of project costs, support business case development and assist with NEC contract administration. The proposed framework broadens the scope to include specialist utility support and programme review services required to support the delivery of increasingly complex infrastructure projects. To date, Utilities support and Programme Review services have either been provided through sub-consultancy arrangements or sourced separately on an ad-hoc basis. The proposed framework will consolidate these services into a single contractual arrangement, providing a more consistent and efficient approach to procuring specialist support.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
Alternative options considered included utilising the existing Professional Services Framework (PSF) and alternative third-party frameworks. These options were discounted as the PSF was not designed for these specialist requirements and does not provide Specialist Utility Support or Programme Review services. In addition, they would not maintain the necessary independence between design consultants and cost assurance functions.
A do-nothing option was also considered but discounted as access to these services is an ongoing requirement beyond the existing arrangements expiring in March 2027.
How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement
The proposed framework will support the delivery of infrastructure investment across Kent by providing independent assurance of project costs, programmes and commercial arrangements. This will help ensure that publicly funded projects are developed on a robust basis, represent value for money and can be delivered efficiently and effectively.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 04/08/2026
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt -
Decision due: Not before 2nd Sep 2026 by Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Lead director: Andrew Loosemore
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Victoria Soames Email: victoria.soames@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
The proposed decision will be considered by the Growth, Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 9th September
Financial implications: The framework will have a maximum value of £4,000,000 (including VAT) over the contractual period from 1 April 2027 to 1 April 2030, with the option to extend until 31 March 2031. This represents the maximum value available under the framework and does not constitute a commitment to spend. Services will be commissioned on a call-off basis and there is no guaranteed level of spend. Expenditure will be funded through approved capital project budgets (predominantly supported by grant funding) and, where appropriate, revenue budgets or other grant funding sources. The procurement does not create a new budget requirement and will support the delivery of existing and future capital projects. Value for money will be achieved through a competitive procurement process, with tenderers pricing against a draft contract and schedule of rates for the relevant lot.
Legal implications: The procurement will be undertaken in accordance with applicable procurement legislation and the Council's Contract Procedure Rules. Appropriate contractual arrangements will be established using the NEC suite of contracts. In preparation for Local Government Reorganisation, appropriate provisions will be included within the contract to facilitate any future transfer of rights if required.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications An Equality Impact Assessment has been completed. No adverse impacts on protected groups have been identified. As the procurement relates to specialist consultancy services, no direct impacts on service users are anticipated. The assessment will continue to be reviewed as the project progresses. Data Protection implications A DPIA is not required as the framework does not involve the processing or sharing of personal data. No significant data protection risks have currently been identified as the services relate primarily to technical and commercial consultancy activities.