Decision:
The decision will result in savings or expenditure which is significant having regard to the budget for the service or function (currently defined by the Council as in excess of £1,000,000). Individual projects procured through the framework will be subject to their own appropriate governance and funding process.
Background:
On 14 January and 13 July 2021, it was presented at Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee that a replacement framework would be required to allow the Council to commission new construction schemes when the Kent Contractors framework expired in October 2021. Following a discussion at the committee a construction partnership has been progressed. The new Construction Partnership Framework will allow future schemes to be procured expediently and efficiently in line with modern best practice. A key factor in considerations is the reduction in the number and value of projects in the pipeline compared to previous years. The pipeline has reduced when compared to the previous four to six years and reflects the current Medium Term Financial Plan.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 16/03/2022
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Explanation of anticipated restriction:
supporting paperwork will includes commercially-sensitive information
Decision due: Not before 14th Apr 2022 by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services
Reason: in order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services
Lead director: Rebecca Spore
Department: Strategic & Corporate Services
Contact: Robert Clark, Contract and Commissioning Support Manager 03000 415851 Email: Robert.clark@kent.gov.uk Tel: 03000415951, James Sanderson, Head of Property Operations Email: james.sanderson2@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
The decision was considered and endorsed by the Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee on 24 March 2022.
Financial implications: There is no workload guarantee in the framework agreement. All schemes awarded to contractors will incorporate their own contract (NEC 4 suite) and such projects will need to be taken through the appropriate governance and funding process. The framework pricing structure will be open book which will allow the Council’s Commercial Team to review rates and evaluate whether they are in accordance with market conditions. Should the proposal not be within a suitable tolerance of market prices, the Council can move to the next contractor. This will encourage price competitiveness and ensure the Council is aware of current market forces. An example of this is the current material shortage (timber, steel, cement, etc) affecting the UK market and further afield. Should the Council not be satisfied that the proposals represent VFM KCC is able to utilise an alternative procurement option.
Legal implications: The award of any contracts will be in full compliance with all relevant procurement and governance regulations. External legal advisors who have been commissioned by the Office of General Counsel have provided advice on the establishment of the framework.
Equalities implications: An Equalities Impact Assessment has been carried out and no implications have been identified.