Purpose

This decision seeks approval for the procurement of a demolition contractor to demolish and clear the buildings and site at Queens Park Cullen, South Kilburn Estate to allow for progression of highways works and future development of the site using the Lot 10 (Demolition) of the Construction Works and Associated Services Framework RM6088.

Decision

(1)    To approve Brent Council’s participation in a call-off procedure under the Lot 10 (Demolition) of the Construction Works and Associated Services Framework RM6088 for a call off in respect of the Queens Park Cullen demolition and site clearance works.

(2)    To confirm that there is sufficient budgetary provision for the proposed call-off contract.

(3)    To approve inviting bids under the CCS Lot 10 (Demolition) of the Construction Works and Associated Services Framework RM6088 Framework Agreement referred to in (1) above for the Queens Park Cullen demolition and site clearance works on the basis of the approved pre – tender considerations.

(4)    To approve officers evaluating the bids referred to in (3) above on the basis of the approved evaluation criteria.

Reasons for the decision

The Council requires the provision of demolition and site clearance works to enable the progression of the Queen’s Park project in accordance with the approved development programme. These works are essential to prepare the site for subsequent phases of construction and must be undertaken in a safe, compliant and efficient manner, with due regard to environmental considerations, programme constraints and stakeholder impacts.

It has been determined that the most appropriate means of providing the works is through the procurement of a contract for demolition and site clearance works (the “Contract”) by way of a mini-competition under the CCS Lot 10 Construction Works And Associated Services Framework RM6088 Framework Agreement (Framework Agreement). Undertaking a mini-competition under the framework allows the Council to refine its specific requirements and evaluation criteria ensuring that bids are assessed on both quality and price in a manner aligned to the projects priorities.

Alternative procurement routes were considered but discounted on the basis that they would require longer lead-in times, increased internal resource and duplication of due diligence already undertaken by CCS. The CCS Lot 10 framework provides a streamlined, cost-effective, and low-risk procurement route which aligns with the Councils requirements and project timetable. The use of a mini-competition under CCS RM6088 Lot 10 is considered to represent the most appropriate, compliant and value for money approach for procuring the required demolition and site clearance works.

Alternative options considered

Officers have considered whether the demolition and site clearance works can be carried out by the council itself but have concluded that it is necessary to procure a contractor to carry out the works, as the Council does not have the expertise or resources in-house.

Officers have also considered an alternative procurement method, such as an open tender process but concluded that a framework can procure a contractor quicker and more efficiently compared to an open tender process.