Decision

To vary a contract to C & E Consultancy Ltd for in-Situ Interim Project Manager Resource, Major Projects Delivery Team by £73,125 increasing the contract value from £146,250.00 to £219,375 as allowed under Contract Standing Order (CSO) 18.03.3 and CSO 2.05.1.n.

Reasons for the decision

The Major Projects Delivery Team provide the Council with construction related project management expertise across a variety of education, corporate and public building projects.

The Councils continued review of capital investments, both those commissioned and in pipeline requires a flexible resource approach. Contracted Project Managers are a valuable asset to the team. With a fluctuating project pipeline needing to be resourced and or paused at short notice it would be extremely challenging to adequately resource the delivery team without the support of contracted staff. This variation also supports current workload demands.

C&E Consultancy Ltd offer listed building expertise which was a fundamental requirement of the original tender exercise therefore continues to support listed building projects presently commissioned.

Whilst a variation is being requested up to 50%, the terms of this contract permit terminated at any given time.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing – An inability to secure competent project delivery resource will result in failure to meet our obligation to support delivery of business needs and the Councils Corporate Priorities.

This original procurement was undertaken on a competitive basis (cost and quality) via the Councils Dynamic Purchasing System. The variation is based on these competitively tendered rates.

Procuring via Matrix has not proved successful. The calibre of candidates available is likely reflective of the current climate and work demand across this sector. Selection via this route is not based on a financial competitive exercise.