Decision

RESOLVED that approval is given to award the contract for the Contract  Administration Consultancy service for the FRA & XRD Sheltered  Housing Blocks Works Programme to John Burke Associates (JBA) as quoted for

·         1-32 Hinton’s FRA - £10,263.16

·         1-32 Hinton’s XRD - £73,142.11

·         12-49 Sewell Harris FRA - £8,947.37

·         12-49 Sewell Harris XRD - £60,405.26

·         18-19 Manor Hatch XRD - £79,300.00

·         18-19 Manor Hatch FRA - £7,894.74

·         Bloom Fee 5% Charges - £11,997.63

Totaling a Tender Sum of £239,952.63 + VAT in accordance with the Councils Contract Standing Order (CSO).

The contractors will be engaged using the HDC Consultancy Agreement, and the Council’s standard Schedule of Amendments.

Reasons for the decision

Enable the delivery of essential Fire Safety Remedial and Planned Works Programme, to bring the Council’s housing stock in line with statutory fire safety requirements, maintain housing quality standards, and secure delivery ahead of the statutory 2026 compliance deadline.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing: This option is not viable, as it would place the Council in breach of statutory obligations, exposing it to potential enforcement action and increased health and safety risks.

In - House Delivery: This option is not considered viable, as the Council does not currently have sufficient internal capacity or specialist expertise to deliver the service within the required timescale. This would increase the risk of delays and negatively impact the quality of delivery.

Full Competitive Procurement: This option is not recommended, as undertaking a full competitive procurement process would introduce delays to the programme and create mobilisation and transition risks. There is also a risk of loss of continuity and disruption to ongoing works and established stakeholder relationships, which could adversely affect service delivery and resident safety.

Preferred Option – Direct Award to the Incumbent Provider Via a Compliant Bloom Framework Agreement: The preferred option is to appoint the incumbent provider via a framework (Bloom NEPRO 3 Framework Agreement) using a direct award route. This approach ensures continuity of service, maintains established knowledge of the assets and resident engagement, and minimises mobilisation and programme risks. It provides best value for money by avoiding delays, duplications, and additional costs, while ensuring timely and compliant delivery of the work in line with statutory and safety requirements.