Purpose

The refurbishment of the wet
side changing area at Burntwood Leisure Centre is essential to
maintain the Council’s asset, ensuring health and safety
compliance, improving user experience, and preventing further
deterioration that could lead to increased future repair
costs.
 
Following a compliant and
transparent market engagement exercise via the Procure Partnership
Framework, six potential contractors were identified within the
relevant lot. However, only two compliant contractors, including
Stepnell Ltd, expressed interest due to tight
timescales.
 
The direct award decision was
made only after this formal market engagement process, which
demonstrated Stepnell’s capacity, quality, and value for
money, including the lowest overheads and profit margin among the
bidders.
 
Stepnell Ltd has already
mobilised their supply chain for similar works, enabling bulk
purchasing of materials and achieving cost efficiencies not
available if appointing a new contractor within the required
timeframe.
 
Awarding the contract directly
to Stepnell mitigates the risks and delays associated with running
a full procurement exercise, ensuring the project can be completed
within the required programme and minimising disruption to centre
users.
 
Stepnell’s ongoing
presence locally reduces mobilisation and preliminary costs,
providing additional value for money.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Leisure & Major
Projects approved to direct award the contract for the
refurbishment of the wet-side changing area at Burntwood Leisure
Centre to Stepnell Ltd, in line with
the Councils Contract Procedure Riles via the Procure Partnership
Framework, within the agreed budget.