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Salford City Council - Record of Decision
 
I Paul Dennett, City Mayor, accept the
recommendation of the Procurement Board and in exercise of the
powers contained within the Council Constitution do hereby
give:
 

approval to go out to competition
for the Technical and Highways Works Framework 2026-2034.

 
The Reasons are: To replace the
existing framework and have a Salford-specific route to procurement
which meets the requirements of the Technical and Highways
Services.
 
Options considered and rejected were:
Utilisation of other existing frameworks, EG: Bolton Council
Highways Framework.
 
Assessment of Risk: High – The
current framework may not be extended beyond its expiry date and
failure to replace it in time will significantly impair the ability
of the Technical and Highway Services to deliver schemes.
 
The source of funding is: Approved
Place Capital and Revenue Budgets in each financial year that the
proposed Framework is in operation.
 
Legal Advice obtained: When
commissioning contracts for the procurement of goods, services or
the execution of works the Council as a ‘contracting
authority’ must comply with public procurement legislation as
well as the provisions of its own Contractual Standing Orders
(CSO’s), Financial Regulations and the duties of Best and
Social value, failing which the award of a contract may be subject
to legal challenge. CSO’s stipulate that where
a suitable framework exists, this must be used unless there is an
auditable reason not to do so.
 
The purpose of a framework agreement is to
select through a procurement/ evaluation process a number of
providers who can meet the service requirements of the Council, as
and when those services are required. The work undertaken is
explained in the body of the report, and sets out the issues and
tender process involved, including the evaluation of bids, to
ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and
CSO’s.
 
The new framework will be let as a new
“open framework”. Under a closed framework, no new
suppliers or services can then be added for the agreement's
lifetime. Unsuccessful suppliers must wait until a new iteration of
the agreement is launched to bid again. An open framework remains
available for new entrants through its lifecycle, ensuring that a
wide range of suppliers can provide goods and services to the
public sector, but must be re-opened at least twice during its
lifetime.
 
Once the framework has been set up, the
arrangement will enable the Council to call-off the specified
services against the agreed set of terms etc. should it wish to do
so within the lifespan of the framework. The framework itself is
not a contract, and it must be made clear to providers on the
framework that the Council is under no obligation to guarantee a
certain volume of work or any work to any of the providers who are
on it. Effectively being party to the agreement does not place any
obligation on the Council (or any other eligible authority) to use
the framework but provides them with the opportunity to do so.
 
The maximum term for the framework agreement
will be an 8-year period, and the terms and conditions established
under it govern the contracts let under it, although each contract
will inevitably have some differences to reflect the agreement
struck between the parties to the contract. At the end of the term,
the framework must be dissolved put out to competition again should
that vehicle be required to assist the Council in providing
services. This again ensures that value for money can be
periodically tested, and open competition maintained. The period of
the individual contracts established under the framework can be as
long or as short as the authority requires and may be entered into
at any time during the period of the framework arrangement,
including going beyond its term.
 
Financial Advice obtained: There are no
direct financial implications to be considered as contracts let
under these frameworks will be considered/reported on a scheme by
scheme basis.
 
Procurement Advice
obtained:  This framework is to
replace the current Technical and Highways Works Framework which
ends in February 2026. This new open framework will be for 8 years
in total and opened to new entrants in years 3 and years 6. Lots
1,3 and 4 will have ranked contractors which when the framework is
re-opened for new entrants could in effect change the ranking of
the Lot and would remove some contractors should the new entrants
win a high place ranking within the Lot. Contractors can reapply
for any other Lots they are not listed on at years 3 and years 6 if
they wish to do so. This framework will be procured under the new
Procurement Act 2023.
 
HR Advice obtained: N/A
 
Climate Change Implications obtained:
N/A
 
Contact Officer: Stephen Hands
 

This matter is not subject to
consideration by another Lead Member.

 

The appropriate Scrutiny Committee
to call-in the decision is the                
.

 
 
Signed:    Paul Dennett      
Dated:     8
September 2025.
           
      City Mayor
 
 
*          
This decision was published on Tuesday 9 September 2025.
*          
This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday 16
September 2025 unless it is called-in in accordance with the
Decision Making Process Rules.