Purpose

SYMCA is progressing the next phase of its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programme to support the future replacement of existing Finance and HR systems.
Following completion of the initial discovery and readiness phases, SYMCA requires continued specialist ERP advisory support to progress procurement preparation, governance arrangements, operating model development, requirements validation and programme planning activity.
This Record of Officer Decision seeks approval to directly award a consultancy contract to Socitm Commercial Ltd via the Bloom Procurement Services framework for the period June to September 2026.
The award will provide continuity of specialist expertise and minimise programme risk during a critical phase of ERP readiness and procurement preparation activity.
The supplier will continue acting as a strategic advisory partner working alongside Digital & Technology Services, Finance, HR and Procurement teams to support progression of the ERP programme.

Decision

Approval to directly award a consultancy contract to Socitm Commercial Ltd via the Bloom Procurement Services framework to support Enterprise Platform mobilisation and advisory activity.
• Contract value: £248,020 + VAT
• Contract period: June 2026 to September 2026
• Procurement route: Direct award via Bloom framework
• Purpose: ERP mobilisation, procurement readiness and strategic advisory support

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – Do nothing
Not viable. This would delay ERP mobilisation activity, reduce programme momentum and increase operational and transformation risk across the organisation.

Option 2 – Full competitive procurement
Not appropriate at this stage. Changing supplier during mobilisation would introduce onboarding delays, loss of programme knowledge, additional cost and increased delivery risk.

Option 3 – Direct award via Bloom framework to Socitm Commercial Ltd (recommended)
Provides a compliant procurement route, maintains continuity of specialist ERP expertise, supports programme stability and enables delivery of mobilisation and procurement readiness activity within required timescales.