Purpose

The report seeks the authorisation to commence the procurement process for the supply and servicing of 2 Gully Cleansing Machines funded through the Neighbourhoods Investment Fund.

The report supports the implementation of the Council Plan: Wirral Working Together 2023 – 27 and specifically the themes: Protecting our Environment, safe, resilient and Engaged Communities and Efficient, Effective and Accessible Council.

This matter is a Key Decision since it has an impact on all wards in the borough and has an estimated value greater than £0.5M.

Decision

The Director of Neighbourhoods has agreed to proceed with a competitive procurement exercise for 2 new Gully Cleansing Machines following identification of the most appropriate Framework. The Framework recommended by Procurement is the NEPO/TPPL Framework as this contains an extensive supplier list with all the main parties listed, it is considered NEPO would provide the most competitive bids given their extensive supplier list. Whilst the delivery of future maintenance of these new machines has yet to be finalised, the Procurement will request servicing costs to cover the initial 3-year period for these specialist vehicles.

Reasons for the decision

The recommendation will enable the commencement of a procurement exercise with a view to the appointment of a suitable supplier, to deliver specialist vehicles through the most advantageous tender, to enable the Council to carry out cyclical maintenance of highway drainage assets. The provision of this specialist fleet will enable the Council to meet its duties under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, and provide resilience in responding and preparing for extreme weather events.

Alternative options considered

The Council could carry out a procurement exercise using an open tender process rather than via a framework. However the recommended procurement route contains an extensive supplier list with all the main suppliers listed.  It is considered that this will provide the most competitive bids given the extensive supplier list.