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.