Decision

The Director of Neighbourhood Services has
decided to approve the variation of a contract made by direct award
to Bloom Procurement Services Limited under the NEPRO 3
Construction, Design and Engineering Lot for Project Management and
Employer Agent Services Framework Agreement for a period of 2 years
with effect from 1 April 2025 pursuant to a sub-contracting
arrangement with Essency Consultancy Ltd making the total cost of
the contract as varied £160,000 for the purpose of providing
consultancy support and supervision of various City Region
Sustainable Transport Settlement funded highway works.

Reasons for the decision

The original value of the contract was for
£80,000 in 2025-26. This ODN is now required as a smart form
has been submitted for the value of £80,000 for further
consultancy support and supervision in 2026-27 taking the overall
value of the contract to £160,000.

Essency will support the delivery of contracts for the installation
of bridge height signs and the renewal of road restraint barriers.
In addition, they will provide support for the development of
pipeline schemes a requirement for Transport for City Regions
Funding.

Alternative options considered

Retendering was considered; however,
initiating a new tender process would disrupt continuity and would
therefore not represent best value.