Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 4, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Decision   For the reasons set out in the report Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:   i)  To commence a procurement process for corporate security services via an open tender exercise, for a period of 3 years with the option to extend for another 24 months, at 12-month intervals. ii)  To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Finance and Resources to award the contract following the procurement exercise and for any subsequent extensions beyond the initial three-year term.   Alternatives Considered   a)  Do Nothing – The council currently has a number of contracts that have been let in silo and others that are due to expire. Due to the overarching value of security requirements, across the council, there is a need to tender these services in order to maintain compliance against the councils own CSO’s and that of the PCR2015. The continuance of using multiple contractors is likely to deliver uncompetitive rates and increase contract administration, this could lead to non-compliance against regulation and is not recommended. b)  Deliver in-house - this option has been considered and will be tested throughout the contract term. To date this option has not been progressed further due to a lack of capacity to undertake mass recruitment, management of security staff, inconsistencies in quality, up to date training and SIA and CCTV licences and site-specific needs. We have a minimum guarantee which could potentially be directly employed, however, we would need to have a massive pool of sessional security to meet ad-hoc requirements and the needs of sites on both short and longer term assignments as we have a flexible portfolio. The CCTV control centre also requires vehicles to be provided and Debden House has seasonal requirements with dog handlers. We would not be able to meet the range of security types in-house. This is not our core business and it would be less complex to award it o contractor/s to manage and deliver to our needs. c)  Open market tender – Tendering the contract outside of an existing framework would enable access to a wider pool of providers and encourage SMEs where possible, which is recommended.