Decision Maker:

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 8, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Salford City Council - Record of Decision   I Paul Dennett, City Mayor, accept the recommendation of the Procurement Board and in exercise of the powers contained within the Council Constitution do hereby give:   approval to go out to competition for the Technical and Highways Works Framework 2026-2034.   The Reasons are: To replace the existing framework and have a Salford-specific route to procurement which meets the requirements of the Technical and Highways Services.   Options considered and rejected were: Utilisation of other existing frameworks, EG: Bolton Council Highways Framework.   Assessment of Risk: High – The current framework may not be extended beyond its expiry date and failure to replace it in time will significantly impair the ability of the Technical and Highway Services to deliver schemes.   The source of funding is: Approved Place Capital and Revenue Budgets in each financial year that the proposed Framework is in operation.   Legal Advice obtained: When commissioning contracts for the procurement of goods, services or the execution of works the Council as a ‘contracting authority’ must comply with public procurement legislation as well as the provisions of its own Contractual Standing Orders (CSO’s), Financial Regulations and the duties of Best and Social value, failing which the award of a contract may be subject to legal challenge. CSO’s stipulate that where a suitable framework exists, this must be used unless there is an auditable reason not to do so.   The purpose of a framework agreement is to select through a procurement/ evaluation process a number of providers who can meet the service requirements of the Council, as and when those services are required. The work undertaken is explained in the body of the report, and sets out the issues and tender process involved, including the evaluation of bids, to ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and CSO’s.   The new framework will be let as a new “open framework”. Under a closed framework, no new suppliers or services can then be added for the agreement's lifetime. Unsuccessful suppliers must wait until a new iteration of the agreement is launched to bid again. An open framework remains available for new entrants through its lifecycle, ensuring that a wide range of suppliers can provide goods and services to the public sector, but must be re-opened at least twice during its lifetime.   Once the framework has been set up, the arrangement will enable the Council to call-off the specified services against the agreed set of terms etc. should it wish to do so within the lifespan of the framework. The framework itself is not a contract, and it must be made clear to providers on the framework that the Council is under no obligation to guarantee a certain volume of work or any work to any of the providers who are on it. Effectively being party to the agreement does not place any obligation on the Council (or any other eligible authority) to use the framework but provides them with the opportunity to do so.   The maximum term for the framework agreement will be an 8-year period, and the terms and conditions established under it govern the contracts let under it, although each contract will inevitably have some differences to reflect the agreement struck between the parties to the contract. At the end of the term, the framework must be dissolved put out to competition again should that vehicle be required to assist the Council in providing services. This again ensures that value for money can be periodically tested, and open competition maintained. The period of the individual contracts established under the framework can be as long or as short as the authority requires and may be entered into at any time during the period of the framework arrangement, including going beyond its term.   Financial Advice obtained: There are no direct financial implications to be considered as contracts let under these frameworks will be considered/reported on a scheme by scheme basis.   Procurement Advice obtained:  This framework is to replace the current Technical and Highways Works Framework which ends in February 2026. This new open framework will be for 8 years in total and opened to new entrants in years 3 and years 6. Lots 1,3 and 4 will have ranked contractors which when the framework is re-opened for new entrants could in effect change the ranking of the Lot and would remove some contractors should the new entrants win a high place ranking within the Lot. Contractors can reapply for any other Lots they are not listed on at years 3 and years 6 if they wish to do so. This framework will be procured under the new Procurement Act 2023.   HR Advice obtained: N/A   Climate Change Implications obtained: N/A   Contact Officer: Stephen Hands   This matter is not subject to consideration by another Lead Member.   The appropriate Scrutiny Committee to call-in the decision is the                 .     Signed:    Paul Dennett       Dated:     8 September 2025.                   City Mayor     *           This decision was published on Tuesday 9 September 2025. *           This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday 16 September 2025 unless it is called-in in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.