Decision details
Authority to Award a Contract by way of a Direct Award from a Framework Agreement for Revenues and Benefits Processing Resilience Services (Recordable Officer Decision)
Decision Maker: Strategic Director - Customer and Digital Services
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
To request authority to award a contract for Revenues and Benefits processing resilience services, as required by Contract Standing Order 88.
Decision:
That the Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services:
i) Approves the award of contract for Revenues and Benefits processing resilience service from 11 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 to NEC Software Solutions UK Limited.
Reasons for the decision:
The Council requires the provision of additional work within the Revenues and Benefits team due to high unexpected demands, including changes in legislation, changes in resident circumstances, furlough, child care cost changes, tax credit and Universal Credit. The Council have identified NEC Software Solutions UK Ltd as providing the most economically advantageous offer with quality, time and consistent service and therefore recommend the award to this contractor.
Alternative options considered:
Officers considered whether the Revenues and Benefits resilience work could be provided by the Council itself but concluded that external support was required in the short term, pending plans for services to be brought in house. Officers reviewed a range of procurement options, such as open and restricted tender processes, but concluded that the use of a Framework was the most appropriate means of procuring a contractor.
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Cabinet/Committee Decision or Scheme of Delegation: Officer scheme of delegation
Parties Consulted: The Deputy Leader has been consulted regarding the contract arrangements
Contact: Asha Vyas, Head of Customer Services & Assessments Email: asha.vyas@brent.gov.uk Tel: 020 8937 2705.
Publication date: 08/10/2021
Date of decision: 07/10/2021