Decision details

To procure consultancy services to assist the Council in undertaking feasibility reports for prospective Gypsy and Traveller sites in the borough via a framework.

That the Director Property and Assets:

i)               Approves Brent Council’s participation in a call-off procedure under Lot 1 of Construction Professional Services, Crown Commercial Services Framework RM6165 in respect of the consultancy services for the Gypsy and Traveller Site Feasibility Reports.

ii)              Confirms there is sufficient budgetary provision for the proposed call-off contract.

iii)            Approves inviting bids under the framework agreement for the Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyor Consultancy Services on the basis of the pre-tender considerations.

iv)            Approves officers evaluating bids on the basis of the evaluation criteria.

The Council has completed an exercise to identify new Gypsy and Traveller sites in the borough as part of its commitment to provide safe and supportive accommodation sites. The Council requires consultancy services to undertake feasibility reports in order to confirm the appropriateness of the identified sites.

It has been determined that the most appropriate means of procuring the consultancy services is by way of a mini-competition under Lot 1 of Construction Professional Services, Crown Commercial Services Framework RM6165.

Officers have considered whether the consultancy services can be provided by the Council itself but concluded that they are best provided by an external consultancy.

Officers reviewed a range of procurement options including conducting a quotation or tender process, but concluded that the use of the framework is most appropriate given the reduction in timescales, costs and resources involved.