Contact: Steve Nicholson, ext 6346 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the work to prepare for the renewal of the professional service contract should commence in April 2005 and proceed as recommended in this report.

2. Reason

2.1 The proposals support Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) and Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity) by influencing how services are procured across highway authority and transportation functions, so that sustainable efficiencies are delivered to meet Best Value obligations for continuous business improvement.

2.2 This report seeks agreement to developing and implementing the preferred procurement of professional services within the Environment Department which are necessary to supplement the internal design consultancy in the design of highway and environmental works and in providing transport assessment and planning. The timing of these considerations is constrained by the need to renew the contract for design services, awarded to Atkins in 2001, which is due to expire in April 2006.

2.3 A report was considered by the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel on 5 April 2005 (attached) which explored options for procuring professional services within the Environment Department.

2.4 The proposed process leading up to the renewal of the current professional service contract will involve publishing the Procurement Competition in the OJEU in July 2005, inviting tenders in September 2005, awarding the contract in December 2005 and commencing the contract in April 2006.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Further information on the options considered will be reported prior to commencing the procurement process.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

9252/SN