Contact: Phil Samms, ext 7072 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That authority be given to carrying out tendering procedures for the Professional Services Contract for a two year period with the option of two additional one year extensions, to ensure continuous service delivery of the capital programme following the end of the existing contract on 31 March 2006.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aims 2, 4 and 5 (Stewardship of the Environment, Building Strong and Safe Communities and Improving Services) of the Corporate Strategy by:

(i) maintaining public satisfaction with the delivery of integrated transport and maintenance schemes on the public highway; and

(ii) promoting the development of improved links with private sector partners and the innovation, added value and best practice that can be gained.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Extending the existing contract by a further period was considered but the value of the works would exceed European Union thresholds, requiring a retendering process

3.2 Retendering the contract over a period longer than two years was also considered but the desire to consider wider procurement efficiencies in 2008 indicated that this shorter term arrangement would provide greater flexibility for the future. Extension periods have been allowed for in the contract to take it up to four years, if required.

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 T G Knight

514Decn/PS