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

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That approval be given to the revised approach, as set out in the report, for procurement of the two framework arrangements comprising the Improvement Works Framework 2008-12, to facilitate the delivery of maintenance and improvement works to highways, related structures and other construction related projects within Hampshire:

Framework 1: Highway Works up to a value of £500,000

Framework 2: Structures Works from £50,000 and larger scale Highway Works (>£500,000), up to the European Union procurement limit for works (currently £3.6 million)

(ii) That approval be given for the cessation of the Register of Approved Contractors for Highway Works as of 1 May 2008.

2. Reason

2.1 The County Council has a duty to maintain and improve the highway infrastructure within Hampshire in a safe and effective manner. The new Improvement Works Framework provides a mechanism on which to enhance the current high standards for the delivery of improvement schemes on the highways and highway related structures within Hampshire from 1 May 2008, replacing the current Approved List of Contractors.

2.2 The new Improvement Works Framework builds on experiences from the existing contractual arrangements, together with elements of best practice employed by other local authorities, to provide a service more closely aligned with the aspiration to deliver greater cost and programme certainty for schemes delivered by the Environment Department. The new framework also forms part of a Highways and Transport Strategic Alliance aimed at aligning suppliers directly with the corporate objectives of the Council.

2.3 On 20 March 2007 the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel considered a report on `The Proposed Highways Contract Strategy Principles' and resolved to advise the Executive Member for Environment to approve the proposals. These proposals included the introduction of the Term Highways Contract 2008-15 (currently being tendered), and the Improvement Works Framework 2008-12, which is the subject of this report.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The report to the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel on 20 March 2007 provided details of a wide range of options that had been considered as part of the review of highway procurement. These included a single supplier contract for maintenance and improvement schemes, a single supplier contract for improvement schemes only, various framework options and a managing agent contract. Ultimately, the combination of a revised term maintenance contract and supporting framework arrangement was agreed as the most flexible option to progress.

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

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor M J Kendal

Executive Member for Environment

1340Decn/PS