Agenda item

To award the Black Country Collaborative Framework Contract for Minor Highway Works 2021-2025.

Approval was sought to procure a new Black Country Collaborative Framework Contract for Minor Highway Works.  The contract would commence on 1 November 2021, for a three year period up to 31 October 2024, with an option to extend for an additional twelve months until 31 October 2025, subject to satisfactory performance and budget availability.

The scope of the Framework Agreement included all minor civil engineering works associated with improving and protecting the highway network infrastructure. This could include, but was not limited to:

·               construction of new footways and carriageways;

·               associated highways landscape works;

·               installation of new highway drainage;

·               installation of new traffic signals and pedestriancrossings;

·               installation of bitumen and block paved surfacing;

·               installation of lighting columns, bollards and electricalconnections;

·               installation of road marking, road signs, electronic message signs;

·               excavation, demolition and disposal of existing infrastructure;

·               infilling of redundant subway and associated demolitionworks;

·               protection to existing underground services;

·               implementation of off-highway civil engineering works on behalf of external and internal clients.

The Framework Agreement would comprise of 3 Lots:

·               Lot 1 for package orders up to £100,000;

·               Lot 2 for package orders between £100,001 and £500,000;

·               Lot 3 for package orders over £500,001.

The Council would lead on the procurement process which would be undertaken collaboratively amongst the four Black Country local authorities, Birmingham City Council and Transport for West Midlands. 

From 1 of January 2021, OJEU was replaced by a new UK e-tendering platform called Find a Tender service (FTS). Consequently, the new Black Country Framework Contract for Minor Works (2021-2025) would be procured through the new FTS.

It was proposed that a number of suitable contractors would be appointed to each lot to ensure adequate resource was available to undertake all the required minor works across the relevant authorities, during the period of the framework.

Reason for Decision

The benefits derived from the procurement of this regional Framework Contract would include delivery of projects necessary to improve the highway network and provide road safety measures, cost effectively and efficiently.

All participants in this Framework Contract would be able to achieve costs savings and additional benefits through the reduction in tendering costs, reduced contract administration and secure social value benefits.

Alternative Options Considered

Without a current Highways Minor Works framework to enable quick and efficient use of contractors to undertake programmes of work, each project would require separate costly and timely tendering processes. In addition, Highway Services would need to utilise elements of other less suited framework contracts for urgent service provision. This would inevitably lead to long delays in delivering safety and infrastructure improvement projects, increased costs and potential reputational harm.

                           Agreed:-

(1)          that the Interim Director - Borough Economy be authorised to award the Black Country Collaborative Framework Contract for Minor Highway Works 2021-2025, for the sum of £2.5m per year for period of up to 4 years, from 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2025;

(2)          that the Interim Director Borough Economy be authorised to extend the Black Country Collaborative Framework Contract for Minor Highway Works 2021-2025 by one year subject to satisfactory performance during the first 3 years;

(3)          that the Director – Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer be authorised to enter into appropriate contract for the Black Country Collaborative Framework Contract for Minor Highway Works 2021-2025;

(4)          that the Director of Law and Governance execute any documentation necessary to give effect to Resolution (1) and (2) above.