Decision

To award a contract to Combustion Solutions Ltd (CSL) in the sum of £59,870.00 plus Vat to replace the life expired analysers on the cremation plant.

Reasons for the decision

These analysers provide the flue gas O2 & CO readings to satisfy the requirements of the guidance notes PG/5.  It is a legal requirement to provide these reports on a monthly basis and forms part of the council's permit to cremate.

The council has obtained a single quote from Combustion Solutions Ltd who are the incumbent service and maintenance contractor, and the only company approved in the UK by DFW, the manufacturer of the cremators at Worthing Crematorium. If an alternative supplier was used for this work, there would be a split responsibility creating potential liability issues if there are problems with the reporting data in the future i.e.one organisation placing the responsibility on the other. For these reasons it is recommended that the replacement of the analysers is undertaken by CSL to ensure continuity of service and a single point of responsibility.

The council’s existing capital programme has a budget of £85K including fees that will cover the total project cost with fees of £67,054.40 plus VAT.

Alternative options considered

There are very few alternative options as there is a legal requirement to provide the correct O2 and CO readings on a monthly basis.

Seeking alternative quotes given the specialist nature of this work has been discounted for the reasons given above.