Purpose

This report sets out a proposed approach to
the commissioning of a concession contract for sponsorship of tree
planting in the borough. The service required is to calculate the
social value of the Council's tree population and market that
through a platform to suitable companies. Funds generated through
the sale would be used as capital for new tree planting in the
borough. It is expected the service provider would take a
commission from the sale of social value units to cover their
costs.
 
The proposed contract would be for an initial
period of 12 months, in order to pilot the service, with optional
extensions of two 12-month periods to be taken up at the sole
option of the Council. The contract is valued at an estimated
£450,000 per annum, in line with the Council’s current
tree planting capital budget. However, exact figures will be
determined based on estimates provided by tenderers during the
procurement process.
 
The value of the contract has been calculated
in line with the method set out in the Procurement Act 2023; a
contracting authority must estimate the value of a concession
contract as the maximum amount the supplier could expect to receive
under or in connection with the contract. This contract is
considered a below threshold concession contract.
 
The procurement strategy report is being
presented to the Director of Recreation for approval in line with
Contract Standing Orders. 

Content

THAT the procurement strategy for a concession
contract for sponsorship of tree planting in the borough, which
includes a price/quality split of 60/40 and contract term of 12
months plus 2 extensions of 12 months, at the sole discretion of
the Council, for an estimated aggregate value (including
extensions) of £1,350,000, be approved.