Purpose

Delegated authority as Service Director, in
accordance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and
approved Sourcing Strategy.
GO50D.

- The procurement process followed a compliant Direct Award route,
as approved in the contract award recommendation report.

- Mail Metrics Limited demonstrated strong alignment with project
objectives, technical capability, and value for money.

- Benchmarking showed that switching providers would not be
cost-effective due to set-up costs and timing.

Content

To award the contract for Revenues and
Benefits Billing Fulfilment and Hybrid Mail to Mail Metrics Limited
(formerly Critiqom / AdareSec) via Direct Award under the Crown
Commercial Services Framework RM6280, Lot 6, for an initial period
of 2 years 4 months (1 January 2026 – 29 April 2028), with 4
x 6-month optional extension periods.

Alternative options considered

- Open competition or further competition
under the framework: Rejected due to disproportionate resource
requirements and minimal additional value.

- Migration to a new provider: Rejected due to high set-up costs
and risk of disruption.

- Do nothing: Rejected as it would leave the Council without a
formal contract for statutory mail services.