Decision

It is recommended that the Interim Delivery Director:
1.1 Approves a contract variation in the sum of £27,900 to the existing contract value of £23,250 in accordance with CSO 2.05.1n) to enable PPP to continue providing Employer's Agent, Quantity Surveyor and Clerk of Works consultancy services through to practical completion and completion of the defect’s liability period.
1.2 Notes the total value of the contract after variation will be £51,150 excluding VAT.

1.3 Notes that the total contract value is fully funded from within previously approved project budgets and no additional funding is required.

Reasons for the decision

PPP has extensive knowledge of the project, its development history, programme requirements, contractual arrangements and funding obligations. This familiarity places PPP in the strongest position to provide continuity of service and support successful delivery through to practical completion and expiry of the defect’s liability period.
The proposed contract variation represents a continuation of an existing commission rather than a new appointment and is required due to the extension of the construction programme arising from additional unforeseen works identified during construction.

Alternative options considered

The Council could undertake a competitive procurement process to appoint an alternative consultant. However, given the advanced stage of the project, this would result in duplication of costs, loss of project knowledge, mobilisation delays, procurement lead-in time and potential programme risk. A replacement consultant would also need to familiarise themselves with the project, creating inefficiencies and increasing the likelihood of delays to the revised target completion date of November 2026.