Purpose

Proposed decision

To procure a Specialist Highway Support Services Framework to provide independent cost consultancy, specialist utility support and programme review services to support the delivery of highway and transportation schemes across Kent.

To delegate authority to the Director of Highways and Transport to take the necessary actions to award the framework and enter into the associated contractual arrangements, including any permitted extensions.

Reason for the decision

The existing Independent Cost Consultancy contract expires in March 2027. The proposed framework will ensure continuity of essential specialist support services required for the development and delivery of highway and transportation schemes. The framework expands the existing arrangements to include specialist utility support and programme review services, providing greater flexibility and resilience across the capital programme.

Background

The Major Capital Programme Team has utilised independent cost consultancy services for over 15 years to support the delivery of highway and transportation schemes. These services were formalised through contract arrangements in 2018 and have supported 69 projects to date.

The existing arrangements provide independent assurance of project costs, support business case development and assist with NEC contract administration. The proposed framework broadens the scope to include specialist utility support and programme review services required to support the delivery of increasingly complex infrastructure projects. To date, Utilities support and Programme Review services have either been provided through sub-consultancy arrangements or sourced separately on an ad-hoc basis. The proposed framework will consolidate these services into a single contractual arrangement, providing a more consistent and efficient approach to procuring specialist support.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Alternative options considered included utilising the existing Professional Services Framework (PSF) and alternative third-party frameworks. These options were discounted as the PSF was not designed for these specialist requirements and does not provide Specialist Utility Support or Programme Review services. In addition, they would not maintain the necessary independence between design consultants and cost assurance functions.

A do-nothing option was also considered but discounted as access to these services is an ongoing requirement beyond the existing arrangements expiring in March 2027.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

The proposed framework will support the delivery of infrastructure investment across Kent by providing independent assurance of project costs, programmes and commercial arrangements. This will help ensure that publicly funded projects are developed on a robust basis, represent value for money and can be delivered efficiently and effectively.

Decision

As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, I agree to:

APPROVE the procurement and AWARD of a Specialist Highway Support Services Framework to provide independent cost consultancy, specialist utility support and programme review services to support the delivery of highway and transportation schemes across Kent.

DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to take relevant actions necessary to implement the decision, including but not limited to undertaking the procurement process, awarding the framework agreements, finalising the terms of, and entering into the relevant contracts and any associated legal agreements

DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to exercise any extension option(s) provided for within the framework agreement.