Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the Corporate Director has decided to:

1)    grant exemption to the requirement of the Councils Contract Standing Orders (relying on Contract Standing Order 7.2.2.) to conduct a competitive procurement process; and

2)    award a contract for the development of a bespoke platform for pupil provision and placement to the Council.

Alternative options considered

3.1      Alterative options are to conduct a procurement process, however the services offered will be bespoke for the needs of the Council and of a specialist nature.

3.2      Contract Standing Order 7.2.2 which permits exemption from competitive procurement exercise “where the goods, works or services are of a specialist nature… such that competition prices cannot be obtained.”

3.3      As part of cost savings exercises and managing deficit budgets within schools and SEND services, the work is required are of an urgent nature to support the Council to inform Strategic Planning.