Purpose

Procurement of technical advisory support for
the design, specification, costing and oversight of Cunard
Connection secondary works

Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the
Corporate Director has decided to:
1)   
Award a contract for consultancy services to Ove Arup &
Partners Limited (Arup), Company Number: 1312453, to support in the
technical design,
specification, costings, and broader support for required enabling
and secondary works to the Cunard building, with an estimated
value of £175,000 (exc VAT).
2)   
Approve an exemption for this contract award from compliance with
the procurement processes set out in Contracts Standing Orders in
accordance with the provisions of Reg 7 Contracts Standing Orders
under the ground for exemption set out in Reg 7.2.2.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – The option to not appoint a
technical consultant has been ruled out. This option would mean
that LCC are not able to complete the technical design,
specifications and costings for the required enabling and secondary
works for the Cunard Building as LCC do not have the resources
internally to deliver the services required. Failure to produce
detailed technical designs and specifications would hamper
LCC’s ability to appoint a works contractor, which in turn
would result in an inability to connect to the DHN and honour the
established CSA. Not connecting to the DHN would mean a missed
opportunity to connect to a low carbon heat source and come with
financial implications to LCC under the CSA (see Section 6).
 
Open Tender or mini competition: A competitive
Procurement exercise has been discounted as it puts the critical
dates of the programme, namely the connection date, supply date and
Salix funding at risk. Failure to meet said dates provides a
significant financial risk to LCC.