Purpose

To detail the approach to the commissioning and procurement of a contract for the supply of office stationery for the Council.  The procurement is for goods/services that are a commonly recurring requirement of the Council.  The report specifies the contract renewal with a brief description of the contract including the value, the proposed procurement strategy, the method of funding and the date for renewal.  The purpose of the report is to provide sufficient information for the Director of Operational Services to provide authority for the procurement to be undertaken.

Decision

Approval for the commissioning of the supply of office stationery from an external provider over a 4-year period and estimated value of £728,440, as set out in this report.

Approval of the procurement strategy to run a mini competition using the YPO Framework and subsequent contract award for office stationery supply, as set out in this report.

Reasons for the decision

The decision will help enable the Council to continue to provide this key service. The procurement of the contract will ensure the Council is operating in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and achieving best value in its procurement of the services.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – this is not an option as the Council has the ongoing requirement for the supply of office stationery. The existing contract is due to expire.

Self-Deliver - this is not an option; the service has neither the capacity nor expertise to self-deliver these products.

Further extend existing contract – this is not an option, a contract extension is not available. As ever, Council must adhere to the Public Contract Regulations (2015) thus further variations (value and duration) are not deemed easily reconcilable with the provisions set out within PCR.