Purpose

Eunomia were originally appointed in August 2024 and have been a key member of the wider team supporting the waste contract procurement providing expert advice and support to officers.
To date, the Council has spent £41139.36 with Eunomia. This is greater than the original estimates although it was not possible to estimate exactly how many hours of support would be required and the extent to which dialogue discussions with bidders would give rise to the need to amend or update documents. The additional work to be commissioned now is estimated at £4,800. Specifically, Eunomia will provide further support around pricing evaluation on receipt of the tender submissions.
Funding has been included in the 2025/26 budget for work associated with the review of options / tender for the Waste

Decision

To appoint Eunomia Research and Consulting to provide further support to the Council as part of the waste & recycling service procurement.

Alternative options considered

The alternative option in this instance is not to commission further work from Eunomia or to commission that work from an alternative company. Given Eunomia's involvement in preparing the financial documents associated with the procurement the Council would lose the consistency that comes from having the Eunomia continuing to support officers in analysing the final bids received. On that basis these alternative options have been ruled out.