To report on the forthcoming procurement via an open, EU compliant procurement process, and seeks approval of the approach to establish a procurement framework for the provision of consultancy services for the Regeneration and Business Directorate.

1.      That the development and the implementation of a framework for the provision of consultancy services to support the Regeneration & Business Directorate be approved.

2.      That a notice be published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) to invite Expressions of Interest from Suppliers wishing to tender.

3.      To authorise the Director of Regeneration & Business, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, to approve the successful professional services suppliers, to be added to the framework, following assessment of organisational fit and best value.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that set out details of the forthcoming procurement via an open, EU compliant procurement process.  The report sought approval of the approach for a procurement framework for the provision of consultancy services for the Regeneration and Business Directorate.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Regeneration assured Members that the Council would continue to grow their own staff and would bring in consultants only when specialist expertise was required.

Reason for decision:  Option 1 was the preferred option; procure a Regeneration and Business specific framework with significant benefits in terms of time management, competitiveness and supplier relationship and performance without the need to guarantee any volume of business.  The establishment of a framework was not in itself binding.

RESOLVED

1.      that the development and the implementation of a framework for the provision of consultancy services to support the Regeneration & Business Directorate be approved;

2.      that a notice be published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) to invite Expressions of Interest from Suppliers wishing to tender; and

3.      to authorise the Director of Regeneration & Business, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, to approve the successful professional services suppliers, to be added to the framework, following assessment of organisational fit and best value.