Issue - meetings

This report informs the Panel of the procurement arrangements for Highways works and civil engineering schemes.

The Group Manager for Highways and Traffic introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that all contracts are procured in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations (2006 and 2015) and the Council’s Contract Standing Orders.

He informed them that the Highways service procures most works through three main term contracts; Highways Maintenance and Minor Improvements, Street Lighting Maintenance and Improvements and the Traffic Signals contract. He added that the Traffic Signals contract is a joint contract operated with West of England partners.

He said that around six contracts per year will be procured separately for projects above £250k and that officers are guided by the Procurement Team on these matters. He added that the current accreditation framework was developed with other south west Council’s to manage risks relating to construction and civil engineering companies. 

He stated that a key challenge for the future was the use of Small / Medium size Enterprises (SME’s), but that the Council was keen to maintain this stance.

The Acting Procurement Manager commented that this particular market was tough and that a recent issue had occurred with a contractor. He added that another contractor Atkins had withdrawn from the market. He said that he could only recall two serious issues of receivership whilst working within the Council.

He said that ongoing works at Hinkley will affect the market and that supplier engagement was required to develop the market.

Councillor Lisa Brett said that she did not think that the report had directly addressed the matter and asked for more robust assurances.

Councillor Douglas Nicol commented that he felt the report should have more detail within it.

Councillor Liz Richardson questioned whether the Council could consider paying slightly more to local suppliers.

Councillor David Martin asked for the report to cover due diligence in much more detail.

The Acting Procurement Manager explained that Public Contract Regulations had changed from February and that an overhaul of a lot of current processes would be required. He added that the rules around the use of Pre-Qualification Questionnaires and supplier selection had radically changed at below EU Threshold levels for contracts for goods and services.

The Chair asked for a further report to come back to the Panel in July.