The Strategic Director, Corporate Resources will present a report (Document “L”) which provides information in respect of the forthcoming procurement of a framework agreement with a value in excess of £2million.

Recommended –

That the Committee notes that Option 1 set out in Document “L” is the recommended option; to procure a Bradford Council specific framework significantly benefits both officers and Bradford construction companies.

(Ian Westlake – 07971 540171)

Resolved –

This Committee requests that the views raised by members be considered by officers as part of the tendering exercise.

ACTION:  Director of Finance                 (Ian Westlake – 07971 540171)

The report of the Strategic Director Corporate Services, (Document L),  advised members of the forthcoming procurement of a framework agreement with a value in excess of £2 million.  The initial period of the framework agreement will be two years with option to extend the agreement by two periods of 12 months.

The main user of the current frameworks is Built Environment within Corporate Resources, but the framework will also be utilised by other services across the Council, including but not limited to, Landscapes, Drainage and Estates.

In response to member questions,  it was stated that the Council would be working with local and small businesses, through the Council’s website, Construction Line and Social Media to deliver key messages.

Members ascertained whether the Council was  undertaking different types of procurement, for different sized businesses.  Officers indicated that the documentation for all businesses would be the same, but would be proportionate based on self declaration and evidencing against areas such as Health and Safety.

Members also commented on the Council’s apprenticeship scheme and encouraging smaller organisations  to take on apprentices.  Perhaps placing conditions for organisations who are bidding for work, to ask if they are willing to take on an apprentice.  In response, officers informed members that they would be working with businesses and linking into the Council’s apprentice scheme.

In relation to looked after children, a member also expressed that there should be a clause that encourages organisations bidding for work under the Construction Contractors Framework Agreement to provide opportunities for looked after children.

Officers informed members, that the framework did include social value and that this would allow for better and real outcomes and more importantly, allowing for clauses to be incorporated into contract arrangements.

There was some discussion in relation to what the difference was between an approved list and framework.

Officers stated that the approved list consisted of organisations that was open and could be joined at any time.  This is an ever growing list.  In contrast to this, the framework is where organisations that are appointed and there is an overarching set of terms that bind them, such as Health and Safety at Work.

Resolved –

This Committee requests that the views raised by members be considered by officers as part of the tendering exercise.

ACTION:  Director of Finance                 (Ian Westlake 07971 541171)