Decision details

To direct award a contract to Quod as viability consultant to formulate and coordinate the options appraisal process as lead consultant including preparing the overall assessment and the Equalities Impact Assessment with development appraisals

The details of the award are commercially sensitive and further details are provided in the exempt information report at Appendix 1.

Following approval at Joint Strategic Committee (Oct’ 21) to proceed to a preferred option on the Southwick Estate a consultant team is being appointed to provide advice and support to ensure a detailed consultation can be undertaken with the residents at the Southwick Estate.

Quod had previously been appointed through competitive tender to provide initial feasibility advice for the site. To ensure continued value for money for the Council Officers have identified the Fusion 21 framework to help reduce costs and ensure a compliant procurement.

The total fee proposed from event 1 through to preferred option is £118,647 (this also includes £5k for an equalities impact assessment).

Whilst other providers are available, Quod have been instrumental in the appraisal work done to date with their work forming a key part of approvals for the site. Given the work done to date and the clear need for continuity regarding the approach to financial appraisals it was considered that Quod would provide the best value for money for the Council.

As part of this decision Officers compared the originally competitively tendered fees with those of the Fusion 21 framework. The Fusion 21 framework is more competitive, as such Quod have agreed to fix their fees based on this framework. Noting this, I am confident that the Council will achieve value for money.