Agenda item

Security Services Contract

Decision:

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a) Confirmed the preferred procurement route of procuring a single Building Security Services provider through a dedicated competitive tendering exercise to deliver all services across North Northamptonshire

b) Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Highways, Travel, and Assets in consultation with the Assistant Director for Assets & Environment to:

i. finalise the scope of services, and the preferred service standards to be specified

ii. ensure scalability and willingness for the contractor to invest are included as key requirements

iii. commence the procurement process and award the contract.

Reasons for Recommendations:

· The recommendation provides a cost-effective solution, which can be deployed to suit the changes in service need and delivery throughout the contract period.

· The proposed option will provide a reliable security service and provision to monitor contractor performance, providing quality services for North Northamptonshire residents.

· The proposed framework route will allow flexibility to add and remove the buildings covered by the contract as the Council’s estate is reviewed and evolves over the coming years.

Alternative Options Considered - A number of alternative options were considered by both operational managers and procurement colleagues, including building an in-house team, using an established Security Services framework agreement or incorporating Security Services within a wider Facilities Management (FM) contract. The preferred option was deemed to offer the best value for money to the Council in terms of access to providers, risk and overall value for money.

Minutes:

(Cllr Scott Edwards left the room prior to consideration and voting on this item)

The Chair invited Cllr William Colquhoun to address the Executive. Cllr Colquhoun queried the timescales involved in procuring a single Building Security Services provider and whether any consideration would be given to the staffing situation of the new contractor to ensure terms and conditions for their staff would be fair for all.

The Chair thanked Cllr Colquhoun for his contribution before inviting the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, Cllr Graham Lawman to introduce a report that sought permission to procure a single Building Security Services provider to secure a cost-effective and consistent service across North Northamptonshire Council.

The meeting heard that current security arrangements were discharged through five separate contracts totalling £370,000 per annum. The largest of these contracts was due to expire in March 2023 increasing the need to move to a harmonised and consistent approach that offered value for money and met the needs of current and future service users. Interim arrangements would be made with current service providers to cover the procurement period which was anticipated to last approximately six months.

It was noted that procuring a single Building Security Services contract would offer a number of benefits, allowing the Council scope to specify requirements including investment and systems expectations while offering flexibility and ensuring as many companies as possible had the opportunity to bid for the contract, including local Northamptonshire based firms. Any contract awarded would allow the Council oversight of the terms and conditions for staff employed by the provider.