Decision Details

This report provides an overview of the current contractual arrangements and recommendations for the procurement of casual / agency travel guides used to support the front-line Birmingham City Council Home to School Transport Service.

On 13 December 2022, Cabinet:-

1. Approved the procurement of a Council framework for a four-year period commencing 1st June 2023 (prior to the start of the 2023/24 academic year) with expiry date of 31st May 2027;

    

2. Approved the use of the Crown Commercial Services RM6238 framework as an interim arrangement to award contracts to 5 of the current 8 providers for a 12- month period while a compliant Council framework is procured;

    

3. Approved a waiver of the procurement and governance rules (as per the attached waiver at Appendix 1 to the report) to the value £560,139.00 to enable guide contracts to be awarded to the remaining 3 current providers as an interim arrangement for a 12- month period while the Council procures a compliant framework;

    

4. Noted that these interim arrangements (ii and iii above) are to avoid any disruption to service provision while procurement activities are undertaken, maximising continuity for children with SEND;

    

5. Authorised the Director for Children and Families (or their delegate), in conjunction with the Strategic Director of Council Management (or their delegate) and the City Solicitor & Monitoring Officer (or their delegate) to approve:

• the procurement strategy report prior to publication of the opportunity for a Council framework;

   

• the award of contract to providers to be admitted to the Council framework; and

   

• any call off contract relating to the Council framework.

THE DEADLINE FOR CALL IN IS 1600 HOURS ON MONDAY 19 DECEMBER 2022.