Decision details

To award a single contract (divided into four lots) for a period of three plus one years, commencing 1 January 2016 to U-Explore Ltd to provide a countywide service to support young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) in their Year 11/12 transition.

RESOLVED:

Following consideration of the results of the procurement process noted in the submitted Part 2 report, a fixed-price contract be awarded to the highest scoring tenderer (U-Explore Ltd.) for the provision of Year 11/12 Transition Services to Young People (age 16-17) at risk of becoming NEET, at a value of £1.578m over four years (£394,387 per year), to commence 1 January 2016 for a period of three years, with the option to extend for a further year.

Reasons for Decisions:

The existing contracts with the two current providers will expire on 31 December 2015.  A full tender process, in compliance with the requirement of EU Procurement Legislation and Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendations provide best value for money for the Council, following a thorough evaluation process.

Building on the previous success of this commission and aligned to the strategy outlined within ‘Creating Opportunities for Young People: Re-Commissioning for 2015-2020’ it is intended to award a fixed-price contract to U-Explore Ltd. for the provision of support services to young people, age 16-17, at risk of becoming NEET, to commence on 1 January 2016 for a period of three years, with the option to extend for a further year.

This report provides details of the procurement process, including the results of the evaluation process, user / customer engagement and consultation and, in conjunction with the Part 2 report, demonstrates why the recommended contract award delivers best value for money.

[The decision on this item may be called in by the Education and Skills Scrutiny Board]