Decision details

For the Assistant Director for Regeneration to approve a waiver of the requirement under CSO 8.03 to undertake the request for 3 quotes procedure in order to make the contract award to Jan Kattein Architects, for design services from RIBA Stage 2-7 and contract administration to a maximum value of £20,000. In addition to approve the issue of a letter of intent, in accordance with CSO 9.07.3, to Jan Kattein Architects in the amount of £2,360. For the order of works to undertake designs to RIBA Stage 2 (£1960) and QS report for Stage 2 (£400).

The preferred approach for commissioning the design and contract administration is to directly contract with Jan Kattein Architects. This would both ensure design consistency within the project and allow the project to be delivered within the programme constraints.

Jan Kattein has in-depth knowledge of the project, having previously conducted designs to RIBA Stage 1 and the services sought are a natural extension to the previous services provided to the Café leaseholder, to the extent it would provide better value than engaging an alternate provider whereby transitional costs need to be considered.

A waiver of tendering is being sought on the basis that it is considered to be within the Council’s overall interest under CSO 10.01.

A letter of intent is needed to ensure that Jan Kattein can commence further design works as soon as possible to meet project deadlines and progress to RIBA Stage 2 and QS Stage 2 report.

Consideration was given to subjecting the requirement for the advisory services to competition in line with the Council’s policy of obtaining competitive quotations for contracts of this value. The conclusion reached is this approach would incur unnecessary delays and costs to the Council, as Jan Kattein Architects have previous knowledge of the project and have completed initial studies and surveys for RIBA Stages 0-1. Appointment of another service would add significant delays and have a negative impact on the Council’s reputation in promoting a local business and could incur further budgetary costs.