Decision details

Approve a waiver of Contract Standing Order 8.03 (requirement to obtain at least three competitive quotations) pursuant to Contract Standing Order 10.01.1 b on the basis of 10.01.2.(d)(ii).
To approve the award of a contract to Getfix Ltd up to the value of £115,983.33 pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1(c); and
Pursuant to Contract Standing Order 9.07.3, to give authority for the issuance of a letter of intent to the value of £100,000 pending the issuance and execution of a formal contract.

The schools heating pipework system appears to have failed in numerous locations causing several leaks and internal damage to teaching and learning spaces. Initial investigations suggest an issue with the crimping method used to the secure the joints (installed circa 2 years ago). The full extent of the leaks are presently unknown as much of the pipework is concealed. The system is not valved in zones and on this basis the entire system was drained on Friday 3rd January 2025 providing the school with no heating.

Ongoing investigations are taking place to ascertain the full extent of repairs.

Temporary solution have been considered implemented and or discounted (detailed in the supporting exempt report). In considering risk and the sustainability for the school to continue with existing limited temporary arrangements the assessment has concluded with a recommendation to cable a temporary heating system via diesel generator.

A mini competition via the HPCS was discounted as it was felt negotiating with a contractor would be most efficient in terms of time due to this solution being time critical in terms of the operational impact on the school to eliminate the risk of further closure days.

The Dynamic Purchasing System does not permit a direct award.

Four contractors were approach on Friday 10th January 2025. A combination of interest received and availability of resources, Getfix Ltd were able to mobilise an initial survey the same day which took place on Friday 10th January 2025. It is considered that delaying the commencement of works to obtain alternative quotations will further exasperate operational risks and not guarantee a comparative quotation, lower cost or ability to mobilise immediately and within a comparable time period.