The Director of Neighbourhood Services has agreed to:

1.  endorse the competitive tendering exercise that is outlined in paragraph 3 of the attached report; and

2.  award the contract for Lot 1 Highways Infrastructure Consultancy Support to WSP UK Ltd (company registration number 01383511) detailed design, contract document preparation, contract procurement advice and NEC4 ‘Project Manager’ or ‘Supervisor’ roles on highways capital projects, technical inspections and asset management.  up to a total value of £450,000 over three years (including potential 1 year extension)

The contract period will be from around 20th January 2025 – 19th January 2027 with option to extend for a further 12 months.

Consultancy support is required to provide ad-hoc support services to supplement in house resources for Highways Infrastructure in detailed design, contract document preparation, contract procurement advice and NEC4 ‘Project Manager’ or ‘Supervisor’ roles on highways capital projects, technical inspections and asset management. Funding for these commissions will be from Capital allocations and there will be no Revenue resource implications.

Do Nothing: this option has been rejected as failing to progress and establish a Professional services Contract would compromise Wirral Council’s ability to meet statutory obligations, deliver Capital programmes and support the aspirations of the Council Plan 2023-2027.