Project ASPEN Final Phase (Project Reporting & Closure)

This procurement relates to the delivery of the outstanding final report under a previous contract (C28984), which was originally awarded to RAB Consultants Limited following an open competition conducted under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The original contract has now expired and cannot be extended in accordance with its terms.

The scope of this direct award is strictly limited to the completion and delivery of the final report, utilising existing data, analysis, and methodologies already developed during earlier phases of the project. There is no expansion of scope, no introduction of new services, and no material alteration to the nature of the original requirement.

The contract will run from 01 June 2026 to 30 June 2026, with a total value of £20,200 (excluding VAT), and no provision for extension.

The Authority considers that this direct award is justified under Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023, relying on Schedule 5, paragraph 6 (single supplier). Due to the supplier’s unique technical knowledge and prior involvement, only RAB Consultants Limited can complete the requirement without disproportionate duplication of effort, delay, and cost. Introducing a new supplier at this stage would not represent value for money.

This approach is considered proportionate given the low contract value and the confined scope of the requirement, ensuring continuity of delivery while maintaining compliance with procurement legislation.