URL: https://sandwell.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1155

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Procurement of a new Black Country Highways Works Framework Contract.

Content: Approval was sought to participate in the procurement of a new Black Country Highways Works Framework (2026 – 2030) in collaboration with Transport for West Midlands, City of Wolverhampton Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council.   Reason for Decision The benefits derived from the procurement of this regional Framework Contract would include delivery of projects necessary to improve the highway network and provide road safety measures in a cost effective, timely and efficient manner.   All participants in this Framework Contract would be able to achieve costs savings and additional benefits through the reduction in tendering costs, reduced contract administration and securing of social value benefits.   Alternative Options Considered Option 1 – Not to establish a Highways Works Framework Contract. Without a current Highways Works framework Contract to enable quick and efficient use of contractors to undertake programmes of work, each project would require separate costly and timely tendering and individual procurement processes. In addition, Highway Services would need to utilise elements of other less suited framework contracts for urgent service provision. This would inevitably lead to long delays in delivering safety and infrastructure improvement projects, increased costs and potential reputational harm.   Resolved:-   (1)           that delegated authority is given to the Executive Director for Place to enter a Joining Agreement to use the new Black Country Highways Works Framework (2026 -2030) on completion of the tender evaluations and the awarded contracts on each Lot, for the sum of £12.5m per year for period of up to 4 years from 17 January 2026 to 16 January 2030;   (2)          that the Service Director - Governance (Monitoring Officer) is authorised to execute any documents necessary to give effect to the recommendations in (1) above.

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025