URL: https://democracy.dacorum.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2614

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Housing & Property Services

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Commercial Board considered a report on 26 February 2026 presenting the outcome of a Dacorum-led mini-competition (the “Mini-Competition”) conducted under the Fusion21 Building Safety & Compliance Framework (Lot 1 – Asbestos Surveying & Consultancy) (the “Framework”).   The Mini-Competition was undertaken to secure resilient and compliant asbestos consultancy provision across the Council’s Housing and Commercial/Corporate portfolios, replacing fragmented legacy arrangements that are due to conclude by April 2026.   Seven compliant submissions were received and evaluated in accordance with the published methodology (70% quality / 30% price), with minimum quality thresholds applied. Following evaluation and moderation, Life Environmental Services Ltd and Pennington Choices Ltd were ranked first and second respectively and are recommended for award.   The proposed contracts support statutory compliance under CAR 2012, CDM 2015 and PAS 2035 (Housing only), including void management, refurbishment and demolition surveys, reinspection programmes and retrofit support.

Content: Commercial Board considered a report on 26 February 2026 presenting the outcome of a Dacorum-led mini-competition (the “Mini-Competition”) conducted under the Fusion21 Building Safety & Compliance Framework (Lot 1 – Asbestos Surveying & Consultancy) (the “Framework”).   The Mini-Competition was undertaken to secure resilient and compliant asbestos consultancy provision across the Council’s Housing and Commercial/Corporate portfolios, replacing fragmented legacy arrangements that are due to conclude by April 2026.   Seven compliant submissions were received and evaluated in accordance with the published methodology (70% quality / 30% price), with minimum quality thresholds applied. Following evaluation and moderation, Life Environmental Services Ltd and Pennington Choices Ltd were ranked first and second respectively and are recommended for award.   The proposed contracts support statutory compliance under CAR 2012, CDM 2015 and PAS 2035 (Housing only), including void management, refurbishment and demolition surveys, reinspection programmes and retrofit support. Commercial Board considered a report on 26 February 2026 presenting the outcome of a Dacorum-led mini-competition (the “Mini-Competition”) conducted under the Fusion21 Building Safety & Compliance Framework (Lot 1 – Asbestos Surveying & Consultancy) (the “Framework”).   The Mini-Competition was undertaken to secure resilient and compliant asbestos consultancy provision across the Council’s Housing and Commercial/Corporate portfolios, replacing fragmented legacy arrangements that are due to conclude by April 2026.   Seven compliant submissions were received and evaluated in accordance with the published methodology (70% quality / 30% price), with minimum quality thresholds applied. Following evaluation and moderation, Life Environmental Services Ltd and Pennington Choices Ltd were ranked first and second respectively and are recommended for award.   The proposed contracts support statutory compliance under CAR 2012, CDM 2015 and PAS 2035 (Housing only), including void management, refurbishment and demolition surveys, reinspection programmes and retrofit support. Decision made and reasons: Decision To approve the award of two call?off contracts for the provision of asbestos consultancy services to: ·         Life Environmental Services Ltd (Rank 1) ·         Pennington Choices Ltd (Rank 2) following completion of the compliant Mini?Competition undertaken under the Fusion21 Building Safety & Compliance Framework (Lot 1 – Asbestos Surveying & Consultancy).   The contracts will be let for an initial period of two years, with the option to extend for a further two years (2 + 2), up to a maximum combined aggregate value of £3,000,000 + VAT over the full four?year term.   The award is subject to completion of the mandatory standstill period prior to contract execution.   No conflicts of interest were identified during the evaluation or moderation process. ReasonThe Mini?Competition was conducted in full accordance with the Framework rules, applicable public procurement legislation and the Council’s Standing Orders. All submissions were evaluated using the published 70% quality / 30% price methodology, with minimum quality thresholds applied. Life Environmental Services Ltd and Pennington Choices Ltd achieved the highest overall combined moderated scores and met all mandatory technical, quality and compliance requirements. Awarding contracts to two suppliers supports the dual?award model previously endorsed by Commercial Board and provides: ·         enhanced capacity resilience across Housing and Corporate portfolios ·         reduced reliance on a single provider ·         performance benchmarking and competitive tension throughout the contract term ·         continuity of statutory asbestos compliance services The award remains within the previously approved financial envelope of £3,000,000 + VAT over four years, with funding provision in place within the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and relevant Corporate Property compliance budgets.

Date of Decision: April 1, 2026