TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES FRAMEWORK Framework 2019-202523 (Extended to 30 March 2

Contracts

• Contract 007009-2024-2019/S132-323186 FOL19/337-1

  Signed

  30 Mar 2020

  Value

  £5,000,000

  Status

  active

  • Change Nature and extent of the modifications (with indication of possible earlier changes to the contract): Nature and extent of the modifications (with indication of possible earlier changes to the contract): The Royal Parks Limited ("TRP") publishes this notice to record its intention to modify the framework for Arboculture Tree Maintenance works by extending its expiry date by a further twelve months only from the original Tender Notice in 'July 2019. The modification also includes for the increase in the value of the framework to £4.5M to enable the projects to be delivered during that period. The estimated maximum value of the modifications from the original value of £250,000 is up to £4.5M and not to exceed a maximum of £5M. The Royal Parks is formalising this Framework extension in March 2024, and this includes confirmation of the modifications. The Royal Parks intends to re-procure a similar works Framework during 2024, Need for modification brought about by circumstances which a diligent contracting authority/entity could not foresee: Need for modification brought about by circumstances which a diligent contracting authority/entity could not foresee. Description of the circumstances which rendered the modification necessary and explanation of the unforeseen nature of these circumstances: The need for modification is brought about by circumstances which a diligent contracting authority/entity could not have foreseen in 2019 as the impacts of the 2020-2021 Covid on the design and delivery of projects was not expected to be prolonged and so disruptive. Description of the circumstances which rendered the modifications necessary and explanation of the unforeseen nature of these circumstances: The modification is required due to the delaying impact of Covid-19 (considered a Force Majeure Event under relevant contracts) on the project programme being delivered across the parks. The Royal Parks believe these circumstances have created this need for modifications which a diligent contracting authority could not have foreseen both on the works to be delivered and on resourcing. These modifications are further required in order to align with operational requirements and to allow for a smoother transition and mobilisation period between this existing Framework and the next one to be established in 2024. Furthermore, the modification is not considered substantial under paragraph 8 of Regulation 72 of the Public Contract Regulations, or the Procurement Act 2023 for the following reasons: a) The framework is not rendered materially different in character through the extension of time and value; it will deliver the required works. The Framework started in March 2020 with the intention of providing the period and value to deliver the envisaged projects through to the 2024 and the programme now has more works projects to be delivered in the next 12 months. b) While the modification extends the contract to the 16th December 2024 the Royal Parks requires this twelve-month extension from 48 months to 60 months to permit the planned project works to be progressed and undertaken economically with the current contractors within the original procurement procedure. This extension will permit a new Framework to be tendered and awarded for the orderly follow-on work during the next 12 months and to be managed effectively. c) The modification does not change the economic balance of the Framework Agreement in favour of the contractors, as the contractors will continue to tender for and provide works for the rates and prices to be agreed. d) The modification does extend the term of the Framework Agreement however the nature of the Works scopes will remain similar. The timescale is to be extended by a further 12 months from the 16th December 2023 up to the 15th December 2024. e) No new contractors replace the existing contractors, however where required by the scopes contractors may need to include new subcontractors/suppliers, where agreed to address changes in the supply chains that are emerging.