Dear Nicola

Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Request for Information

I am writing in respect of your enquiry dated 15 June, for information held by the Council. Your enquiry is being dealt with under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

1. You have requested information relating to:

1. How you procure Construction Consultancy Services

2. How you procure Construction Contractors

3. If by your own framework, please tell me:

a. The titles and content of the relevant frameworks

b. Who is on the current frameworks

c. The start and end dates of the frameworks

d. Any possible extension periods to the frameworks

e. The name and contact email of person responsible for the frameworks.

The answer to question 1 and 2 is the same. The anticipated cost of the procurement determines how we procure any goods, works or service.

If the cost is likely to be less than £10,000 then Officers will obtain at least one quote from an organisation.

Where the cost is anticipated to be between £10,000 and £29,999 then three written quotes are obtained.

Where the cost is anticipated to be between £30,000 and £75,000 then the opportunity is advertised on the South East Business Portal (www.businessportal.southeastiep.gov.uk). All companies that express an interest are sent either an invitation to quote or a PQQ (depending on whether an open or restricted procedure has been chosen). When a PQQ is sent it will be scored and the shortlisted suppliers are then sent an invitation to quote.

Where the cost is anticipated to be above £75,000 but below the OJEU thresholds, the opportunity will be advertised on the South East Business Portal. All companies that express an interest are sent either an invitation to tender or a PQQ (depending on whether an open or restricted procedure has been chosen). When a PQQ is sent it will be scored and the shortlisted suppliers are then sent an invitation to tender.

Where the opportunity is above the OJEU thresholds, the opportunity is advertised in OJEU and on the South East Business Portal. All companies that express an interest are sent either an invitation to tender or a PQQ (depending on whether an open or restricted procedure has been chosen). When a PQQ is sent it will be scored and the shortlisted suppliers are then sent an invitation to tender.

Questions 3a-e are not applicable as we do not operate our own framework.

3. If you are unhappy with the way in which your enquiry has been dealt with, you may ask for an internal review by initiating the Council's Corporate Complaints Procedure, details of which may be obtained by logging onto the Council's website http://www.dartford.gov.uk/council/ or telephoning or emailing me. Should you remain dissatisfied with the decision on internal review, you may appeal to the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5AF.

I would be grateful if you would address any future correspondence you may have in relation to this matter, to me, quoting the reference number FOI 824. Please familiarise yourself with the informative on re-use of information.

Yours sincerely

Catherine Bailey

Procurement & Finance Officer

INFORMATIVE

THE RE-USE OF PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION

The Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations came into force on 1st July 2005.

The first step towards re-using public sector information is to know what significant information is available for re-use.

All documents registered within the Council's Publication Scheme (with the exception of those documents where charges apply) are available for re-use on the terms of the Licence to Reproduce Public Sector Information. No re-use fee is charged under this licence. http://venus.dartford.gov.uk/Data_protection/FOI/documents/FreeLicence.pdf

Private Study and Non-Commercial Re-use of Information

The Council's standard Licence to Reproduce Public Sector Information applies.

Re-use of Information for Commercial Gain

If you intend to re-use the material for commercial gain then you must write to the relevant Department or author of the material concerned, giving full details of your proposed use of the material, including whether you intend to publish and sell the material as part of your product. You will be advised of any charge due to be paid in these circumstances and the terms of a specific licence for re-use for commercial purposes will be agreed. Please note that any fees already paid (if any) under the Freedom of Information legislation in respect of the information will be deducted from the charge for its re-use.

FOI No. 824 Procurement of Contractors (TO DO) JE.doc Page 1 of 3

Steve Brooks Head of Finance & Resources

Nicola

By email

[FOI #37609 email]