Purchase an Electric Cremator

Record of Decision Taken by Peter Linfield on 3 March 2021

Authority for decision

Authority of the Monitoring Officer RBC constitution Part 4.

12. Exceptions from Tendering Requirements

(a) Nothing in these Standing Orders shall require tenders to be invited if:
(i) in the case of contracts for the supply of goods and materials:
1. the goods or materials are proprietary articles or are sold only at a fixed price and no reasonably satisfactory alternative is available;
(b) The relevant member of the Executive Management Team or service manager shall in each case make a record of the justification for not obtaining tenders or quotations in the normal way and this should be placed in the project file.

Decision

To enter into a contract with DFW for supply, installation and maintenance of an electric cremator, by way of a Direct Award.

Reasons for decision

For the delivery of cremation services.

Officers are confident that DFW are the only supplier in a position to provide all services required - manufacture, supply, installation of electric cremator and full service and maintenance contract for the cremator, within required cost envelope and required timescales and with sufficient track record to allow officers to have confidence in the product.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Officer and market investigations have found IFZW, a German company, are in the process of bringing their electric cremator to market. However, their equipment is a prototype and currently still under construction and as such have not yet been installed into any UK crematoria. In addition, the cost estimate for this piece of equipment is 36% more expensive than an electric cremator from DFW, falling significantly outside of the Council’s cost envelope.

Officers cannot therefore have confidence in IFZW’s ability to deliver a reliable product, within required timescales and cost envelope.

Conflicts of interest and any dispensation

None identified.

 

Monitoring Information

Key decision?

No.

Confidential/ Exempt (if yes, please state paragraph)?

No.

Do General Exception or Special Urgency Rules apply to this decision?

No.

Consultation has taken place with the Section 151 & Monitoring Officer?

Yes.

The Leader, Deputy Leader or relevant Portfolio Member have been consulted?

Yes.

 

Signed

Peter Linfield