Asbestos Risk Review Services

This direct award is made under the exemption provided in Schedule 5 paragraphs 6 and 7 of the Procurement Act 2023, which permits a contracting authority to award a contract without competition where, there is an absence of competition for technical reasons, and a change in supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving goods, services or works that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing service, and the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance.

In this case:

Ramboll UK Limited is the incumbent provider with unique technical expertise and detailed knowledge of LondonEnergy's asbestos risk profile, compliance systems, and operational processes.

Ramboll has integrated its services with the Client's compliance database and established protocols for emergency response and asbestos risk mitigation.

Switching to another provider would require significant duplication of effort, reconfiguration of systems, and revalidation of compliance processes, creating incompatibility risks and exposing the Client to serious health and safety hazards.

These risks cannot be mitigated within a reasonable timeframe or cost without jeopardising statutory compliance and operational safety.

Why competitive tendering was not pursued:

A competitive procedure was considered but deemed unsuitable because no other supplier could provide the required continuity and technical integration without introducing unacceptable health and safety risks. Market engagement confirmed that alternative providers would require substantial mobilisation and system changes, which would delay critical compliance activities and increase the risk of asbestos exposure. Therefore, proceeding with a direct award is necessary and proportionate to safeguard health and safety and maintain legal compliance.