Process and Impact Evaluation Phase 3 - Generation Study

The Contracting Authority proposes to award the contract for the continuation of evaluation services for the Generation Study directly to UCL Consultants Limited (UCL) pursuant to the provisions of Schedule 5, Part 7 of the Procurement Act 2023. Under this statutory framework, a direct award is permissible where the public contract concerns the supply of services by the existing supplier, intended as an extension to, or partial replacement of, existing services, and where specific conditions are satisfied.

In the present circumstances, the evaluation services to be provided by UCL are a direct extension of the supplier's existing contractual obligations and are integral to the ongoing delivery of the Generation Study. The Authority has determined that a change in supplier would result in the receipt of services that are materially different from, or incompatible with, those previously supplied, as contemplated by paragraph 7(a) of Schedule 5. UCL has established bespoke methodologies, data structures, and analytical frameworks which are essential to the continuity and integrity of the evaluation process. The introduction of an alternative supplier would give rise to disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance, including, but not limited to, the risk of inconsistency in longitudinal data collection, misalignment of analytical processes, and disruption to established reporting mechanisms, as set out in paragraph 7(b).

Accordingly, the authority is satisfied that the proposed direct award to UCL is both necessary and proportionate, ensuring the seamless continuation of services and safeguarding the technical integrity of the Generation Study. This approach is fully compliant with the statutory requirements and transparency obligations set out in the Procurement Act 2023.