STEP Programme Reporting Development

The proposed direct award to Anvil is justified on the ground that competition is absent, or switching supplier is not feasible, for technical and operational reasons, including the need to ensure continuity of critical services. Anvil has developed significant incumbent knowledge of the Authority’s systems, requirements, and stakeholder environment, which is integral to the effective delivery of the services.

Introducing a new supplier at this stage would require substantial duplication of effort in respect of mobilisation, knowledge transfer, and system familiarisation. This would result in disproportionate cost, increased delivery risk, and potential service disruption, thereby undermining value for money and service continuity. The time and resource required to onboard an alternative provider would also create a material risk to operational performance and delivery timelines.

Accordingly, the Authority considers that a change in supplier is not practicable without significant inconvenience and inefficiency, and that the conditions for direct award on the basis of technical and operational continuity are met. The decision to proceed with the incumbent supplier is therefore proportionate, justified, and consistent with the Act’s requirements.