Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
1) Extend the Connecting Cumbria programme to
deliver superfast broadband infrastructure in Cumbria supported by
state aid funding. Such an extension is generally known as Phase 2
or the BDUK Superfast Extension Programme.
2) Issue and invitation to tenderers (ITT):-
a) By call off from the BDUK Framework (as BT is the only supplier
on that framework this is a closed procurement); or,
b) As a procurement open to all.
3) If call off from BDUK framework, delegate decision to award
contract to the Director for Environment and Communities.
The Corporate Director – Environment and Community Services reported that
following the February 2013 Spending Review, the Government announced a further allocation of funding available for broadband under the BDUK Superfast Phase 2 Programme, with the aim of increasing SFBB coverage across the UK to 95% by the end of 2017. BDUK had offered the Council a £2.86M funding allocation from BDUK, subject to a level of matched funding provided by the Council. Matched funds had been successfully applied for from the Local Growth Fund and announced by the Deputy Prime Minister as set out in the further update for Cabinet circulated at the meeting.
The Council would need to initiate a new procurement process to award a further contract to deliver extended coverage through this funding. Therefore due to the total value of this further project phase, the need to alter the current Connecting Cumbria Project Agreement to support the further contract and this further project phase’s potential effect on multiple districts of Cumbria.
RESOLVED, that
(1) Cabinet agree the undertaking of procurement activities for a Phase 2 of the Connecting Cumbria Project, and proceeding with procurement activities utilising the BDUK framework contract. Awarding of any contract to be subject to confirmation of matched funding (now received) and the funding issues relating to phase 1 being resolved;
(2) the Corporate Director of Environment and Community Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development be authorised to conclude the terms of contract with the preferred supplier;
(3) the Corporate Director of Environment and Community Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development be authorised to negotiate with BT Group and agree changes reasonably required to the terms of the current Connecting Cumbria Project Agreement to allow the award and commencement of the potential contract in line with recommendation 1.
Report author: Jon March
Publication date: 10/02/2015
Date of decision: 05/02/2015
Decided at meeting: 05/02/2015 - Cabinet
Effective from: 18/02/2015
Accompanying Documents: