NWSSP on behalf of Cwm Taf Morgannwg intend to award a contract to Powerworks Maintenance Services Ltd for the maintenance of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and isolated power systems (IPS). Following assessment of the available procurement options, a short-term direct award has been identified as the most appropriate approach due to the ongoing infrastructure investment programme and the operational risks associated with transferring responsibility for critical infrastructure maintenance during this period.
The proposed award is intended to rely upon Schedule 5, Paragraph 7(2) of the Procurement Act 2023:
The public contract concerns the supply of goods, services or works by the existing supplier which are intended as an extension to, or partial replacement of, existing goods, services or works where:
(a) a change in supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving goods, services or works that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing goods, services or works; and
(b) the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance.
Powerworks Maintenance Services Ltd currently supports the UPS and IPS infrastructure and has been heavily involved in installation, commissioning and maintenance activities associated with recently upgraded assets.
Appointment of an alternative supplier during the infrastructure upgrade programme would introduce operational and technical risks associated with asset familiarisation, knowledge transfer, mobilisation and support of newly commissioned infrastructure.