Scope
Reference
BNU-2308-278
Description
Buckinghamshire New University ("University") intends to renew its current Cleaning, Pest Control and Grounds Maintenance contract ("Contract"). The University will renew the contract for a strictly limited period of 6 months, with the option to extend by a further 6 months (if required). This will maintain service continuity and avoid any impact on the start of the new academic term starting in September, and also give the University time and focus, to allow it to complete its internal operational review regarding the future delivery model for the facilities management contract.
Contract 1. Cleaning, Pest Control and Grounds Maintenance Contract
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,025,871.64 excluding VAT
- £1,231,045.97 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
22 August 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 August 2025 to 28 February 2026
- Possible extension to 31 July 2026
- 11 months, 10 days
Description of possible extension:
There is the possibility of a 6 month extension to 31 July 2026.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 77314000 - Grounds maintenance services
- 85142300 - Hygiene services
- 90900000 - Cleaning and sanitation services
Contract locations
- UKJ2 - Surrey, East and West Sussex
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
The award of the contract is permitted in accordance with Section 41 and Paragraph 7 of Schedule 5 to the Procurement Act 2023 on the basis that:
(a) Additional or repeat services;
The public contract concerns the supply of services by the existing supplier which are intended as an extension to, or partial replacement of, existing services in circumstances where-
(a) a change in supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving services that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing services, and
(b) the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance.
Of particular note:
The University intends to directly award a contract for a strictly limited period of 6 months (with the option to extend for a further period of 6 months, if required) to the incumbent supplier. The Supplier has previously provided the same services to the University and has a high degree of institutional and location knowledge, as well as good working relationships with internal stakeholders.
This decision is based on the grounds of technical and economic impracticality of switching suppliers within the required timeframe, and the absence of a suitable competitive alternative that delivers equivalent value for money and continuity.
Due to the complexity and integration of the existing services across multiple locations, transitioning to an alternative supplier would require extensive procurement lead time, significant and potentially avoidable implementation costs and resources, and a high-risk migration programme - all of which would exceed the remaining duration of the current contract and introduce potential service disruption.
This limited contract via direct award is therefore considered a proportionate and necessary solution to:
• maintain business-critical service operations without disruption, especially with the commencement of the new academic term in September;
• allow for continued value through negotiation with the incumbent supplier and control of costs;
• provide the University much needed time to further develop and conclude its long-term business and procurement strategy for the services, that can allow the University to achieve value for money; and
• following completion of the internal review, enable the University to meet its legal and transparency obligations under the Procurement Act 2023, by publishing details of its long term requirements (where appropriate), including a preliminary market engagement notice and tender notice.
Supplier
NEXGEN FACILITIES SERVICES LTD
- Companies House: 04156458
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCGJ-1238-ZCMZ
4a & 4b Wintersells Road
West Byfleet
KT14 7LF
United Kingdom
Email: bids@nexgengroup.uk
Website: http://www.nexgengroup.uk
Region: UKJ25 - West Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Cleaning, Pest Control and Grounds Maintenance Contract
Contracting authority
Buckinghamshire New University
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZTZ-8956-MMQT
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
HP11 2JZ
United Kingdom
Email: finance.procurement@bucks.ac.uk
Website: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/
Region: UKJ13 - Buckinghamshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government