Scope
Description
Essex County Council (ECC) is committed to ensuring that the Blue Badge scheme, which provides parking concessions for individuals with disabilities, is administered fairly and consistently. The scheme aims to enhance the quality of life for disabled residents by allowing them to park closer to their destinations. To achieve this, ECC follows the Department for Transport's (DfT) national guidelines, which require certification from an appropriate expert assessor when eligibility cannot be determined through cross-checking or desk-based assessments.
As the issuing authority, ECC is responsible for issuing Blue Badges to Essex residents in accordance with legislation and national guidance. To uphold this responsibility, ECC seeks a contractor to provide Independent Mobility Assessments conducted by qualified Expert Assessors. These assessments are crucial for determining eligibility in cases where ECC cannot make a clear decision, ensuring that badges are issued to those who genuinely meet the criteria, thereby enhancing accessibility and mobility for individuals with disabilities.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,392,436 excluding VAT
- £1,670,924 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
22 August 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
22 August 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
30 September 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2028
- Possible extension to 30 September 2030
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The Council may at its sole discretion extend the duration of this Agreement for a further maximum period of up to twenty four (24) calendar months commencing on the third anniversary of the Service Commencement Date.
The Council may serve such extension notice(s) on as many occasions as it shall think fit provided that the duration of such extensions shall not in total exceed twenty four (24) calendar months from the third anniversary of the Service Commencement Date.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Information about tenders
- 3 tenders received
- 2 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 2 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
ACCESS INDEPENDENT LTD
- Companies House: 04664905
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLYQ-4554-XBXG
Unit 17d Sturton Street
Cambridge
CB1 2SN
United Kingdom
Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Essex County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVM-4844-NRQH
County Hall, Market Road
Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Email: jon.rockstad@essex.gov.uk
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government