Scope
Reference
CO0103
Description
Essex County Council (The Authority) is seeking to procure a single cross departmental solution for managing planning responses, management of onsite activities through to adoption of new highway assets, including the management of developer contributions (S106), ensuring Essex County Council is supported by the best technology in its day-to-day operations and can deliver its statutory duties.
This contract is for an initial term of 5 years, following the initial term the contract will continue on a rolling basis until terminated subject to the Term and Termination clauses of the Terms and Conditions that were published at tender stage.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £387,833.97 excluding VAT
- £465,400.76 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 9 October 2025 to 8 October 2030
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 30196000 - Planning systems
- 72260000 - Software-related services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
To note we have stated there are no extensions available on this contract, this is an Evergreen contract and will continue until either party chooses to terminate, giving a 2 year notice period.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Switching to direct award
A competitive tender opportunity was published under PCR 2015 open procedure, no bids were received. Following contacting those who expressed interest in the tender (ProContract DN750676) and previous PIN (https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/181034f7-e48d-41cd-8472-9542e68d9858?origin=SearchResults&p=1), a single supplier was identified to fulfil the contract as published and rectified inability to complete tender response.
Negotiation of a contract in the absence of competition permitted by regulation 32(2)(a) PCR 2015, with similar provisions in PA 2023 will be used to direct award. Decision has been made to, although published under PCR 2015, satisfy the Transparency Notice requirements under PA2023.
Supplier
DEF SOFTWARE LIMITED
- Companies House: 06813292
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXQN-2631-NPTR
Washington Business Centre
Sunderland
SR5 3NZ
United Kingdom
Email: enquiries@def.co.uk
Website: http://def.co.uk
Region: UKC23 - Sunderland
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): 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: abbey.wellington@essex.gov.uk
Website: http://www.essex.gov.uk
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government