Scope
Reference
CO0103
Description
Procurement of 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.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £387,833.97 excluding VAT
- £465,400.76 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
6 October 2025
Contract dates
- 9 October 2025 to 8 October 2030
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
This contract is on a rolling (evergreen) basis. The initial term is for 5 years with a 2 year notice period having to be given by either party and cannot be installed until Year 3 of the contract.
CPV classifications
- 30196000 - Planning systems
- 72260000 - Software-related services
Contract locations
- UKH - East of England
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Contract is less than £5 million including VAT
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Switching to direct award
At the Prior Information Notice (PIN) stage, there were 12 expressions of interest from suppliers. The tender process for the service commenced on 21 February 2025 and two suppliers - both of whom had responded to the PIN initially expressed an interest However, when the tender closed on 24 March 2025, no bids were received.
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
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: kate.fabricant@essex.gov.uk
Website: http://www.essex.gov.uk
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government