Scope
Reference
CN250206
Description
This requirement is for Road Weather Information System maintenance and operation required within the Growth, Environment and Transport Directorate. This contract covers the maintenance and operation of the existing network of Weather Stations throughout the County of Kent.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £300,000 excluding VAT
- £360,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
8 November 2025
Contract dates
- 8 November 2025 to 30 September 2028
- Possible extension to 30 September 2030
- 4 years, 10 months, 23 days
Description of possible extension:
The contract may be extended by up to 2 years (24 months), either through two separate 1 year (12 months) extensions or a single 2 year (24 months) extension. Please note that these are optional extensions, subject to the Council's discretion.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38127000 - Weather stations
Contract locations
- UKJ - South East (England)
Key performance indicators
| Name |
|---|
| Data Quality |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Software Compatibility - The existing weather station software operates the weather stations using a specific operating system. Alternative providers do not offer compatible software, leading to integration issues and potentially costly reconfiguration.
Proprietary Parts - Spare and consumable parts are unique to the current manufacture,Vaisala. These components are not universally interchangeable. Alternative suppliers would be required to source these from the original manufacturer, Vaisala, resulting in additional costs and delays.
Continuity of Service - Retaining the same manufacturer for weather stations and components ensures uninterrupted delivery of weather forecasting services, maintaining consistency and reliability across the system.
Seamless Integration - New and additional weather instruments can be added to our existing weather stations infrastructure without the need to seek additional software or operating systems, ensuring operational efficiency.
Established In-House Capability - KCC staff are already trained with this type of equipment. In-house experts are capable of performing frontline repairs, testing, troubleshooting and basic maintenance, reducing reliance on external support and delivers long term cost savings.
Alternative Solutions Impact- Any alternative solution would likely require significant reconfiguration due to incompatibility with the existing operating system and infrastructure. This would introduce additional costs for integration, training, and support, while also increasing the risk of operational disruption and reduced service efficiency.
Supplier
VAISALA LIMITED
- Companies House: 01487125
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPCV-2355-BDRZ
6230 Bishops Court Solihull Parkway
Birmingham
B37 7YB
United Kingdom
Email: weathersales.uk@vaisala.com
Website: http://www.vaisala.com
Region: UKG32 - Solihull
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
Kent County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLDL-8938-YGYW
County Hall
Maidstone
ME14 1XQ
United Kingdom
Email: sourcingsupportteam@kent.gov.uk
Website: https://www.kent.gov.uk/
Region: UKJ45 - Mid Kent
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government