Increased fees for the appointed Employers Agent (EA) service for the Eastwick Row housing development

In 2018, Dacorum Borough Council undertook a competitive procurement exercise to appoint an Employer's Agent (EA) for the Eastwick Row housing development, a scheme comprising 34 new apartments. Following the evaluation of 20 tenders, the contract was awarded to Philip Pank Partnership LLP (PPP) in September 2018 for a value of £72,046 + VAT.

The EA was appointed to manage the building contract through to the end of the defects liability period. However, due to unforeseen circumstances-including the collapse of the original principal contractor, Jarvis Contracting Ltd, in March 2023-PPP was required to provide additional services beyond the original scope.

These included liaising with the administrator and bondsman, preparing a full inventory of materials left on site, and supporting the procurement of a replacement contractor. Given PPP's in-depth knowledge of the project and their continued involvement since the design stage, the Council determined that extending the existing contract represented the most expedient and value-for-money solution.

A new contract value of £208,204 + VAT has been agreed, incorporating previously undrawn funds and additional fees for the extended scope of work. This direct award is made under Regulation 32(2)(c) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, due to extreme urgency brought about by unforeseeable events. Re-tendering the EA role at this stage would risk significant delays and disruption to the project.