Issue details

Jacobs UK Ltd (Jacobs) were commissioned through a direct award via the ESPO Consultancy Framework in September 2024 to undertake the production and submission of the A22 MRN Corridor FBC. Jacobs were appointed due to their previous knowledge and experience in supporting the County Council in delivering the outline business case submitted to the Department for Transport in December 2022 and which was approved in May 2024.

The original contract value was estimated at £469,000 based on time and materials. Additional hours have been subsequently identified to undertake the following 5 elements related to the full business case and wider A22 project activities:
• Consultation programme
• Programme extension/co-ordination with detailed design
• A22 Scheme Development - Client Support
• Active travel measures - Western Road option development
• Support EIA screening (cumulative impacts & biodiversity assessment

The proposal for the additional hours exceeds the original contract estimate by a further £362,000. Although allowable under the contract with Jacobs, the new estimated total value of £831,000 triggers a Key Decision as it will result in the Council incurring expenditure which is above £500,000 per annum.

The modification of the existing contract was signed off by the Head of Procurement and the Director for Communities, Economy and Transport on 20 March 2025.