Facilities Management at the Fort Halstead site Sevenoaks TN14 7BP

Facilities Management at the Fort Halstead site Sevenoaks TN14 7BP

Additional information: Wirral Borough Council in its capacity as administering authority for the Merseyside Pension Fund let part of the Fort Halstead site in Sevenoaks Kent to Dstl, which used it for the testing of explosives and other defence related purposes. Dstl engaged Emcor Group( UK )Ltd (Emcor)as facilities manager( FM) for the site. Dstl operated a closed site. Access has been limited throughout Dstl's tenure. FM information has only just been released as the Government's security activities wind down.

Dstl has surrendered its lease with effect from 31/3/23. Its FM agreement with Emcor will end on that date.

In order to invite tenders for a new FM contract, the Council will first have to acquire sufficient knowledge of a highly complex site which has complex utility services to a non-standard design, being MOD installed, including a private water supply which is in poor condition and which also serves neighbouring dwellings and the Fund's tenant QinetiQ, which remains trading on site. In addition, any risks arising from its use as a defence establishment will have to be ascertained, such as the continued operation of an electricity supply, which in recent years has demonstrated in built operability and continuity shortcomings.

In these circumstances the Council has awarded a short term FM contract to Emcor for one year without first inviting tenders in accordance with Part 2 of the Public Contract Regulations 2015.

The justification for award of the contract to Emcor is that time is needed by the Council to acquire sufficient information about the site to draw up a specification which will enable the Council to invite competitive tenders for the FM contract at a later date.

In the meantime Emcor have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to manage the facilities on the site.