Trades Services Framework standstill period extended

The standstill period under the Council’s Trades Services Framework agreement was due to close with effect from yesterday, Monday 17th February, with the intention of a proposed go live date with the new arrangements and contracts of 24th February. 

The standstill period is a defined period of time between the notice of the contract award decision and the award of the contract. The purpose of the standstill period is to enable unsuccessful tenderers to consider the feedback on their submissions and to allow them an opportunity to seek further information or call for a review of the decision. 

A number of questions have been raised and in order to consider and investigate any concerns, the Council are therefore extending the standstill period by a further 21 days to Midnight on Monday 9th March. 

The Council has written to the 193 contractors who tendered for the framework to inform them of the extended period. 

Cllr Ben Thompson, Chair of the Property and Housing Committee said: “It is important that we listen to any concerns and that any issues are fully investigated before the Framework is finalised. The purpose of the new Framework is to ensure transparency and best value for public money, as well as supporting the economy of local communities across the Highlands.”