Construction of a new command and control centre at Hendon for the C3i project

Report: 20
Date: 29 May 2002
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report seeks approval in principle to enter into a contract for the construction of a new Command and Control Centre on the MPA estate at Hendon. 

A. Recommendations

1. Members are asked to note the contents of this report.
2. Members are asked to approve in principle the recommended tender at a cost not to exceed the amount stated in the exempt paper as submitted by the preferred contractor for construction works at Hendon.

B. Supporting information

1. A paper was produced for the MPA Finance Planning and Best Value Committee (FPBV) of 19 July 2001 recommending the acceptance of a stage one tender to develop a fully costed and developed scheme for the construction of three new Command and Control Centres as an integral part of the C3I Project. The Hendon building is the first of three centres to be constructed. In principle approvals for the construction of the other two centres will be sought from the committee in due course.

2. Planning permission has been obtained and the stage one tender for Hendon was awarded to Wates Construction Ltd. Since that time the selected contractor has been working in partnership with the C3I team, Property Services Department and the MPS appointed specialist consultants to fully develop and price a best value solution. 

3. The commencement of the construction programme early in July 2002 is critical to the delivery requirements of the C3I project. Of particular importance is the early completion of the Airwave building.

4. The tight timescales imposed by external and contractual constraints of the C3i project require an “in principle” approval to let the construction contract (whilst final pricing negotiations continue) subject to the final contract sum not exceeding that stated in the exempt paper. The final negotiated costs will be communicated to the committee at the first available opportunity.

5. In accordance with the procurement procedures, the following are in place:-

• Gateway 3 approval from the Office of Government Commerce.
• Confirmation from the users, that the accommodation meets their requirements.
• Relevant planning permissions.
• Confirmation received from the C3i Budget Holder that funds are available.
• The contractor has provided satisfactory health and safety information.
• Environmental matters have been addressed and appropriate conditions are included in the contract.
• Equal opportunities have been addressed and clauses concerning these have been included in the contract.

C. Financial implications

1. The tender sum will mainly be expended over the contract period of 15 months (July 2002 to October 2003), with a retention sum held over into the following financial year.

2. The scheme has the full support of the C3i Project Board and is on the critical path for the overall completion of the C3i project.

3. The project is entirely funded from the accommodation element of the approved C3i budget.

4. Future revenue costs have been assessed and included in the future year budgets. They are detailed in the exempt paper.

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

Report author: Trevor Lawrence, Director of Property Services and Ailsa Beaton, Director Directorate of Information, MPS.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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