Contract for Key Holding and Out of Hours Alarm Response

Descriptions

Durham County Council (DCC) owns and operates a large and varied property portfolio consisting of a typical local government mixed estate of office, commercial and public buildings. DCC currently deliver their own out of hours response and key holding through their Repairs and Maintenance team. DCC is now looking to outsource part of these services to a third-party security provider. The Scope of Services includes key holding, out of hours first response for emergencies and incidents, attending alarm activations, making good/securing any damage where applicable and reporting.

Engagement

Soft Market Testing questionnaire was issued via the NEPO Portal for providers to submit feedback. The key outcomes intended from this Market Consultation were to: • Understand market knowledge, capability, capacity and maturity. • Understand the level of interest in potentially providing such services to the Council. • Understand the scale and scope of experience currently in the market. • Gather views from the market on pricing indicators and possible income to the Council. • Gather innovative ideas and initiatives to influence the design and delivery of service provision in the future. • Understand the range of services and options available in the market The Council received 5 submissions and are currently developing tender documents with the aim to publish this opportunity in June/July 2025.