South West Kent Waste Partnership - Household Recycling, Waste Collection And Street Cleansing Contract 2027

Descriptions

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) as the South West Kent Waste Partnership (together the Authorities) are looking to procure a Household Recycling, Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Services contractor. The Authorities have been working in partnership since 2018. This contract seeks to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the service across the Authorities' Administrative Areas whilst addressing the differing needs and priorities of each of them. Key Dates & Timeline for Procurement Tender release (Initial Tender): Wednesday 14th May 2025 Expression of Interest Deadline: 12:00pm Friday 27th June 2025 Deadline for submission of Initial Tenders: 12:00pm 28th July 2025 Evaluation of Initial Tenders: w/c Monday 28th July 2025 Dialogue and Negotiation Stage Commencing: Monday 15th September 2025 Tender release (Final Tenders): Monday 13th October 2025 Deadline for submission of Final Tenders: 12:00pm Monday 10th November 2025 Evaluation of Final Tenders: 11th November 2025 Appointment of contractor: w/c 21st April 2026

Description of risks to contract performance
Throughout the commissioning cycle, the Authorities have collated the following list of known contract risks, identified by the Authorities as potentially resulting in the need for modifications during the term of the contract. If any of the following risks materialise during the term, the Authorities reserve the right to modify the contract as per Sections 18 (2)(z)(i) and 74 (Schedule 8 part 5) of the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act).

Risk 1

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

As per the announcement in late 2024, the Authorities are in a two-tier authority area and are likely to be subject to LGR. Further information is available at, https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-government-reorganisation-policy-and-programme-updates.

Will the risks be subject to dialogue/negotiation? No, any information will be publicly available.

Will the risks be priced as part of the tender? No, as the Authorities are not yet aware of how much this will affect the contract.

Will the risks be evaluated and, if so, how? No

How will the risks be reflected in the terms of the contract so that they constitute permitted modifications under the Act? The terms and conditions of the contract allow for the contract to novate to any new body established to take on the legal responsibilities of the Authorities.

Risk 2

Fleet replacement and composition in 2031

The Authorities are aware that a significant proportion of the collection fleet will need to be renewed in 2031.

Will the risks be subject to dialogue/negotiation? Subject to potential modification in the future

Will the risks be priced as part of the tender? No

Will the risks be evaluated and, if so, how? No

How will the risks be reflected in the terms of the contract so that they constitute permitted modifications under the Act? The terms and conditions of the contract refer to the relevant modification exemptions in the Act, referred to above.

Risk 3

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)

Introduction of a DRS

Impact on nature, volume and tonnage of material, for Household collections and Street cleaning arisings.

Will the risks be subject to dialogue/negotiation? Yes, dialogue to be held during Procurement Process

Will the risks be priced as part of the tender? No

Will the risks be evaluated and, if so, how? No

How will the risks be reflected in the terms of the contract so that they constitute permitted modifications under the Act? The terms and conditions of the contract refer to the relevant modification exemptions in the Act, referred to above.

Risk 4

Simpler Recycling Reforms

Full implementation of the reforms

Impact on nature, volume and tonnage of materials

Will the risks be subject to dialogue/negotiation? Yes, dialogue to be held during Procurement Process.

Will the risks be priced as part of the tender? No

Will the risks be evaluated and, if so, how? Yes

How will the risks be reflected in the terms of the contract so that they constitute permitted modifications under the Act? The terms and conditions of the contract refer to the relevant modification exemptions in the Act, referred to above.

Risk 5

Fuel Tank

No fuel tank is available at North Farm Depot. Installation of such is a project under consideration by the Authorities. The project is dependent on a number of factors and will be confirmed to the successful tenderer in due course. In the event that a fuel tank is installed for contractor use, the Authorities anticipate the successful tenderer being responsible for maintenance, however this will be subject to discussion.

Will the risks be subject to dialogue/negotiation? May form part of the dialogue stage.

Will the risks be priced as part of the tender? No

Will the risks be evaluated and, if so, how? No

How will the risks be reflected in the terms of the contract so that they constitute permitted modifications under the Act? The terms and conditions of the contract refer to the relevant modification exemptions in the Act, referred to above.