SS13 170 Tender for Cycle to Work Scheme.

Descriptions

Kent County Council ('the Council') is the largest local Council in England covering an area of 3 500 square kilometres. It has an annual expenditure of over GBP 1bn on goods and services and a population of 1,3m. The Council provides a wide range of personal and strategic services on behalf of its residents, operating in partnership with 12 district councils and 289 parish/town councils.To reduce environmental pollution and promote healthier journeys, the 1999 Finance Act introduced an annual tax exemption which allows employers to loan bicycles and safety equipment to employees (up to the cumulative value of GBP 1 000) as a tax-free benefit. The exemption was one of a series of measures introduced under the Government's Green Transport Plan. Supporting the Green Agenda is the primary environmental issue and this also works towards the Council's Health and Wellbeing Agenda.As a result, the Council's Reward team normally run two Cycle to Work schemes annually in pre-determined windows, usually in April and September. During this time, employees can take part in the salary sacrifice scheme and acquire bicycles and safety equipment for the primary use of commuting to and from work.The workforce at the Council can be divided into two distinct groups:1. Non schoolsCommunication channels:-Kent Rewards platform, schools website, term time weekly electronic newsletterPosters, flyers, popup banners, eventsNon schools - 11 000 employees2. SchoolsCommunication channels:-Kent Rewards platform, intranet, weekly electronic newsletterPosters, flyers, popup banners, eventsCasual staff cannot participate in the schemeFour categories of schools - staff in 2 of these categories are eligible to participate in the scheme. This must be clear in all communications.Community and Voluntary Controlled schools - 337The Council invited potential suppliers to tender for the provision of a Cycle to Work scheme whereby the successful supplier is expected to organise and manage the process on behalf of the Council. The purpose was to establish a Framework Agreement which will allow bicycles and equipment to be purchased as required on a call-off basis depending on employee demand.The scheme provider will be required to utilise, partner with or sub-contract to independent local providers where appropriate, both at the beginning and throughout the scheme duration. This will increase the range of bicycles and equipment available to Council employees and increase the opportunities local SMEs have to participate in the scheme.During the previous Cycle to Work contract, 571 bicycles were purchased, with the average order value of GBP 465 per employee. On the basis of a 24 month contract, the estimated contract value is GBP 177k and with a 12 month extension, GBP 266k. This is based on the estimated value of GBP 44k per scheme, of which two are run per year. The Council do not currently pay any additional monies for the running of the scheme itself.No guarantee is given as to the actual value of the contract or the value of work under this contract.This contract commenced on 24.7.2014 and will continue for a period of 24 months unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract on the Kent Business Portal. Should the contractor perform to the specification throughout this contract period, the Council may offer a further 12 month extension.