6.1 It is a mandatory obligation on Authorised Officers to consult with the Director of Policy, Performance and Governance or (as appropriate) and the Assistant Director of Legal Services:
- If the council, subject to CPR 12.4, intends to consider any quotation, expression of interest or tender that has been received by it after the date and time specified in the original invitation/advertisement. for contracting opportunity offered by the Council. In such circumstances the relevant Authorised Officer must obtain the prior approval of the Assistant Director of Legal Services.
- If the Council intends to use any third party to conduct a procurement exercise on the Council’s behalf. In such circumstances the Authorised Officers must obtain the prior approval of the Director of Policy, Performance and Governance.
- If the Authorised Officer becomes aware that any significant dispute or claim has occurred or is reasonably likely to occur in relation to a contract or procurement exercise. In such circumstances the Authorised Officer shall immediately notify and consult with the Assistant Director of Legal Services before taking any action in relation to the dispute or claim.
Contract variations/modifications
6.2 Minor contract variations can be undertaken by an Authorised Officer if the variation would result in small administrative such as contact name changes, address changes, minor service changes or minor specification changes. All major contract variations (i.e. anything more than a minor change) that would result in to changes in price, changes to contract length or changes to contract terms and conditions must be referred to the Director of Policy, Performance and Governance for prior approval provided that such variations would not give rise to a breach of UK public procurement legislation.
