Decision details

Ipswich Borough Council has in some of its buildings Chubb Intruder Alarm systems, these systems were originally installed by Chubb and feature a Closed Protocol software system which can be only accessed by Chubb.

Other Intruder Alarm companies do not have permission to use Chubb access codes and equipment to allow any type of service and repair works to take place on these systems, therefore Chubb must be used to undertake these works.

Following a quotation from Chubb Fire & Security Ltd for £22,634.23, the Council’s Section 151 officer has considered the granting of an exemption to Contract standing orders to enable the contract to be placed without the need to conduct a competitive purchasing process ensuring that the intruder alarm systems remain operational. The Section 151 officer has recommended that the granting of an exemption to Contract Standing Orders is appropriate in the circumstances.

To award the contract to Chubb Fire & Security Ltd at a total value of £22,634.23 without the need to conduct a competitive purchasing process as the services required are available only from that supplier, and for which there is no reasonable satisfactory alternative.

Reason:

To enable the works to be undertaken and for maintenance to be carried out on the alarm systems.