Firmstep Specialist Consultancy Support

{
  "awards": [
    {
      "aboveThreshold": false,
      "contractPeriod": {
        "endDate": "2027-02-02T23:59:59+00:00",
        "startDate": "2026-02-15T00:00:00+00:00"
      },
      "documents": [
        {
          "datePublished": "2026-02-02T14:06:18Z",
          "description": "Transparency notice on Find a Tender",
          "documentType": "awardNotice",
          "format": "text/html",
          "id": "009000-2026",
          "noticeType": "UK5",
          "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/009000-2026"
        }
      ],
      "id": "1",
      "items": [
        {
          "additionalClassifications": [
            {
              "description": "Industry specific software package",
              "id": "48100000",
              "scheme": "CPV"
            },
            {
              "description": "Software supply services",
              "id": "72268000",
              "scheme": "CPV"
            }
          ],
          "deliveryAddresses": [
            {
              "country": "GB",
              "countryName": "United Kingdom",
              "region": "UK"
            }
          ],
          "id": "1",
          "relatedLot": "1"
        }
      ],
      "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
      "milestones": [
        {
          "dueDate": "2026-02-12T23:59:59+00:00",
          "id": "1",
          "status": "scheduled",
          "type": "futureSignatureDate"
        }
      ],
      "relatedLots": [
        "1"
      ],
      "status": "pending",
      "suppliers": [
        {
          "id": "GB-FTS-173265",
          "name": "Algorythm Ltd"
        }
      ],
      "value": {
        "amount": 31474.0,
        "amountGross": 37768.8,
        "currency": "GBP"
      }
    }
  ],
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDGQ-4877-NMGQ",
    "name": "Watford Borough Council"
  },
  "date": "2026-02-02T14:06:18Z",
  "id": "009000-2026",
  "initiationType": "tender",
  "language": "en",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-061451",
  "parties": [
    {
      "address": {
        "country": "GB",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "locality": "watford",
        "postalCode": "WD17 3EX",
        "region": "UKH23",
        "streetAddress": "Town Hall"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "anita.awuku@watford.gov.uk",
        "name": "Anita Awuku",
        "telephone": "01923278953"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "description": "Public authority - sub-central government",
            "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE"
          }
        ]
      },
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDGQ-4877-NMGQ",
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDGQ-4877-NMGQ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "name": "Watford Borough Council",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ]
    },
    {
      "address": {
        "country": "GB",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "locality": "Kent",
        "postalCode": "DA7 4PA",
        "region": "UKI51",
        "streetAddress": "119 Belvedere Road"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "joshharris@algorythm.solutions",
        "name": "John Harris"
      },
      "details": {
        "scale": "sme",
        "vcse": false
      },
      "id": "GB-FTS-173265",
      "name": "Algorythm Ltd",
      "roles": [
        "supplier"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "tag": [
    "award",
    "contract"
  ],
  "tender": {
    "description": "The supply and design of a set of bespoke solutions that are integral to the Council\u0027s operations. The solutions have been tailored specifically to the Council\u0027s requirements and are not off-the-shelf products. They are custom integrations with our existing systems and data.  These enhancements are not transferable without significant effort and resource. The services are especially applicable to our Garden Waste service.\nTo view this notice, please click here: \nhttps://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=1011097277",
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-061451",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "scheme": "UKPGA",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
    },
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "complete"
      }
    ],
    "procurementMethod": "direct",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Direct award",
    "procurementMethodRationale": "Competition is not reasonably practicable for technical reasons because the service requirement is intrinsically linked to an existing system whose design, architecture, and operational dependencies are uniquely understood by the Algorythm Ltd, incumbent supplier.\nThe incumbent supplier, Algorythm possesses detailed and proprietary knowledge derived from original system design, configuration, and ongoing development and support. This knowledge is embedded within the solution and has not been artificially created for the purpose of restricting competition. No alternative supplier could assume responsibility without first undertaking extensive reverse engineering and knowledge acquisition activities.\nTransferring support or further development to a new supplier would require significant reverse engineering, complex knowledge transfer, and redevelopment effort. These activities would introduce material and disproportionate risks, including service disruption, loss of system stability, and delays to the delivery of critical services. Running a competitive procurement under these conditions would not be proportionate to the nature and value of the requirement.\nThe additional cost, time, and operational risk associated with transitioning to an alternative supplier would outweigh any potential benefits of competition. A direct award to the incumbent supplier represents the most effective means of securing value for money, ensuring continuity of service, and safeguarding the delivery of services that are critical to the public interest.\nA direct award mitigates avoidable operational and delivery risks by maintaining system stability and continuity of service.",
    "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [
      {
        "id": "singleSuppliersIntellectualPropertyExclusiveRights"
      },
      {
        "id": "singleSuppliersTechnicalReasons"
      }
    ],
    "status": "complete",
    "title": "Firmstep Specialist Consultancy Support"
  }
}