Hotel accommodation services

Tender description

A direct procurement with two hotel groups, Britannia and Travelodge was required due to the urgent need to house hostel residents that currently share facilities in Camden's hostel pathway. Residents are currently housed in various hostels located across the borough in numerous locations. However, due to the circumstances, where many of the resident share facilities, a new arrangement has been sought to re-house the approximately 150-220 residents who are deemed the highest medical risk of contracting Covid-19. The council entered into direct negotiation and following this direct award with both hotel groups. Approximately 235 rooms are being purchased for an anticipated initial council expenditure of GBP 675 000 for three months. Depending on the length of the Covid-19 pandemic the council may make up to three monthly extensions for a total cost of GBP 1 350 000. Rooms may be made available for council staff if required. Context Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic some (approximately 150-220) residents of Camden Hostels that share facilities e.g. shower, sinks, bathrooms and kitchen areas may be particularly vulnerable to contracting Covid-19. The procurement has, following a negotiation, directly purchased temporary hotel accommodation for these residents which is better suited to living safely during the pandemic. The preferred option was to source using regulation 32(2)(c) under the Public Contract Regulations 2015 which has now been completed. Pass/fail health and safety measures/rectifications have been met therefore the award criteria is 100 % price. However inspections will take place before agreement to ensure the provider has in place correct health and safety measures, good facilities, fully PAT tested to ensure fire risks is minimised and to keep residents away from Covid-19. Any discrepancies to safety will result in the council not using the provider until rectification. Rooms may be made available for council staff should this be required.