Decision details

To approve procurement of a contract for radio aids, associated equipment and maintenance thereof.

That the Authority procure a supplier of specialist hearing technology jointly with the City of York Council. This will enable the Authority to be compliant in its duty to remove barriers to learning as set out in Special Education Needs Code of Practice 0 to 25 years. The contract will commence on the 1st August 2021 for an initial term of three years with a possible extension of two years.

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) is committed to ensuring children and young people have access to education. Many deaf and hearing-impaired children and young people are unable to access education without the use of additional specialist hearing technology alongside their own personal hearing equipment. The equipment required are Radio Aids which are small, discreet and mobile and can be used with children and young people through each stage of their education. Their lifespan is approximately 5 years and the cost per unit is approximately £1,765.

The local authority is duty bound to supply this equipment as part of its commitment to inclusive practice and removing barriers to learning as set out in the Special Education Needs Code of Practice 0 to 25 years.

Advice was sought from Procurement and Contract Management Service and several procurement methods were reviewed for their suitability. Several neighbouring Authorities were also contacted in order to evaluate any commercial prospects from devising our own in house framework however, a lack of interest deemed this route to be unnecessary. Therefore, to ensure that North Yorkshire County Council complies with both the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice an Open Procedure will be used to procure a supplier for the Provision of Radio Aids, Associated Equipment and Maintenance.

By conducting a procurement exercise NYCC will ensure they are securing the most competitive price for equipment whilst meeting our requirements as an Authority to provide these devices to the young people in our community.

Alternative procurement framework options were reviewed and not deemed fit for purpose as all were aimed at the adult market.