Decision details

Award of Contract to Nick Sturge (Omnigenix) to support the Golden Valley Development Project

Nick Sturge has been leading on the cyber eco-system work stream and engagement with academia and talent development for this project, as he has direct experience of establishing and growing a successful tech innovation hub in Bristol at Engine Shed. This role continues to be of critical importance and involves close working with both the cyber sector and eco-system.

Whilst the new contract being awarded to Nick Sturge (Omnigenix) is for a further 24 month period at a maximum spend of £39,250 + VAT & pre-approved expenses, the cumulative spend of his Consultancy work with Cheltenham Borough Council needs to be recognised. For that reason a Voluntary Transparency Notice (VTN) was published in September 2022 and concluded after a 30 day challenge period on 22/09/22 without challenge.

Due to the highly specialised nature of the work undertaken by Nick Sturge (Omnigenix) for the Golden Valley Development Project, the criticality of being able to utilise and leverage established contacts (nationally and locally) and the historic knowledge that has been acquired through working on the scheme to date, it is considered that Omnigenix are the best organisation to meet the council’s requirements. There are therefore no alternative options to be considered.

None

Funding for the further procurement of Omnigenix (Nick Sturge) up until 31/03/2024 has been approved by Full Council. The contract can be amended or terminated with one month’s notice by either party, in advance. The overall amount is within the Council approved 2023 and 2024 budgets.