The First Ark Group consists of four companies that work together with the over-riding purpose of making a real positive difference to our communities and to people's lives.

We are, as a Group, committed to ‘Creating Success' with each part of the Group contributing in a different way:

— First Ark Ltd is the parent organisation that sets and oversees Corporate Strategy.

— KHT is our successful housing association that provides homes to over 25,000 people through its 14,000 homes in Knowsley on Merseyside.

— Vivark Ltd is the new name for an experienced property maintenance team who will provide a range of services including repairs and maintenance, gas servicing, handyperson services, refurbishment and facilities management.

— KHT Services is our development company which will help us deliver our new build programme.

This procurement exercise was led by the First Ark Group for itself and on behalf of the other members of the First Ark Group and references in this document to First Ark/First Ark Group/the Group should be construed accordingly.

First Ark sought a single cleaning contractor to provide a cleaning and window cleaning service across a number of sites within the Merseyside area. Services required under this contract are for cleaning and internal/external window cleaning to a number of First Ark offices, community centres and other locations as were identified in the ITT documents. The successful contractor is required to provide consumable items (such as toilet rolls and washing up liquid) under this contract, and may be required to provide additional hygiene consumables (such as sanibins, spray fragrance and liquid soaps) during the duration of the contract.

The contract is to start 1.4.2014.

The outcome of the tender process is a single contract with a single contractor. The contract will be an initial 2 year contract with 4 annual options to extend by a further 12 months on each occasion up to a maximum 6 years total contract term, subject to First Ark requirements and the performance of the successful contractor.

Potential value (inclusive of VAT) is approximately GBP 95,000 per annum in total (including consumable items), made up of approximately GBP 92,500 on cleaning services and consumable items, and GBP 2,500 on window cleaning. No guarantees are given, nor are implied as to the value of works that will be placed with the successful contractor over the potential maximum 6 year period as future projections are estimates only at this stage. First Ark accept no liability for any inaccuracies in the estimates provided.

The contract is available to KHT and all other members of the First Ark Group from time to time (including all subsidiary undertakings of the First Ark Group from time to time), such that each of the above will be entitled to purchase services from the contract.