Ten private sector companies have been invited to tender for a new framework agreement to deliver defence construction projects across the UK.
The companies shortlisted for the framework are: Balfour Beatty Group Ltd; BAM Construction Ltd; Carillion Construction Ltd; Interserve Construction Ltd; Kier Graham; Lend Lease Construction (EMEA) Ltd; Miller Construction (UK) Ltd; Morgan Sindall plc; Skanska UK plc; Wates Construction Ltd.
The framework forms part of the DIO Next Generation Estate Contracts (NGEC) programme and will operate alongside six regional capital works frameworks for projects valued below £12 million. It has an estimated value of between £250 million and £400 million over the four-year period and could be used at any site across the UK estate.
The NGEC Capital Works Frameworks are designed to support the Government Construction Strategy by reducing costs, improving value for money, and incorporating measures such as the ‘NEC3’ form of procurement, more focused performance management, and continuous improvement mechanisms. For all projects, contractors will be required to use systems that meet UK Government requirements for Building Information Modelling.
Last month, the shortlisted companies attended a bidders’ conference at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham which focused on the tendering process and the proposed operating model for the framework. Delegates were also taken step-by-step through a typical defence construction project, looking at the processes involved, legislative influences, sustainability and other requirements.
Each tender will be rigorously evaluated based on the company’s approach to commercial and technical matters such as supply chain management, quality assurance, sustainable development, health and safety, and issues relating to the Government Construction Strategy. The tenderers have also been provided with a demonstration construction project and will be evaluated on their proposed approach to its delivery.
Tenders are due to be returned by mid-February 2013 and it is expected that the National Capital Works Framework agreements will be awarded before the end of 2013.
