Following a summer of extensive
market engagement, during which over 160 contractors engaged with SCAPE to
learn more about the opportunity, the procurement authority expects to complete
the first round of assessment by December 2021.
Successful contractors will then be invited
to tender this winter, with public sector organisations in the
Midlands and East of England able to access the framework from August 2022.
Part of the SCAPE Construction suite of direct award frameworks, the new
framework will help local authorities and public sector organisations
accelerate the procurement of construction
projects up to a value of £7.5million.
Public sector organisations using the framework will gain instant access to
high quality construction contractors and an extensive local supply chain,
supporting the delivery of projects that will generate social value, training,
apprenticeships and leave a positive legacy for local communities whilst
helping them to achieve their net zero ambitions.
The new four-year
framework will build on the positive impact of SCAPE’s existing
Regional Construction framework which has successfully delivered 362 projects
to date. This new framework is the 4th generation framework that has
been designed to exclusively serve this region.
The contractors selected will operate within the framework’s unique parallel
lotting structure which, following engagement with public sector buyers, will
provide an option for SCAPE’s clients to engage early with multiple contractors
before awarding a project.
The framework will provide further flexibility by offering a ‘client commercial choice’ option in
addition to a direct award procurement pathway, as part of the contractor
selection process. Those organisations procuring projects through the framework
will also benefit from the removal of value bands within the new structure,
providing clients with greater choice over which contractors and services they
would like to select. This is alongside new ‘net zero-ready’ features that will
support the public sector’s ambitious sustainability goals and an effective
response to the climate emergency.
Adrian Hill, acting deputy managing director at SCAPE, said:
"Speaking with
contractors this summer, it’s clear that innovative, large-scale frameworks –
based on a bedrock of rigour and compliance – are at the forefront of their
growth plans as they look to develop long-lasting relationships with
regeneration-focused local authorities and public sector organisations.
“Through the positive evolution of our
regional framework – which includes a greater focus on helping clients address
the climate emergency and their 2030 net zero targets – we hope to accelerate
the delivery of great spaces and places that benefit local communities and
generate extensive social value. The level of interest from local contractors
to date means we can look forward to assembling another team of high-quality
delivery partners committed to creating even greater outcomes and a positive
legacy for projects across the region.”
The SCAPE Construction framework suite is used by more than 1,200 public
bodies across the UK. In the past 15 years, SCAPE has supported £4.6bn-worth of
public sector-led construction, generating more than £2.1bn in social value for
local communities.
