Another framework cockup
The owners of the NHS SBS construction consultancy services framework have been forced to pause the tendering period for the latest version of this framework.
This is to deal with queries from firms which claim the procurement exercise is currently geared to help firms that have little or no experience.
No experience related questions
The major factor is the total lack of any questions about if firms have any experience relating to each specific Lot. This includes quantity surveying, architecture or health planning. There are lots of Lots. The existing framework already has a massive number of firms on it so doesn’t need to dilute it further with firms with little or no experience.
“It has been ill thought through, says a source.
“Based on feedback received on the live SBS10190 – Construction Consultancy Services 3 framework agreement, NHS SBS are pausing the tender for a period of 2 to 3 weeks…… to review some aspects of this framework. Any changes to the submission timetable will be proportionate and reflective of the seasonal holidays. Please refrain from raising any further queries in the meantime, and we will be in touch as soon as we have concluded our review. Thank you for your understanding, says NHS SBS.
Awarded via NHS SBS construction consultancy services 2 Lot 12
“There was going to be 16 questions on line standard generic questions. There was going to be a Lot specific question too when the pack came out. When it did come out there were not questions about specific expertise for each Lot, he says.
“Therefore all they have to evaluate each firm are very generic questions. There is nothing in any of the 16 questions to allow them to evaluate a firm if it wanted a place on the healthcare planning, quantity surveying or architecture Lots. They won’t be able to find who is good or have any evidence to pick out who is bad.
“Coming soon”
The Welsh Education Partnership (WEP) has gone out to three contractors for the build part of three primary schools.
The three firms are ISG, Kier and Morgan Sindall. The Fusion Group is lead consultant working for the WEPco.
A joint venture – a long-term partnership – between the Development Bank of Wales (Welsh Government) and Meridiam to design, build, finance, operate and maintain education infrastructure over 25 years. This is a mutual investment model (MIM).
The schools are Pontyclun, Penygawsi and Llanilltud Faerdref and news about these is “coming soon” according to WEPco’s web site.
“Coming soon”
Meridiam is leading one of the two bids for the £562 million Velindre cancer centre public private partnership or MIM. The team features FCC of Spain and USA firm NBBJ with local design outfit Powell Dobson, Hoare Lea, now owned by US firm Tetra Tech, and Warrington Fire. FCC had difficulties with the £550 million Jersey scheme so was quite late to organise for Velindre.
The other bidder is Sacyr Somague and partner Japanese firm Kajima and lead designer White Arkitekter, Arup Group, Kier Facilities Management, Camlins Landscape Architects and MJ Medical.
