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Procure North West launches £2bn framework

Procure North West launches £2bn framework 

Procure North West has begun the bidding process for a £2bn, four-year construction framework covering Cumbria, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside and is seeking to appoint contractors with the capability to deliver the region’s public sector capital projects up to 2022.

The framework covers a wide range of public sector bodies across the region, including NHS organisations, schools, colleges and academies, local authorities, health and social care, emergency services, universities, housing associations, leisure providers, the Ministry of Defence and registered charities.

The framework is split across four main lots, with up to eight firms due to be named on each lot. Lot one covers between £1m and £5m; lot two is £5m to £15m; lot three is £15m and £25m; and lot four is for projects worth more than £25m.

Under the framework agreement, contractors will have a responsibility to support construction skills training. However, unlike other procurement routes, Procure North West will also directly fund additional training by donating a percentage of the framework fee to help more young people develop skills and access apprenticeships.

The framework, which is seeking to appoint contractors with the capability to deliver public sector construction projects up until 2022 across the North West, has also committed to supporting public sector bodies with access to grant funding through a Strategic Procurement Fund. Public sector organisations looking for financial backing for strategic new projects can apply for free grants, with the money generated by Procure North West.

These elements are integral to helping set Procure North West apart from other frameworks said managing director, Robbie Blackhurst. “Public sector budget pressures and skills shortages are two of the biggest issues facing the construction industry right now. As well as helping to facilitate projects that will help shape our growing towns and cities, I felt it was important to be able to give something back to help protect the future of the industry in the region. The framework pushes the boundaries of how procurement can support public sector bodies to deliver their strategic targets and enable them to deliver projects that they may otherwise not be able to get off the ground.”

Procure North West issued a prior information notice this week and full tender documents will be released on 19 March. Contractors are expected to be selected on the framework by 29 May.

Click here for further information on the Procure North West framework.

If you would like to contact Andy Walker about this, or any other story, please email awalker@infrastructure-intelligence.com.