DESIGN FRAMEWORK BY SCAPE BEING EXPANDED

Across the UK, Public sector organisations will benefit from a quicker and more holistic framework procurement service later this year. Scape, a local authority controlled company, is currently re-tendering its popular National Design & Technical Services Framework, and is using the opportunity to refocus on asset management and wider surveying services.

The single supplier framework is currently used by around sixteen public sector organisations who, to date, have been able to access architectural, structural, mechanical & electrical engineering, as well as building surveying services. But with the changing public sector landscape and tightening budgets, clients are looking for a total solution to their property portfolio needs.

Scape specialises in providing a range of national and regional procurement frameworks so that state funded organisations can buy in construction services more quickly and efficiently without having to go through lengthy and costly OJEU processes. The firm also offers a range of tried and tested pre-designed building solutions across sectors including education, health, leisure and blue light services.

Scape took the decision to broaden out the National Design Team Framework, currently in its final year of operation, on the basis that many local authorities were highlighting asset management as an increasingly challenging area of work. Many have had to reassess their property portfolios and consolidate their asset base due to budget cuts, and require additional support to ensure the most important aspects of their programmes can continue to be delivered.

As Mark Robinson, Chief Executive of Scape, explained: “In-house property teams across many councils are shrinking, and that means expertise is being lost. Local authorities are therefore finding it harder commercially to plan for capital builds and to balance that expenditure against the ongoing costs of running and maintaining existing facilities.

“That’s why we have taken this opportunity to expand our National Design & Technical Services Framework. It means that authorities can either second staff into their own organisation or access Scape’s services through a consultancy approach, freeing up their valuable time and resources to focus on the most important tasks. We want to make it easier for all public bodies to access good quality property advice and the sorts of construction services they need, when they need it and with cost certainty in mind.”

Scape has already been out to market to invite expressions of interest and pre-qualification questionnaires from potential suppliers. Six successful parties have now been invited to submit a full tender, with a contract being awarded in September.