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Boost for local infrastructure with SCAPE Scotland Civil Engineering
14/12/2021
Up to £750 million of new public sector civil engineering projects for local communities across Scotland are set to be accelerated as part of a new framework being launched by SCAPE Scotland.
As one of the leading public sector procurement authorities, we are pleased to announce that we will begin the search for major contractors to support our next generation of the SCAPE Scotland Civil Engineering framework, with the new format placing net-zero carbon construction and work for local SMEs at the heart of delivery.
Running for a period of four years from 2023, with an option to be extended for a further two years until 2029, the fully-managed framework builds on the success of SCAPE Scotland’s existing civil engineering framework which has commissioned more than 40 projects to date for public sector clients across Scotland.
The new framework will enable local authorities and public sector organisations across Scotland to accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects – including roads, rail, flood and coastal, broadband and electric vehicle infrastructure – with no defined upper limit for project value.
In the face of the climate emergency, the framework will also allow organisations access to net-zero ready specialist contractors to help them achieve their aims around climate change.
Local businesses will sit at the heart of the new framework, with the successful principal contractor expected to engage with an extensive supply chain of SMEs. This allows better access for smaller businesses to major public sector contracts they might otherwise not have been able to bid for, while also allowing clients to procure locally-sourced specialist services.
They will also benefit from being able to agree termed service options following any major works, allowing contractors to form long-term relationships with clients and local supply chains. Contractors will also be able to agree cost reimbursable contracts through the addition of NEC Option E.
Part of SCAPE Scotland’s suite of direct award frameworks, the new civil engineering framework has been developed following engagement with local authorities and other public sector bodies across the country, as well as industry body the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA).
Our next generation civil engineering framework is designed to energise the Scottish public sector, as it continues to play a pivotal role in the future of the economy and the national race to net zero.
Lillian McDowall, senior business manager at SCAPE Scotland
Lillian continued, "Supporting local businesses and supply chains sits at the heart of our frameworks, with this latest offering being no different. We’re looking forward to seeing it not only accelerate public sector projects but also prioritise SME spend to ensure that the pound remains local and that projects enrich the local communities they serve.”
Construction activity has been the bedrock of Scotland’s economic recovery and our civil engineering frameworks will further help contractors to deliver projects to ignite local economies and drive better outcomes for communities.
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE Scotland
SCAPE Scotland will be holding a virtual market awareness session for prospective bidders to learn more about the opportunity.
- 17 January 2022 at 2pm for Scotland
A Contract Notice for the framework will be published in February 2022, with preferred bidders announced in November 2022. The current SCAPE Scotland Civil Engineering framework moves to expiry in January 2023.
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