4(b)
There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel relative to the award of a second-generation renewal framework for New Build Residential Construction for a period of two years from the starting date with an option to extend for up to a further 24-month period. It was noted that subject to approval and completion of a standstill period, it was intended that the framework would commence in September 2024.
The report intimated that the framework would allow Councils, housing associations and associated members to procure a diverse range of residential properties from qualified contractors, including all necessary enabling and ancillary works and services. The framework specifications had been enhanced to incorporate Passivhaus standards, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability and encouraged compliance with Housing for Varying Needs and Secure by Design principles and was intended to maximise the adaptability of the delivered properties and improve the living standards for tenants ensuring that the homes were functional and secure. The framework also included the addition of professional services, with and without design, which enabled Councils to engage early with the contractor for the design element of the build but were then not obligated to then instruct them to carry out the full contract build.
The report summarised the outcome of the procurement process which contained five lots, which has been further sub-divided into 12 geographical regions as detailed in Tables 1 and 2 of the report. The sub-division allowed for localised procurement catering to the unique needs of different areas and all lots included a pre-construction services agreement option, providing members with the flexibility to call off services as required. The framework had been advertised at £375 million per annum, totalling an estimated spend of £1.5 billion over the maximum four-year period of the framework. Appendix 1 to the report detailed the participation, spend and savings summary for those participating in the framework.
Tender responses had been received from 19 tenderers and, based on the criteria and scoring methodology set out in the tender documents, a full evaluation of the compliant offers had been carried out with the confirmed overall scoring achieved by each supplier detailed in Appendix 2 to the report.
Based on the evaluation undertaken, and in line with the advertised criteria and weightings set out in the report, it was recommended that a multi-supplier framework arrangement be awarded to 19 tenderers, as outlined in Appendix 2 to the report.
The report detailed the approach taken by suppliers in relation to fair work practices and their position on the payment of the Real Living Wage together with the other benefits that would be achieved through the framework. The report intimated that, in accordance with Scotland Excel’s established contract segmentation tool, the framework had been classified as class A.
DECIDED: That the award of the framework agreement for New Build Residential Construction, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.