In December 2021, the Cabinet Office published an independent review looking at putting in place a new ‘Gold Standard’ for public sector construction frameworks.
The review, which is a result of a consultation on ‘The Construction Playbook’, will ensure the best possible outcomes for public sector construction projects and developments, including roads, rail projects, schools, hospitals, and prisons.
Construction procurement processes in the public sector are constantly being improved upon to adapt to the ever-changing world, with the likes of the Building Information Models (BIM) and now the Construction Gold Standard.
Below, we outline what this latest development means for public sector construction works and contractors.
Also read: Government Construction and BIM Compliance
Working Together
The standard sets out several priorities, ensuring public sector bodies and the construction industry work together to tackle some of the major issues when it comes to public sector developments, such as waste, value for money, and driving innovation to achieve better, faster, safer, and greener outcomes.
The then Cabinet Office Minister Lord Agnew said:
“The new Gold Standard will make sure that vital public sector developments have rigorous measures in place to make sure public money is spent well and that projects are delivered successfully.
“This will be welcomed across the public sector, the construction industry, and by the public, who have a right to expect the best possible public sector projects.”
Early Engagement
The review was a result of a consultation on the Construction Playbook, which was launched by the Cabinet Office in 2020.
The aim was to ensure that the public sector and construction industry work together better to deliver key infrastructure projects.
The Playbook calls for various changes that would see the supply chain engaged at earlier stages of construction projects, as well as a continued push to include SMEs within the supply chain.
Benefits of Early Engagement with the Gold Standard
Public sector organisations and central government are driving to include more SMEs and local businesses, together with innovations and social value, in the marketplace. As a result of this, early engagement in the procurement process is becoming a more important part of developing frameworks and projects throughout the public sector.
In order to drive consistency across major government projects and develop a more unified public sector construction procurement process, the review advises early supply chain involvement (ESI) using Supply Chain Collaboration systems in all framework contracts.
Key Outcomes
The move will help to support the whole supply chain, meaning major schemes do not fall behind on project delivery and small businesses have a greater chance of securing work on government projects.
What Gold Standard Construction Means for SMEs & Suppliers
Implementation of the Gold Standard will:
Add value to construction project contracts by identifying SME strengths
Use Supply Chain Collaboration systems to maximise social value
To capture improved value from the contributions of SMEs, the review encourages ‘Supply Chain Collaboration’ to create supplier-led alliances with supply chains that include local and regional businesses.
Tendering for Government Construction Projects with Tracker
The public sector provides a huge opportunity for construction organisations. With government spending offering substantial budget allocations to public works every year, can you afford to not be part of it?
The construction industry is extremely diverse, covering a number of sectors, such as council building projects, schools, major civil engineering works, and healthcare infrastructure.
From brand new building and infrastructure contracts to repair and maintenance projects, and from central government to local authority construction projects, it’s clear that contractors seeking to tender to the public sector will need to begin implementing environmental and social value plans for their business.
How Tracker can Help
Tracker can provide you with the business intelligence you need to be part of the public sector marketplace, with access to more public tenders, market information, and learning sessions combined to help you take the next step.
Book a free demo with one of our experienced advisers today to discuss where the new opportunities exist and how to find them and stand out from the crowd using the Tracker platform.
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