November’s 2017 autumn Budget saw the Government announce a ‘presumption in favour of offsite construction by 2019, across suitable capital programmes’.
With this in mind, ‘a unique framework agreement’ from NHS Shared Business Services can, the organisation says, ‘significantly enhance the benefits of offsite construction – by reducing the time and expense associated with procuring modular buildings’.
NHS SBS explained: “Purchasing via the framework – developed following an increasing number of enquiries from Trusts seeking an offsite construction procurement route – typically reduces contracting time by several months, achieving an average of 5% savings compared with purchasing solutions direct. It provides an OJEU-compliant route for procuring all types of building – including operating theatres, outpatient clinics, wards, and catering facilities. Although it has NHS terms and conditions, all UK public sector organisations can use it.”
Only specialist offsite construction suppliers able to provide a full turnkey solution for purchase, hire, or lease are on the framework. Stringent checks on financial status, quality standards, health and safety policies, and environmental credentials, have already been undertaken, enabling healthcare organisations to simply award direct to their preferred supplier, or conduct a mini-competition. For more information, visit www.sbs.nhs.uk/ica-modular-buildings, or email nsbs.contractenquiries@nhs.net
