During the course of the Summit, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) - the body responsible for delivering the new venues and infrastructure for the Games, launched a draft version of its Procurement Policy - which outlines how it will manage the whole procurement process, including its selection and award criteria.
With the UK Government spending £3bn on the physical infrastructure for the Games, PLASA is keen to profile the creative and technical expertise of its membership and is preparing a guidance note for members to help them maximise their chances of winning key contracts. It will also be working with them to ensure they are fully aware of the procurement criteria.
The businesses most likely to win contracts for London2012 will be those that can demonstrate that the projects they deliver will have social, environmental and economic benefits which reach far beyond the Olympics themselves. The selection process will include a fairly robust financial appraisal of candidates and 'value for money' will be a key criteria. Understandably, the procurement process will also place strong emphasis on health and safety management and will be looking for companies who integrate H&S considerations into every planning, design and construction project. Other key factors will be a commitment to ensuring a competent workforce, together with equality of opportunity and diversity.
Outline planning permission has now been secured to build the Olympic Park and venues, with the main locations specified in the associated Master Plan. An Olympics Design Review Panel (run by CABE, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and the AUU, the Architecture and Urbanism Unit) is responsible for reviewing the Master Plan whilst the Strategic Forum for Construction, working on behalf of the construction industry, is encouraging and promoting the highest standards through its 'Construction Commitments: Olympics 2012'.
The ODA is now developing all the support documentation to facilitate the procurement procedure and is due to announce the appointment of its Delivery Partner later this summer. A crucial part of the Delivery Partner's remit will be to help develop the detailed operational procedures and codes that will govern procurement activity.PLASA will be one of the main trade bodies tracking the procurement process and will work closely with the ODA to provide its members with information about forthcoming contracting and sub-contracting opportunities.
PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths commented: "PLASA is pleased to be involved in the Olympic Summits. London2012 will be a major showcase for the talents of our members whose knowledge and expertise will help deliver a world-class Olympic event. We intend to do all we can to support them in winning business and will be developing further initiatives as the project progresses."
For further information please contact Ruth Rossington, at PLASA. Tel +44(0)1323 410335, or e-mail the address below.
(Ruth Rossington)
