Crown Commercial Services’ (CCS) new Offsite Construction Solutions framework (OCS) has appointed Kier along with Joint Ventures partners McAvoy and Metek to six lots
Kier and Joint Venture partners McAvoy and Metek have been appointed to all six Lots of Crown Commercial Services’ (CCS) new £10bn Offsite Construction Solutions (OCS) framework.
The new framework replaces the existing modular building framework and will run for the next four years, with the possibility of a three year extension.
The OCS framework consists of six Lots:
- Lot 1: Built Estate including Education
- Lot 2: Healthcare
- Lot 3: Residential
- Lot 4: Justice
- Lot 5: Defence
- Lot 6: Thermal Efficiency Upgrades
The Offsite Construction Solutions framework (RM6184) agreement will continue to support the public sector in achieving maximum commercial value when procuring premanufactured building solutions.
It will have an increased scope to include more MMC categories, specifically 2D panelised structural systems and panelised external building retrofits, as specified within the new MMC Definition Framework.
The agreement will replace the Modular Buildings Agreement which closes on 1 April 2023, but continue to align with policies outlined in the Construction Playbook on offsite construction.
Along with traditional public sector lots, the Thermal Efficiency Upgrade lot has been introduced to address the increasing demand to retrofit existing estate portfolios and achieve net zero targets.
The agreement makes it easier for SMEs to become suppliers
The new agreement aims to build on the progress made on making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to become suppliers. It includes 29 suppliers, 18 (62%) of which are SMEs.
The new 6 lot structure covers a range of premanufactured building options with a consolidated agreement and will promote the standardisation of building design across large portfolios of government infrastructure. It is hoped this will enable greater efficiencies of time and cost savings through the project lifecycle, ultimately saving the taxpayer money.
John Welch, Deputy Director – Construction, Crown Commercial Service says:
“This new framework will support the public sector in the design, delivery and commissioning of a whole range of offsite construction projects in the coming years, including social housing, new schools and hospital extensions. These projects, and the many more which will come, have the potential to improve services and the lives of millions of people.
“It is yet another example of how CCS is helping the public sector to support the government’s construction strategy and further supports the recently published refresh of the Construction Playbook with its MMC guidance note. ”
The two Kier JVs will allow Kier to deliver on the OCS framework
The two JVs will allow Kier to deliver on every Lot in the OCS framework, which provides public sector organisations with all elements of offsite construction solutions, from design, fabrication, construction and installation, through to direct access to manufacturers.
3D Lots within the framework will be delivered by Kier McAvoy, and 2D Lots by Kier Metek.
Stuart Togwell, Group managing director at Kier Construction, said: “Building on the ambitions of the Construction Playbook of using MMC and offsite solutions to drive improvements is a core imperative for Kier, and securing a place on all Lots means we are well-placed to support the delivery of vital new infrastructure in the UK.
“Our forward-thinking JVs with McAvoy and Metek will allow us to provide more capacity and high-quality end-to-end solutions for our public sector clients and to continue to deliver the best value through innovation across the wider industry.”
Integra Buildings appointed to the framework
Modular specialist Integra Buildings has also been named on the framework.
Since joining the Modular Buildings Solutions framework in 2019, Integra has delivered a series of key projects for clients including Network Rail, the Environment Agency and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Contracts completed under the previous framework include the construction of temporary housing for Reading Borough Council, a new job centre in Birmingham and modular units which were shipped to Cyprus for use by the Ministry of Defence.
Integra designs and constructs buildings off-site in controlled conditions at its purpose-built factories in Paull, East Yorkshire, before delivering and installing them in situ, a process that reduces project timescales and minimises disruption to customers, with no compromise on quality.
Gary Parker, managing director at Integra Buildings, said: “To be named on the new Offsite Construction Solutions framework is a huge vote of confidence in Integra and our proven capability to deliver major public sector projects to the very highest standards.
“Since being appointed onto the old framework four years ago, we’ve delivered some of the biggest projects in our 25-year history. Integra continues to grow and evolve, with clients right across the UK.
“The offsite and modular construction sector continues to expand at pace and being named on this framework ensures we’ll remain right at the forefront of that exciting journey.”
