Procurement
October 2008 - Latest News
SUSPENSION OF WORKPLACE 2010 PROCUREMENT
The Department of Finance and Personnel has announced a suspension, until early 2009, in the procurement of Workplace 2010.
Workplace 2010 is the major accommodation project in support of the wider reform agenda currently being implemented across the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS). It aims to create a modern, flexible working environmentand to supportnew working practices.
A spokesman for the Department explained the reason for the move: “This decision has been taken as a result of continuing speculation that both bidders could come under common ownership, which has the potential to affect the Workplace 2010 procurement. The suspension will also give the Department time to assess the impact of recent changes in the financial and property markets.
“The Minister continues to affirm the importance of the Workplace 2010 principles, and the NICS remains committed to creating a modern, flexible working environmentthat will enable the delivery of better public services.”
Both Bidders are in agreement with this suspension.
Two bidders, Land Securities Trillium and Telereal were successful at the Invitation to Negotiate stage of the procurement. The Northern Ireland Executive subsequently agreed unanimously that the procurement should move to the Best and Final Offer stage. Invitations were issued to Land Securities Trillium and Telereal on 14 January 2008 inviting them to submit their best and final offers for the contract.
Workplace 2010 is the first phase of the Strategic Development Plan for the NICS office estate. It is to be implemented through a PFI arrangement.
The contract includes:
- Transfer of title of around 65 buildings to a Private Sector Partner (PSP);
- A major refurbishment and decant and recant programme;
- Disposal of vacated accommodation;
- Introduction of new accommodation standards across the estate;
- A life cycle replacement programme over the lifetime of the contract; and
- Provision of Facilities Management (FM) and property management services.
Further information can be found in the Briefing document for candidates for Workplace 2010 (pdf 2mb).
