Coastal Engineering Minor Works Framework Agreement: Southern Coastal Group and SCOPAC (Southern England)

Portsmouth City Council ('the council') on behalf of the Southern Coastal Group (SCG) and SCOPAC (the Regional Coastal Group for central southern England), established a multi-contractor Coastal Engineering Minor Works Framework Agreement. The framework commenced on 27th July 2022 and will run for a period of four years. The framework comprises of 2 lots. Lot 1 is concerned with the provision of General Coastal Civil Engineering Works and Lot 2 is concerned with the provision of Specialist Beach Management Works. Each framework lot is made up of 4 contractors. The framework will be available to all current and future SCG and SCOPAC members who are classified as Contacting Authorities. In addition, the framework will also be accessible to all contracting authorities situated within the counties of Hampshire, Dorset, West Sussex, East Sussex, Isle of Wight, Kent, Somerset and Wiltshire. The value of the framework across both lots is estimated to be in the region of £6million over four years. Based upon previous demand information it is likely that 70% of the estimated value will be procured via Lot 1 and 30% via Lot 2, however this may change significantly year on year due to the dynamic nature of the coastal environment. This is based on the known requirements of SCG and SCOPAC members. In the event of further schemes or take up by other authorities across Southern England, the total value of the framework could increase to £9million. The average value of works called off via the framework for both Lots by SCG and SCOPAC is likely to range from £20k to £150k. However, there is also likely to be commissions below £20k and on occasion in excess of £500k, although no upper or lower value constraints shall apply. The framework agreement has been let using the NEC4 Framework Agreement terms. Contracting authorities have a variety of call-off mechanisms and contracting options available for use which include for both mini-competition and direct award options. Call-off contracts may be let using either the NEC4 PSC or TSC in either the long or short form and with the choice of all options as proportionate and relevant to the services which are being commissioned. Low value, non-complex works may also be awarded via the standard purchase order terms of the particular contracting authority commissioning the works. The framework was established using the Restricted Procedure as set out within the Public Contracts Regulations (2015).