The procurement contact named on the official notice.

STAR Procurement are looking to establish a collaborative minor works framework to be used by its partners and other local contracting authorities as defined under Procurement Act 2023.

A significant number of minor works procurements are completed each year, and there is recognition of the resources required by Councils to prepare and run these processes, alongside Suppliers to submit bids for these.

After consideration of the different options, an Open Framework has been deemed a potential suitable solution that would be established for up to 8 years, allowing a quicker and efficient route for contracts to be awarded.

The call-off mechanism from the Framework will be direct award or further competition.

The estimated annual value of the Framework is up to £50 million.

Please note that this is an estimate of the level of spend that will be put through the framework and will be subject to change, following market engagement and spend analysis.

STAR is proposing that the Framework is primarily structured by category/type of works to ensure that specialist contractors for the certain types of works can be awarded onto the relevant Lot.

The proposed category structure is: Lot 1 Roofing - roof repairs, replacement, guttering, flat roof overlay, roof lights, Lot 2 M&E - boiler replacements, pump replacements, radiator replacements, small plant room refurbishments, door access systems, rewiring, fire alarm replacements, air conditioning Lot 3 General - internal alterations, minor extensions, ceiling/floor/wall finishes, door/window replacement, fire doors and compartmentation, strip-outs, refurbishments, associated M&E, external or drainage works.

This would also be an 'all-encompassing Lot to capture multi-trade projects and more unique requirements.

Lot 4 External - fencing, piling/underpinning, boundary walls, lighting, controlled access, outbuildings / storage units, canopies Lot 5 Demolition - site clearance, asbestos removal, resurfacing and security.

Lot 6 Decarbonisation - lighting upgrades, air/ground source heat pumps, solar panel and battery installation, insulation improvements, HVAC optimisation.

Lot 7 New Build Structures - 2-storey basic build Lot 8a Modular Buildings - short term Lot 8b Modular Buildings - long term In addition, eligibility criteria will also be applied using value bands and geographic serviceability.

For further information, please review the Response Document.

THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION The Soft Market Test is intended to allow interested organisations with relevant experience to outline their views and provide information with no commitment to themselves or the Council.

During the Soft Market Test, we would like to gauge the level of interest and seek feedback from contractors on the proposed Framework approach.

Stage 1 - Interested suppliers are required to complete the following company information form and a short questionnaire (Appendix 1).

Suppliers who complete and return the questionnaire may be invited to meet with Council representatives to discuss its requirements.