Artist’s impression of how the new HS2 station at Euston in London
HS2’s main works civils contractors have adopted a new system for assessing tenders which aims to make the process easier and less costly for subcontractors.
Four of HS2’s biggest civils contractors – Align (Bouygues, Sir Robert McAlpine, VolkerFitzpatrick), BBV (Balfour Beatty, Vinci), EK (Eiffage, Kier) and SCS Railways (Skanska, Costain, Strabag) – will go through identical pre-qualification (PQ) processes, called the Common Assessment Standard.
Developed as part of HS2’s ‘Collaboration Hub’ initiative, the contractors worked with Build UK and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), and through industry body, High Speed Rail Industry Leaders Group (HSRIL), to agree the new system.
Suppliers in the construction industry are currently spending up to £1bn per year on tendering for work, according to research. The new system aims to avoid duplication and cut costs.
Build UK, CECA, and HSRIL joined forces two years ago to deliver the new Common Assessment Standard for PQs and have just launched its first phase. The system will allow suppliers a choice in assurance provider, which its advocates said would create market competition.
Under the new system, a supplier will eventually be able to take the accreditation to any sector of the construction industry, beyond the rail sector.
Andy Cross, procurement director, HS2 Ltd said: “Building Britain’s new high speed railway provides a significant opportunity for the construction industry to innovate and work together, to leave lasting improvements on the sector as a whole. By adopting new approaches, such as the Common Assessment Standard, we can potentially transform the way in which the industry works, and procures goods and services.”
Jo Fautley, deputy chief executive, Build UK said: “The construction industry is making great strides towards more collaborative working and the Common Assessment Standard has been developed by industry, for industry, based on standards that clients, contractors and the supply chain have all agreed on. The adoption of the Common Assessment Standard by leading clients such as HS2 will help to improve efficiency and reduce duplication and cost, supporting the future delivery of world-class infrastructure.”
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