DERA invites £100m partnering scheme

The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) is setting up a strategic partnering arrangement to undertake a development programme worth an estimated £100 million.

DERA invited firms to pre-qualify for the partnering arrangement last week. It aims to set up a strategic arrangement with either one firm/consortium or possibly several. The contracts, which may include some innovative funding agreements, will cover the development of the design, construction, commissioning and staff/equipment issues. Relocation work and an option for facilities management are also on the cards.

The kind of work being considered covers a wide range of projects. These include: highway works, which can be taken over by local authorities; research buildings, comprising a mix of light laboratory and offices, heavy workshops and laboratories and scientific innovation centres, along with support infrastructure, ancillaries and landscaping. Other projects will include the provision of a central facilities building, with restaurant and conference centre, along with supporting infrastructure.

The work will be carried out at various DERA sites throughout England and Wales. Works packages will be split into varying sizes: from between £4 million and £10 million for highways works; and £4 million to £50 million for building works.

A number of projects may be awarded on the basis of a develop and construct procurement route. The projects are to be undertaken in phases over a three to five year period, commencing at the beginning of 2000.