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Prime contracting a hit with MoD
00:00 18 Aug 1999
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by Kathy Watson
Prime contracting has become so popular with the army, air force and navy that Defence Estates is urging consultants and specialist contractors to put themselves forward for a raft of new work as prime contractors.
Clive Cain, DE director who has spearheaded the prime contracting initiative Building Down Barriers, said: "There is a lot of interest in the services in bringing forward these schemes because they can see the benefits.
"We would like to see companies other than construction contractors showing an interest. Prime contracting is a management task and there is no reason why subcontractors or consultants cannot take the role. At the moment, the running is being made by construction contractors but we would like to see a greater cross-section of the industry coming forward. They are coming in as a virtual supply chain anyway."
Prime contracting contracts are now being advertised in every issue of Works Services Opportunities, the fortnightly newsletter from the Ministry of Defence.
Recent issues have included a major scheme to upgrade the junior ranks single living accommodation by demolishing seven blocks and the design and construction of four new ones plus the upgrading of a further block with associated infrastructure at Carver Barracks, Wimbush in Essex. In Andover, a tender is being invited for a new office for 780 staff, new messes, a technical building, sports facilities and the demolition of existing buildings.
But the contract for the new berthing facility at Faslane has proved a bridge too far for Laing. It has withdrawn because it does not want to overstretch its partnering skills in Scotland.
Thus far 75 companies have undergone Defence Estates' partnering workshops with more planned for the autumn. According to Cain, delegates' initial confidence in their abilities to partner soon evaporates during the workshops. "We are amazed at their honesty," he said. "They start off being confident but by the end of the day they consistently admit they have a long way to go."
l For details of Works Services Opportunities, call 0141 332 8247.
Prime contracting has become so popular with the army, air force and navy that Defence Estates is urging consultants and specialist contractors to put themselves forward for a raft of new work as prime contractors.
Clive Cain, DE director who has spearheaded the prime contracting initiative Building Down Barriers, said: "There is a lot of interest in the services in bringing forward these schemes because they can see the benefits.
"We would like to see companies other than construction contractors showing an interest. Prime contracting is a management task and there is no reason why subcontractors or consultants cannot take the role. At the moment, the running is being made by construction contractors but we would like to see a greater cross-section of the industry coming forward. They are coming in as a virtual supply chain anyway."
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Prime contracting contracts are now being advertised in every issue of Works Services Opportunities, the fortnightly newsletter from the Ministry of Defence.
Recent issues have included a major scheme to upgrade the junior ranks single living accommodation by demolishing seven blocks and the design and construction of four new ones plus the upgrading of a further block with associated infrastructure at Carver Barracks, Wimbush in Essex. In Andover, a tender is being invited for a new office for 780 staff, new messes, a technical building, sports facilities and the demolition of existing buildings.
But the contract for the new berthing facility at Faslane has proved a bridge too far for Laing. It has withdrawn because it does not want to overstretch its partnering skills in Scotland.
Thus far 75 companies have undergone Defence Estates' partnering workshops with more planned for the autumn. According to Cain, delegates' initial confidence in their abilities to partner soon evaporates during the workshops. "We are amazed at their honesty," he said. "They start off being confident but by the end of the day they consistently admit they have a long way to go."
l For details of Works Services Opportunities, call 0141 332 8247.
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