Specialist contractors group urges caution for 2012 procurement

Specialist contractors have warned the interim Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to avoid using traditional procurement methods for the London 2012 Olympics.

The warning came in the wake of the ODA’s interim document, published last week, which sets out the draft procurement principles for the 2012 Games, in which sustainability is highlighted as a top priority.

Other key areas of the document include: a high standard of design, quality over price, the creation of long-term employment for locals and a pledge not
to create “white elephants”.

Under the proposed procurement rules contractors will have to show their commitment to ethical employment practices and recycling materials as well as an awareness of the new freedom of information rules.

However, Rudi Klein, chief executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors Group, expressed disappointment at the lack of reference to partnering, alliancing and supply chain management.

He cautioned: “This must be a showcase for best practice using integrated design teams, with
the early involvement of the supply chain to reduce cost and waste.

“We have made it clear that we will not accept any form of retention whatsoever and insist on project bank accounts allowing payments to be made directly to all participants.”