Olympic contenders to be put to the test

Hopefuls for the Olympic delivery partner contract will spend a day problem-solving under test conditions.

Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) chairman Jack Lemley told delegates at CJ’s Building For London conference last week that the partners will be called in to solve a “hypothetical problem” in front of ODA officials. This will show the organisation whether or not their company culture and approach fits in with that of the ODA. A decision on who has won the contract is expected to be made in August; Lemley said the process wis now “some way down the track”.

The four hopefuls in the running are: US firm Bechtel; Laing O’Rourke /Mace; Amec /Balfour Beatty; and a team led by Bovis Lend Lease.

Lemley said the bidders will have to show the ability to operate an internet-friendly  programme management control centre.

“The internet is one way to tell the story about the Olympics and engage everybody,” he said. “We will be talking about the progress so far, which will include any problems on contracts, warts and all. It’s the only way to gain credibility with the wider community.”

* For more on CJ’s Olympics conference, turn to p8 of this week's issue.