ODA to launch SME tendering service

Olympic procurement chiefs will launch a new tendering service next year to help small and medium sized construction companies win work in the London 2012 building boom.

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has previously come under fire from SMEs who believe they are being shut out in favour of the major contractors.

But the ODA has now decided to take action. A spokesman said: “Over half of our contracts have been made with small and medium size businesses. Early next year a service will be launched to help businesses, particularly small and medium size, access opportunities in the supply chains of London 2012 contractors.”

Final tests are currently being carried-out on the web-based service before it goes live in the New Year.

Confirmation of the new service came as the ODA revealed that it has now awarded 500 of the planned 2,000 main contracts for the Games.

ODA chief executive David Higgins said: “We want to work with the best in business to deliver the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a sustainable legacy. This is an unprecedented challenge, particularly given the highly competitive construction market, so we are getting around the country and engaging with businesses of all sizes. The appetite and excitement from companies that want to be part of meeting this challenge is hugely encouraging.”