Strategic Resource Options: Technical Partners (TP) Framework

Thames Water Utilities Ltd (TWUL) Strategic Resource Options (SRO) - Technical Partners (TP) Framework.

TWUL's current portfolio of SRO projects includes, but is not limited to, the Southeast Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), Severn to Thames Transfer (STT), London Water Recycling (LWR) projects, Thames to Affinity Transfer (T2AT) and Thames to Southern Transfer (T2ST). Further information, including RAPID Gate 1 and 2 reports, can be found on this link: www.ofwat.gov.uk/regulated-companies/… ↗

TWUL has established a TP framework reference FA2050 primarily to support its SRO program. This is the first phase of a longer-term procurement strategy to establish the professional services supply chain that TWUL needs to support its wider business. This procurement was for the TP Framework only and relates to Phase 1 of the strategy. Existing TWUL professional services frameworks are not impacted by the procurements outlined in this notice. The three consortia appointed to the framework are:

Ove Arup & Partners Ltd & Binnies UK Ltd (JV1)

AtkinsRealis UK Ltd & Stantec UK Limited (JV2)

Jacobs U.K. Limited & Mott MacDonald Limited (JV3)

The successful TP Consultants will interface with several other partners that are in the process of being procured separately to support the SRO Programme as it develops.

TWUL procured leading expertise within the key disciplines outlined below to accelerate the delivery of this high-profile programme.

The TP will need to demonstrate extensive experience in the development and support the delivery of large complex infrastructure schemes in the current UK planning environment. This includes being able to provide strong leadership, excellent technical capability, and proven expertise in supporting the delivery of large pipelines, reservoirs, water recycling and transfer facilities. Furthermore, the TP will need to provide technical expertise to manage all aspects of preliminary design and managing the pre application engagement with the Planning Inspectorate and develop/manage the planning application (likely to be a Development Consent Order (DCO)) including stakeholder engagement and all elements of the pre consultation and planning application processes. The TP framework agreement has been awarded under the NEC4 Professional Services Contract Option E with amendments. Provision will be made in the call-off contracts for utilisation of Option A, C and E.

TWUL intends to award the first work package from the TP framework agreement immediately following the appointment of framework suppliers and are preparing for the tender launch shortly It is our intention that appointment as a technical partner to one or multiple SRO projects will be for the duration of that particular project. This approach is due to the complexity and phasing of projects within the SRO programme. The risk of disruption and inefficiency that would be caused through multiple handovers between Technical Partners during a project is high and would be sub optimal for TWUL. Our intention is that the parties to the Framework compete for the role of TP for a specific project via an initial mini competition and that subject to performance, capability and capacity, the successful party will be the technical partner for the duration of the particular project.

Sufficient information will be included in the mini-competition tender pack to enable bidders to prepare solutions for the potential services that may be required by TWUL. The scope of initial mini competitions will be construed widely to enable our approach and all parties wishing to compete will have the appropriate opportunity to seek clarification on the breadth, depth and operation of the resulting call off contract(s).

The duration of the TP framework will be up to 8 years and is required to support a regulated delivery schedule. It is intended that the successful TP at call-off will cover the development phase into the mobilisation of the future Delivery Partner(s) in the detailed design and construction phase.

The TP framework scope comprises, but is not limited to, the following high level service categories:

• General Technical Partner Support Services
• Engineering and Design Services
• Environmental Services
• Planning Services
• Land Services
• Engagement Services
• Project Management, Program, Risk and Cost Activities
• Consultation Response Analysis
• Events Management

TWUL reserves the right to procure any of the services listed above as separate contracts and/or frameworks as part of separate and independent procurements.

TWUL is working with several partners, including other water companies to develop and deliver the SROs. Furthermore, depending on the commercial and procurement strategies for delivery of these projects TWUL may transfer or novate the benefit and the burden of call-off contracts made under this Framework Agreement:

*To any funder, security trustee or security holder without the consent of the Consultant; and

*To any other person with the consent of the Consultant, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed;