Science Capability in Animal Health (SCAH) Capital Programme Pre-Procurement Market Engagement

Description

This Prior Information Notice (PIN) initiates pre-procurement market engagement with the supply chain to develop an understanding of market capacity, capability and appetite, and its aims are to: - Provide an update on the development of the SCAH Programme; - Set the context for the SCAH Capital Programme ("SCP"), within the overarching SCAH Programme and ongoing operations of the Weybridge science estate; - Provide insight into the range of opportunities presented by the SCP (as further described in Section II.2.4 below); and - Set out next steps for interested suppliers/economic operators to complete the pre-procurement market engagement survey (“survey”) and register for further updates. Interested suppliers/economic operators are advised to read all of this PIN and the expanded back ground information provided in the survey site linked in Section II.2.4. Principle public sector organisations involved: Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). You can find out more about APHA here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra): You can find out more about Defra here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs Together, Defra and APHA are developing the client capabilities required to deliver the SCAH Programme, through an Intelligent Client Function (ICF). APHA is based at the Weybridge science estate, and provides the UK’s primary capability for managing the extensive and continuously evolving threats posed by the spread of high-risk diseases carried by animals. SCP background: In March 2020 the Government committed to transform the animal science facility at Weybridge. The programme is aimed at safeguarding and enhancing the Weybridge science estate, providing additional world class, state of the art laboratory space and high level ACDP biocontainment facilities. The SCAH Programme comprises the SCAH Transformation Programme and the SCAH Capital Programme. The SCAH Transformation Programme covers the development of new scientific, digital and facilities management operating models to allow APHA and Defra to fully deliver their long-term strategic objectives. It is planned to be delivered through the Defra/APHA client function alongside the SCAH Capital Programme. This PIN relates specifically to the SCP. Preparation and phasing of the SCP: Preparatory activities are under way, with early demolition works commencing in October 2021. The SCAH Programme is now in preparation and planning stages. Key aspirations for the SCP: There is the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of the UK Construction Industry. Defra is aligned to UK Government policies and strategies (e.g. Construction Playbook), in delivering its 25 year environmental plan. Defra seeks to contract with organisations that share its aspirations to deliver the SCP, including, safety first and well-being culture, the experience, capabilities, capacity, best practice and innovative expertise, including modern methods of construction. Key focus areas include value for money, productivity, delivery certainty, quality, minimising waste, and embedding digital technologies. Defra is committed to working in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way, working towards the Government’s aims to build back greener (e.g. net zero strategy). Defra is seeking to deliver a lasting legacy through social value benefits (e.g. employment, skills and sustainability). The SCAH Programme is committed to providing opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) both locally and across the United Kingdom, either through contracting directly with Defra or indirectly with a Tier 1 services or works supplier to the SCAH Programme. Opportunities are now appearing in the Defra commercial pipeline (link in VI.3). Further information on the role of APHA, and key aspirations can be found in the survey site. Lot 1: Works and services will be managed and delivered via various Capital Programme projects, collated into groups as Capital Sub Programmes, as set out below. Whilst the sub programmes are at an early stage of development, the high level phasing and range based estimates, are outlined below. An overarching logistics integrator role is being developed, to improve efficiency of delivery on an operational campus. Capital Sub Programmes: 1. Capital Enabling Works and Services (net construction estimated costs range £50m - £75m) 2022 to 2027: Consolidation of existing operations, and vacation of redundant facilities, creating the footprint for capital works, whilst protecting ongoing critical science operations. Note the parallel Engineering Delivery Framework (in procurement) will deliver a proportion of these works and services. 2. Site Wide Infrastructure works and services (net construction estimated costs range £125m - £175m) - 2022 to 2037: preparatory services to develop and deliver the requirements; and - 2028 to 2037: works will overlap / interface with the main Science Hub works. 3. Science Hub capital works and services (net construction estimated costs range £650m - £850m) - 2022 – c. 2037: services to provide the design and develop the works, until completion and commissioning of the Science Hub; and - 2025 to 2035: logistics, construction and associated delivery of the Science Hub new builds. 4. Site Rationalisation (net construction estimated costs range £50m - £75m) 2032 to 2037: activities to support the commissioning and operation of the Science Hub, and rationalisation of the wider estate. 5. Campus Masterplan development to inform Town & Country Planning submissions. Opportunities across the SCP: The SCP will present a wide range of opportunities in the short, medium and longer term, including but not limited to: Professional services: - Preparation and planning for the Science Hub, working with the Defra and APHA to position the SCP for successful delivery; - Design and Engineering of the Science Hub, through site wide infrastructure and capital works; and - Professional management of the main works contractors, including project & programme management, cost management and specialist support with regulatory and licensing activities. Works: - Enabling construction and engineering works, with additional opportunities generated through the planning and preparation phases, and subcontract opportunities generated by the main works contractors; - Logistics to support the enabling and main works; and - Construction and engineering works for the Science Hub(s) including the required design, construction, commissioning and validation required to deliver technically complex research environments to the highest regulatory standards. Defra intends to develop the SCAH Programme in a fair, open, transparent and collaborative manner, that will be critical to the success of the programme. Defra will work in partnership with the supply chain to explore innovative models that can truly align objectives, and result in shared outcomes and shared success. Defra is Contracting Authority for the purposes of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, (as amended) (“PCR 2015”) and will conduct its procurement activities in compliance with the prevailing regulations. Further information on the ways in which Defra intends to engage the market and source its requirements can be found in the survey link below. Defra is inviting all interested tiers of suppliers/economic operators to complete a survey regarding their organisation and to register communication preferences. The survey is available at the following link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NSZJ0M/ Registration will ensure interested suppliers/economic operators receive further updates on future SCP opportunities and market engagement activities. The programme intends to communicate with suppliers via email but reserves the right to use other platforms / methods of communication. Additional information: The survey will be available for 4 weeks from date of publication of this PIN. After this, organisations may still enquire about opportunities by email to SCAHsuppliers@defra.gov.uk, and are advised to refer to the pipeline in section VI.3. Defra intends to follow up with further rounds of market engagement that may include updates, consultations, presentations and/or industry days.