Suffolk County Council has begun the search for new contractors for its £1.6bn highways maintenance ad professional services contract.
Work will include the delivery both core highways maintenance services and certain professional services, with the provision of street lighting (SLS) and intelligent transport systems (ITS).
The contract duration is 10 years, starting from October 2023. An option of extending the contract period to a maximum aggregate of 20 years will be included in the contract.
This is different to the council’s existing highways contract with Kier, through which SLS and ITS are provided. The council will have separate contracts in place for those systems, but will reserve its right to bring those services into this contract at a later date, reports New Civil Engineer.
Suffolk Country Council is looking for the new contract to focus on delivering greater social value, utilising local skills and giving young people the opportunity to work in the sector.
In addition, potential service providers will need to demonstrate how they will help the council with its aim to be carbon net zero by 2030. This will include reviewing and monitoring highway services activities to mitigate environmental impact. The service provider should be committed to ensuring fair and accessible opportunities for everyone from diverse backgrounds and promoting an inclusive culture and environment within the workplace.
The council also wants to consider opportunities within the highway maintenance services where it can make positive contributions to biodiversity and environmental protection.
The council has now published the Selection Questionnaire, through which bidders will be able to demonstrate that they have the knowledge and experience in delivering similar contracts. “The submissions will then be evaluated by a moderated process to identify four tenderers to invite to the initial tender stage,” said the Council’s spokesperson.
Selection Questionnaire responses and tenders are to be completed electronically using the Portal: www.suffolksourcing.uk. The deadline is 28 April.
