£11.4bn of public spending potential in new framework

A new Crown Commercial Service (CCS) agreement designed to give better value for money for public sector housing maintenance and security has been awarded and is being readied for use.

Workplace Services (FM Marketplace) is expected to bring together in one place up to £11.4 billion of public spending over its lifespan and subsequent call-off duration. This will offer improved security and housing in the civilian sector and, for Ministry of Defence personnel, improved places to live, work and train.

Taxpayer benefits will come via central government buying power, standardisation of facilities management performance indicators and supplier innovation.

The largest customer of the framework is the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) which supports the Armed Forces by building, maintaining and servicing the infrastructure needed to support defence.

Of the 46 suppliers across the framework in security, housing and defence facilities management, 14 are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK - 30 per cent of the supplier total.

Sam Ulyatt, CCS’s Buildings Strategic Commercial Director, said: “CCS has engaged extensively to design a framework structure which meets the needs of customers and incorporates social value. Our public sector contract has also been simplified to aid procurement for customers and suppliers alike. This agreement will provide access to suppliers who not only meet industry recognised standards, but are focused on their areas of expertise. This means customers are more likely to get the right specialist, in the right place, delivering the right services.”