31 January 2014
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has released details of its new Facilities Management Contracting Model.
The CCS took on the responsibilities of the Government Procurement Service (GPS) last year.
The model replaces the previous framework (RM708) and is intended to enable customers to access a "wide range of specific services" through a choice of separate facilities management lots. The CCS says the model will be the primary route for suppliers to provide FM services to the government and the wider public sector.
The FM framework is set to handle spending on a range of goods and services from FM to energy and IT. The CCS aims to save £1 billion by working with departments and wider public sector organisations.
An FM marketplace will set up a pre-approved supplier approach to enable a large number of providers, from SMEs to multinationals, to participate. It is intended to provide customers with a quick and efficient route to market for low-value contracts, typically those under £1 million.
The model will also incorporate options for Total FM, hard FM and a range of soft FM service lots including cleaning, security, waste management and catering.
The CSS says the approach "supports the government's vision to create an efficient, fit for purpose and sustainable estate that delivers value for money and facilitates flexible working".
The CCS anticipates that the FM framework will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) in April, before a bidders' conference in May. Contract awards are expected in October this year.
The FM marketplace is set to be published in OJEU in October; a contracts award date is yet to be confirmed.