An alternative way to access SME expertise is for clients and framework providers to collaborate with tier 1 suppliers after they have been appointed to frameworks. This collaboration involves review of the tier 2 and 3 supply chain relationships recommended by each tier 1 supplier and assessment of the value that can be delivered by aggregating these relationships and by optimising the scale and duration of supply chain appointments. These collaborative processes comprise early supply chain involvement ('ESI') through 'Supply Chain Collaboration' which is described in Section 13 and Annex 5.
ESI through Supply Chain Collaboration is led by tier 1 framework suppliers in order to avoid the need for additional public sector supply chain procurements. The choice of tier 2 and 3 specialists, and the scale, duration and aggregation of their appointments, are matters for agreement by the tier 1 suppliers, framework provider and clients, who all need to be convinced of the merits of the supply chain relationships that are proposed. The processes leading to this agreement can ensure that the benefits offered by SMEs, including local and regional businesses, are fully taken into account.
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| The Archbishop Beck School Trial Project Scape framework reports 'Achievement of 60% local spend with Liverpool businesses by Willmott Dixon (compared to 50% target on Notre Dame)', and 'Direct liaison, through the City-wide Liverpool City Council scheme, with local supply chain members so as to establish clear commitments in relation to apprentices' (Annex 3 case study 5). |
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| The SCMG Trial Project housing framework alliance reports that 'early joint appointment of comprehensive range of SME Tier 2 and Tier 3 supply chain members' has created 'new opportunities for SME subcontractors and suppliers' and has 'demonstrated a breakthrough in enabling public sector clients to deal directly with key subcontractors and suppliers so as to ensure they build up fully integrated working relationships' (Annex 3 case study 8). |
Gold Standard frameworks should be designed to achieve:
■ An integrated range of services and specialist expertise under each framework
■ Access to the expertise of SME specialists, including in relation to MMC
■ Integration between the work of design consultants, tier 1 contractors and tier 2 and 3 SME specialists in framework project teams and across frameworks
■ Aggregation of demand in a way that allows SMEs to play a central role in the sector.