A fast-track programme of office adaptations was undertaken through a framework alliance set up jointly by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Land Securities Trillium (LST), using standard designs, materials and equipment adapted to a wide variety of different buildings. The objective was to create an efficient contract structure to enable a quick start on site, utilising model processes and contract documents to streamline a nationwide programme.
The framework programme subdivided England, Wales and Scotland into multiple districts, and a supplier was appointed to undertake works in each district. DWP and LST wanted to ensure cross-pollination between districts, and this was achieved through a single multi-party framework alliance contract entered into between all 14 contractors and the joint clients. DWP and LST also wanted to create a fully integrated supply chain to support the roll- out programme, and specialist framework agreements were negotiated in parallel with key subcontractors and suppliers.
Strict timetables were agreed to govern both the preconstruction and construction phases of each project. The framework alliance used cost reimbursement combined with incentives that linked cost savings to the future award of work, and the final cost was £737 million against a forecast of £981 million, achieving savings of 24.8%.