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Who owns SMARTE EAST?
It is owned in equal parts by Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk County Councils and is a (not for profit) company limited by guarantee.
Who can use SMARTE EAST?
Its services are available to all of the East of England public procurement authorities (for example, Counties, boroughs, districts, unitary authorities, schools, etc.), either via full or associate membership.
Why should I use SMARTE EAST?
SMARTE EAST contractors have demonstrated their commitment to collaborative working and understand the need to deliver efficiencies linked to high performance. The potential of four years worth of work from the East of England, is a huge incentive to achieve high customer satisfaction rates and impressive key performance indicators which will be delivered by allocating their best staff and supply chain partners (e.g. M&E contractor, etc.) to SMARTE EAST projects.
Can SMARTE EAST shorten a project programme?
Yes because the appointment of a SMARTE EAST contracting framework partner can commence almost immediately as there is no need to carry out a competitive tender exercise (SMARTE EAST has already done this).
However, if a client sponsor should prefer, the selection of SMARTE EAST construction partner can be undertaken via a mini competition.
If I use SMARTE EAST do I have to issue an OJEU notice to comply with European procurement requirements?
No, this work has been done by SMARTE EAST for the services it provides. So why wrestle with the complexities and expense of fulfilling European (and UK) procurement legislation (including 12 weeks OJEU notice period) when someone else has already done the hard work?
How does SMARTE EAST deliver the ongoing efficiency agenda of guaranteeing value for money?
SMARTE EAST works on the simple premise that to effectively deliver this agenda, local authorities need to aggregate their collective projected spend. By offering a far greater and more consistent workload, within a large geographic region, they become appreciably more attractive clients to respective suppliers.
What incentive is there for a SMARTE EAST contractor to deliver?
The selected contractors have demonstrably exhibited their expertise and experience as well as a real commitment to the SMARTE EAST values. Contractors, like consultants, are always seeking a consistent workflow (SMARTE EAST objective) so they can manage their resources effectively. By delivering high quality projects on time and to budget, they guarantee their retention on the framework. In the unlikely event of unacceptable delivery, reserve contractors are available.
The NEC 3 contract will be used which also includes a pain and gain share clause to further incentives delivery.
What happens if a SMARTE EAST contractor is unable to resource all projects offered?
A number of reserve contractors are available should they be required.
Can projects of any value go via SMARTE EAST?
Any project with a value greater than £150,000 can go via SMARTE EAST. There is no upper limit.
Are SMARTE EAST contractors in different price bands?
Yes. There are three bands
• Band 1 £150,000 to £500,000
• Band 2 £350,000 to £2,000,000
• Band 3 £1,750,000 +
Is SMARTE EAST suitable for clients with limited technical and/or contractual expertise?
Yes. SMARTE EAST is an ideal vehicle for delivering construction schemes especially where there is limited in house resources or expertise.
Can I use SMARTE EAST to deliver a one off project?
Yes. This route to market should be especially attractive to clients who may be contemplating that one off large project such as a new civic centre or sports complex and/or have limited project experience.
If I use SMARTE EAST, what happens contractually?
SMARTE EAST Ltd is providing a fast track gateway to appropriate and properly procured companies managed through a framework agreement. It is not a party to consequential contract agreements, as these will be formed directly between the selected company and yourself (i.e. each requesting public procurement body).
How is SMARTE EAST funded?
Access to the resulting framework suppliers will be by the application of a tariff based upon the estimated project cost. For example, a project of £1,000,000 would cost £1,000,000 + X (tariff). Actual tariff rates are currently being finalised. Larger projects will be subject to a lower tariff.
What happens to the SMARTE EAST tariff?
The proceeds will be reinvested in running ongoing training programmes, data collection and analysis linked to performance management, product research and development leading towards standardised specifications for repeat items and ongoing framework refreshes. Any excess funds at the end of the accounting period will be reinvested in the ongoing efficiency improvement programme. The tariff level will be reviewed and adjusted so as to maintain a revenue neutral position over the long term.
What type of contract will SMARTE EAST use?
Construction projects will be let using the NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Contract.
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