19 Feb 2007

Interserve has successfully secured a place on the Environment Agency’s NCF2 (Second-Generation National Contractors Framework) £500 million framework programme.

The programme, covering flood defence, waterways and water resources capital works, begins in April 2007 and will last for four years with the option of a four-year extension. It will allow Interserve to build on its success in delivering £20 million of award winning flood defences in Yorkshire and the North East between 2001 and 2005.

The framework has been created to foster a true partnering relationship between the Environment Agency, its engineering consultants and contractors, with the intention of ensuring that the quality of solutions improves continuously and that value for money is achieved. Nikki Brown, who project-managed the NCF2 procurement process for the Environment Agency, said more than 70 contractors had expressed interest in the new framework, with 13 being shortlisted.

“The final seven contractors have been selected based on their ability to meet our requirements on quality and price,” she explained. “This will ensure that they are best placed to succeed in the challenge of delivering a diverse programme of work which includes watercourse maintenance programmes and river and coastal engineering works.

“This second-generation contract will support the delivery of the Environment Agency’s Engineering Procurement Strategy. The emphasis remains on value for money, programme management, health and safety and sustainable construction within a competitive environment.”

John Vyse, Executive Director of Interserve Plc, remarked, “We shall be building on our proven capability, in the work we have undertaken with the Environment Agency, to deliver projects safely that create value and protect the environment. The award consolidates our position at the leading-edge of environmental performance.”