Entec and FRM > Our frameworks experience
Entec – working in a framework
What exactly is a framework contract? Essentially, a framework contract is a contract between a contracting authority and a supplier (or frequently a number of suppliers), which sets out the essential terms governing individual projects which are awarded during a given period, usually within a particular area of work. They are suited to situations where long-term relationships are particularly beneficial to both buyer and supplier. It is common for public sector bodies to use frameworks for awarding contracts though some private sector organisations also frequently do so. In the water and flooding arena, framework contracts such as the Environment Agency’s current Strategic Flood Risk Management (SFRM) and the forthcoming SFRM2 framework are notable examples. Water companies also frequently procure through framework contracts.
There are numerous advantages to this approach. Frameworks present an excellent opportunity to deliver increasing performance levels as a result of cooperation, collaboration and competition, through a continuous process of measurement and management of performance so that all parties learn and grow capability. Customer-led supplier development is the cornerstone of this and Entec believes in full participation with this process. Effective framework management allows consultants to build and manage their capability in a way that allows them to grow their resource base in line with customer needs, maximising value for money. Innovation is also best supported through the framework approach: Entec has established management processes for ensuring that innovative ideas are picked up, researched and developed, and supported by relevant technical training, and these processes are deployed by all our framework directors. While this innovation management also occurs outside of frameworks, it is in the context of mutually beneficial working that a framework presents, that creative approaches are nurtured and exploited to best effect.
It is an important element of Entec’s strategy to develop frameworks with its major customers, and currently has over 100 such agreements representing more than half the company’s annual turnover. The largest of these has over £10m pa turnover.
Some examples include:
Environment Agency – Anglian Groundwater Framework
Entec has for the last decade been the leading supplier of groundwater services to the Environment Agency. This includes the development and delivery of groundwater models, GIS outputs and reports. A strong feature of this framework is partnering and teamworking and there is a clear focus on benefits delivery.
OGC Buying Solutions – Environmental Services Framework
Entec, via the Office of Government Commerce, is the leading supplier of environmental services to a variety of central, regional and local government clients including the provision of multi-disciplinary studies, strategic flood risk assessments, water cycle studies, planning evaluation and waste advice.
Environment Agency – Environmental Policy Consultancy and Related Services Framework
The wide range of skills and service needs of this framework plays to Entec’s strengths enabling a project response rate of over 90%. Projects are either allocated or initiated via mini competition among the framework partners, and Entec is the leading provider overall, demonstrating its ability to provide high level, creative consultancy and value for money.
Providing security of supply to the buyer, while maintaining a competitive position among its suppliers, who also benefit from closer working relationships with the client, frameworks like these are likely to grow in prominence. In the context of flood risk, the Environment Agency’s SFRM2 framework is likely to be critical to the success of the UK’s response to flood risk management in the coming years.
