Building services consultancy services

Tender description

Wigan and Leigh Homes is seeking a provider to conduct independent fire risk assessments and appraisals and to provide related technical support and advice on the portfolio of council housing stock managed on behalf of Wigan Council. The scope of the tender will consist of an initial phase of Type 3 Fire Risk Assessments (FRA's) for each of Wigan and Leigh Homes' related building archetypes. A main programme of FRA's shall then commence and be completed within a 12 month time-scale from initial appointment. The assessments within this main programme should identify fire risks within an individual property and be conducted in accordance with PAS79. This phase of the programme will consist of approximately 900 FRA's to be completed within a twelve month period in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (2005) and thereafter at defined intervals. Wigan and Leigh Homes is seeking a provider to conduct independent fire risk assessments and appraisals and to provide related technical support and advice on the portfolio of council housing stock that they manage on behalf of Wigan Council. The scope of the tender will consist of an initial phase of Type 3 Fire Risk Assessments (FRA's), as defined within the Local Government Association's ‘Fire Safety in Purpose-Built Blocks of Flats’, for each of Wigan and Leigh Homes' related building archetypes (consisting of approximately 115 (2 storey), 15 (3 and 4 storey block flats), 4 high-rise flat, 32 sheltered unit and 1 vulnerable persons unit archetypes). In addition to communal areas within these archetypes, at least 1 flat in each block of 2 storeys, 2 flats in 3 to 4 storeys, 4 flats in sheltered units and 10 flats in each high-rise will be assessed during this initial phase. On completion of the assessments for each in scope archetype, a summary judgement will be required as to whether, in principle, the current condition of the flats and communal areas assessed would allow for Wigan and Leigh Homes to implement a ‘stay put’ policy, should it wish to do so; and if not, the amount of work that would be required to bring that building up to a ‘stay put’ standard. Furthermore, the initial phase will also include an appraisal of the flats assessed against current definitive guidance documents, as expressed within the tender documentation, as to whether these standards are currently achieved or not, and if not, whether Wigan and Leigh Homes should consider achieving them during any future planned improvement programme. Following completion of the initial phase of the programme, a main programme of FRA's shall then commence and be completed within a 12 month time-scale from initial appointment. The assessments should identify the presence and extent of any fire risks within an individual property and be conducted in accordance with PAS79 and uploaded to Wigan and Leigh Homes' ‘C365’ application, as detailed in the specification. This phase of the programme will consist of approximately 900 FRA's to be completed within a twelve month period in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (2005). These assessments shall be Type 3 FRAs unless information derived from the initial phase recommends that only Type 1 FRAs are needed. The assessment interval for this element of the programme shall be 1 yearly for high rise flats and schemes for vulnerable people; 2 yearly for sheltered units/schemes for older persons and 3 and above storey flats (excluding the high rise); and 4 yearly for 2 storey flats and other communal and workplace buildings. The successful contractor must also be able to provide input at the design stage of any new build / extensive building alteration plans, to design out unnecessary fire risk and ensure Wigan and Leigh Homes' fire safety standards can be achieved as well as legislative requirements, relevant guidance and British Standards. This should be followed up by an inspection at completion stage to ensure standards have been achieved. Type 3 FRA's will then be required on handover of new-build projects or where existing buildings have been subjected to extensive alterations. The work will be ad-hoc and small in number and will be priced and instructed on an individual basis. In addition, there may be a requirement to conduct destructive surveys (Type 4 FRA's for flats only) on an ad-hoc basis or as part of the programme of communal areas. The need and format for such assessments will be discussed with the appointed consultant during mobilisation. Interested organisations are directed to the Invitation to Tender documentation which details a full specification for this service.