Future Infrastructure Programme (FIP) Client Partnership Framework

Tender description

As stated in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise Command Paper, published by the Ministry of Defence on 25th March 2024, AWE Plc ("AWE") is embarking on a National Endeavour to re-capitalise its estate and manufacturing infrastructure to meet the future needs of the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent. We have two complex infrastructure programmes: • Future Material Campus (FMC) - focusing on the required investment to renew AWE's manufacturing and storage capability for nuclear materials and increasing capability for material recovery. • Future Infrastructure Programme (FIP) - focusing on delivering AWE's wider infrastructure needs in relation to new office accommodation; laboratories; testing facilities, site services, and advanced manufacturing facilities. This PIN Notice specifically relates to the support required to enable the Future Infrastructure Programme (FIP). AWE is seeking interest from suppliers to take part in pre-market engagement activities regarding the establishment of a potential 10-year Framework arrangement for the provision of client-side professional services in support of its infrastructure programme. Our Future Infrastructure Programme will grow significantly over the coming years, and AWE is looking to expand its supplier base to meet the programme's increasing demand. The arrangement will create a client partnership to act effectively as a Capable Owner and trusted government partner to plan and design the investment portfolio, while providing the effective oversight to delivery partners (appointed via separate procurement exercise) for time, cost and quality. The framework will include the key disciplines of engineering, programme/project management and productivity enhancement services. AWE may carry out further pre-market engagement activities with interested suppliers to investigate the current market capabilities and capacity for the programme, and to allow suppliers the opportunity to understand AWE and its ambitions in more detail. This PIN calls for interested suppliers to indicate their interest in participating in an initial request for information (henceforth 'RFI') pre-market engagement exercise. Suppliers interested in responding to the PIN will be required to successfully undergo an AWE security assessment before participation in the RFI. For the avoidance of doubt, suppliers who do not participate in the initial RFI will still be allowed to take part in subsequent market engagement and procurement activities, subject to meeting AWE's security requirements (as detailed on the Acknowledgement Proforma).