All interested parties are being invited to tender for the Fourth iteration of the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework.

Up to £800 million worth of construction contracts is predicted to be commissioned through the new framework iteration which is now live on Sell2Wales.

The framework renewal is being led by Carmarthenshire County Council, in association with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Ceredigion County Council and Swansea Council, to establish a framework agreement for use by public sector, and voluntary organisations located within the five counties listed above as well as organisations which operate within the Powys Region.

The purpose of the framework will be to assist the whole of the South West Wales region, as well as the wider public sector, to undertake Major Works Contracts including new builds, refurbishments, and buildings repairs for a period of up to four years - up until 2028.

The new framework provides a compliant and efficient route to market and access to market leading contractors, reducing procurement timescales and associated costs.

It will also provide procurement savings, particularly on high value contracts, with public sector bodies benefitting from local engagement, greater efficiencies and less duplication.

Emphasis has been given to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the Welsh supply chain, in a bid to support the local economy and boost employment.

Social value practices have also been a key focus of the assessment process, for example all projects over £1million must leave a positive community legacy, delivering against the goals of the Well Being of Future Generations Act.

There will also be a large focus around Net Zero and carbon reduction initiatives in order to contribute to mitigating climate change, resource conservation materials, progress energy efficient buildings, and ultimately provide long term resilience within the construction industry to safeguard investments and communities against future uncertainties.

Organisations which have the opportunity to utilise the SWWRCF2024 include central government departments and their agencies, non-departmental public bodies, devolved administrations, NHS bodies, local authorities, the police, the fire service, the voluntary sector, charities and private sector organisations procuring on behalf of these bodies.

In order to support the tender release and ensure information was provided to potential framework contractors, a Supplier Briefing Event was held in April 2024 where a large turn out was received from prospective contractors and support agencies. Further details and workshops will be available following release of the tender.

Director of Place and Infrastructure for Carmarthenshire County Council, Ainsley Williams said: “The South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework is an excellent opportunity for contractors to gain work from local authorities in the region and other public sector organisations in this part of Wales.

“Following a successful Supplier Briefing Event that was held in Llanelli in April, applications to tender for the regional contractors framework are now being accepted via the Sell2Wales website.”