The Process
There are 8 formal stages that a local authority will have to deliver as part of the Building Schools for the Future Programme. Before the process begins they should begin to make plans and consult with stakeholders. A BSF Project Director and Project Team are usually recruited early on in the process to deliver the demanding schedule. Each local authority is supported by a DfES Contact Officer, Partnership for Schools Project Director, 4Ps Procurement Advisor and Cabe Enabler.
1
Project Initiation
Local Authorities produce a Project Initiation Document (PID), which outlines their project and how they plan to manage and assess it.
Local Authorities produce a Project Initiation Document (PID), which outlines their project and how they plan to manage and assess it.
2
Strategic Planning
Wave 4 authorities onwards will now have to complete a 'Strategy for Change' which requires formal Departmental approval. The SfC ties together a local authority's education strategy and vision for 21st Century learning (including 14-19 reform, links to FE, diversity of provision, community use etc) with an Estate Strategy (reviewing current assets and accessing future need based on demographics, standards, condition of buildings etc). Policy areas include PE and Sport & community provision, and the document should be developed in consultation with stakeholders.
Wave 4 authorities onwards will now have to complete a 'Strategy for Change' which requires formal Departmental approval. The SfC ties together a local authority's education strategy and vision for 21st Century learning (including 14-19 reform, links to FE, diversity of provision, community use etc) with an Estate Strategy (reviewing current assets and accessing future need based on demographics, standards, condition of buildings etc). Policy areas include PE and Sport & community provision, and the document should be developed in consultation with stakeholders.
3
Business Case Development
Once the Strategy for Change has been approved, the next step is to produce an Outline Business Case (OBC), which sets out the cost, scope, affordability, risks, procurement route and timetable. In this document there is more detailed information about the phasing and prioritising of schools and the level of investment (new builds or refurbishments).
Once the Strategy for Change has been approved, the next step is to produce an Outline Business Case (OBC), which sets out the cost, scope, affordability, risks, procurement route and timetable. In this document there is more detailed information about the phasing and prioritising of schools and the level of investment (new builds or refurbishments).
4
Procurement Planning
Before local authorities can invite private partners to tender, they need to complete a range of standard documents (templates provided by Partnership for Schools). These documents include 'output specifications' which set out the accommodation and facility management requirements of the local authority and individual schools.
Before local authorities can invite private partners to tender, they need to complete a range of standard documents (templates provided by Partnership for Schools). These documents include 'output specifications' which set out the accommodation and facility management requirements of the local authority and individual schools.
5
Procurement
Once the local authority has been given approval to begin the procurement process an Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) is posted. Various interested private partners then complete a qualification questionnaire from which the local authority shortlist and invite bidders to tender for the work (Invitation to Negotiate or ITN). Short listed Bidders will work with a sample of schools to develop designs. They will also need to demonstrate how they will manage the Local Education Partnership (LEP) and deliver the facilities management. Once a preferred partner is identified they are invited to form a LEP with the Local Authority and Partnership for Schools.
Once the local authority has been given approval to begin the procurement process an Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) is posted. Various interested private partners then complete a qualification questionnaire from which the local authority shortlist and invite bidders to tender for the work (Invitation to Negotiate or ITN). Short listed Bidders will work with a sample of schools to develop designs. They will also need to demonstrate how they will manage the Local Education Partnership (LEP) and deliver the facilities management. Once a preferred partner is identified they are invited to form a LEP with the Local Authority and Partnership for Schools.
6
Contractual/Commercial close
A period of negotiation takes place before the contracts are signed and the Local Education Partnership (LEP) is formed.
A period of negotiation takes place before the contracts are signed and the Local Education Partnership (LEP) is formed.
7
Construction phase
The LEP are then responsible for delivering the project through a supply chain. This will involve construction of new builds (and related demolition) and the refurbishment of existing school buildings as well as installation of ICT systems.
The LEP are then responsible for delivering the project through a supply chain. This will involve construction of new builds (and related demolition) and the refurbishment of existing school buildings as well as installation of ICT systems.
8
Occupation and Operation
Once the schools have been completed and are in operation a post occupancy evaluation is carried out. This evaluation identifies levels of satisfaction with the buildings and facilities management.
Once the schools have been completed and are in operation a post occupancy evaluation is carried out. This evaluation identifies levels of satisfaction with the buildings and facilities management.