Procuring Quality Partners
To deliver quality places it is important that all parties understand and share objectives and vision for the project. A good procurement process will be designed to maximise confidence that both parties understand each others objectives, and share an understanding of how the project will be delivered to minimise risks and use of resources.
There is a direct correlation between the quality of the brief and the quality of bids received. An effective brief which should contain the following information as minimum:
- Introduction, background information and vision for the development
- Site location and context
- Site constraints, relevant planning history and planning policy context
- Design and masterplanning
- Legal information
- Details of the development partners proposed role
- Details of how bids will be assessed and outline programme
- Contact details to enable potential developers to discuss proposals with appropriate staff prior to submission
Assessment methods will vary according to the project objectives. An optimal balance between quality and price should seek to maximise best value to the project and society as a whole. To balance design quality with value for money, the assessment should include a review of:
- Objective criteria – the mandatory requirements
- Qualitative criteria - how developers will address issues such as community engagement approach and long-term management strategies as well as their financial capacity
- the quality/ price balance