Four Year Framework Agreement for Main Building Contractors for New Build Housing with a possible one year extension

Link Group intends to enter into a Framework Agreement with a limited number of Building Contractors to provide construction services for a four year period with a possible one year extension. This may also include the provision of design and construction services. Link works in partnership with a number of subsidiary companies who will also be entitled to purchase works & services from the Framework Agreement. The subsidiaries of Link Group Ltd currently include, Link Living, C~urb 6 Ltd (C~urb), Horizon Housing Association Ltd, Larkfield Housing Association and West Highland Housing Association. Although it is possible that other organisations may join the Group, becoming subsidiary companies, during the term of the Framework Agreement, and may also wish to "call off" from the Framework.

Link also works in partnership with several external organisations, refer to Section 1.1 of the Contract Notice for further detail, who will also be entitled to purchase services from the Framework Agreement. In addition, it is also intended that any Registered Social Landlord registered and operating in Scotland will be entitled to purchase works & services from the framework, subject to Link's prior agreement.

There is no guarantee of any work. It is however, more than likely that individual commissions will be "called off" either by direct selection or by mini tendering, within the terms of the Framework Agreement, to identify the most economically advantageous tender. The Framework Agreement will mainly cover the provision of construction works & services for new build housing, however individual projects may also include rehabilitation of existing properties, office and commercial properties, extensions, community facilities and adaptations, and planned maintenance projects.

The projects will range in size, tenure and type from mainstream housing to a variety of special needs projects. The tenure type will cover all affordable tenures, private rented and market sale. Applicants should have experience of projects within the social housing sector for projects between 5 and 500 units including flats, houses and retirement living projects with a mix of tenures.

The location of projects will vary but in the main will be located in the Central Belt of Scotland, Argyll & Bute and Highland, however individual projects may be located in any part of Scotland. The total number of units in each of the geographical areas may vary and specific numbers cannot be guaranteed in any area or in total.

Although individual projects cannot be guaranteed, Link will expect the successful contractors to deliver a high quality and value for money service.

Link Group and its partners to the Framework are committed to the delivery of high quality public services. Link recognises that this is

critically dependent on a workforce that is well-rewarded, well-motivated, well-led, has access to appropriate opportunities for training and

skills development, is diverse and is engaged in decision making. These factors are also important for workforce recruitment and retention,

and thus continuity of service. It is therefore mandatory for appointees to the Framework to adopt fair working practices, which will be

further detailed in the SPD.

Under the terms of this contract the successful supplier(s) will be required to deliver Community Benefits in support of the authority’s

economic and social objectives. Accordingly, contract performance conditions may relate in particular to social and environmental

considerations. The Community Benefits included in this contract are:

Community enhancement, targeted recruitment and training, promotion of subcontracting opportunities to SMEs and social enterprises,

community consultation, community outreach and education opportunities