How Two-Stage Procurement Helps Public Construction Quality

In the realm of public sector construction, the procurement model chosen can significantly impact project outcomes, particularly in terms of quality, safety and adherence to regulations.

Adam Sanford, Operations Lead at Southern Construction Framework, a collaboration between UK local authorities Hampshire County Council and Devon County Council, has highlighted the advantages of two-stage procurement over traditional single-stage models in an article for the Chartered Institute of Building – a global organisation that promotes building and construction practices.

Adam argues that single-stage procurement, characterised by fixed outcomes and stringent budgets, can jeopardise the original design intent of public construction projects. 

He says: "This approach can lead to the use of lower-quality materials that can compromise both quality and safety." 

Ensure compliance

This concern is particularly pertinent in light of the UK's Building Safety Act, which places increased responsibilities on designers to ensure regulatory compliance.

The importance of accurate budgeting from the outset is emphasised by Adam, who states: "The Building Safety Act places greater responsibilities on designers to ensure compliance with regulations." 

He highlights the critical nature of precise cost estimation in the procurement process, especially when striving to meet stringent safety standards.

To address these challenges, Adam advocates for a two-stage procurement model. He explains that this approach: "Opens lines of communication and reduces the impact of competitive tension on specification and materials decisions." 

Through this mode, it can facilitate direct engagement with the supply chain during early-stage decisions, enabling better identification and mitigation of risks in both design and cost planning.

The benefits of two-stage procurement extend beyond risk management. Adam adds: "In two-stage procurement, all areas of risk are pointed out during the pre-construction phase." This transparency allows clients to make informed decisions to ensure quality throughout the project lifecycle.

A prime example of successful two-stage procurement is the University of Hertfordshire's Spectra building. 

Emma Curtis, Area Director at Morgan Sindall – a leading London-based British Construction and Regeneration group – oversaw the project.

Emma reports that the two-stage process allowed the company to bring in its supply chain early, enabling it to source materials with appropriate fire rating certification and liaise effectively with fire consultants and building control officers.

Adam adds that the two-stage open book process also proves beneficial for sustainability initiatives, a growing concern for many public sector organisations, particularly higher education institutions working towards net-zero targets. 

Adam highlights the importance of considering a building's long-term operational use from the outset, stating: "With buildings being long-term assets and net zero targets at the forefront of clients' minds, it has never been more important to consider long-term operational use."

By facilitating early collaboration and fostering open communication, two-stage procurement enables public sector organisations to make more informed decisions about materials, design and long-term sustainability. 

This approach not only helps ensure compliance with safety regulations but also supports the delivery of high-quality, sustainable buildings that meet the evolving needs of public sector clients and end-users alike.

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