ART - Construction Procurement Strategies of National Health Services in the United Kingdom - A critical review 2010

The document discusses the construction procurement strategies of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. It begins by mentioning the progress made by departments and agencies in improving construction delivery performance since the Modernising Construction report. The report examines data on 142 construction projects delivered between April 2003 and December 2004, as well as the impact of relevant Office of Government Commerce (OGC) initiatives. The document also highlights the Strategic Forum for Construction report, which aims to showcase the best UK construction practices using the 2012 Olympics as an example. It covers six key areas of the construction process and promotes collaborative working and best practice. Furthermore, the report from the Department of Food, Environment, and Rural Affairs, along with the HM Treasury's report, addresses the action that needs to be taken to achieve sustainable procurement and sustainable development targets. It emphasizes the need for government departments to focus on increasing procurement professionalism and achieving sustainable operations on the government estate. The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has implemented various construction improvement initiatives and support services since 2001. These initiatives aim to improve construction delivery capability and include the Gateway Process, which subjects major central government procurement programs to external scrutiny at six critical stages of their lifecycle. The OGC recommends three main construction procurement routes for government departments and agencies: Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), Design and Build, and Prime Contracting. PPPs, particularly PFI, are increasingly preferred for funding and procurement in sectors like schools, hospitals, and prisons. Design and Build involves appointing a contractor to both design and construct the building, while Prime Contracting extends this concept and involves a well-established supply chain and project management throughout the design and construction period. Prime Contracting is often used on simpler projects but can also be employed on complex ones. However, it offers comparatively less scope for integrated teamwork compared to other procurement routes. Overall, the document provides an overview of the construction procurement strategies employed by the NHS in the UK, including the initiatives, support services, and recommended procurement routes. It also highlights the importance of sustainable procurement and the various reports and initiatives aimed at improving construction delivery performance.