Ofwat responds to contractor concerns about the major projects programme

(by Karma Loveday)

Ofwat has set out a series of actions and commitments it will take to boost contractor confidence in the £50bn Major Water Infrastructure Programme, covering reservoirs, transfers and alternative water source supply schemes. 

The regulator pledged: 

• Standardisation – through both recently published updated guidance on Direct Procurement for Customers and the Specified Infrastructure Projects Regulations, and standard form template Competitively Appointed Provider agreements.

• A commercial principles charter – to establish a common set of principles and behaviours for competitively delivered projects.

• Contractor engagement – through workshops and other Ofwat-led market engagement events and promotions. The next market engagement event is scheduled for October. 

• Programme visibility – by sharing information on upcoming opportunities, project progression and key regulatory developments.

  
  

This was detailed in a note providing takeaways from February and March roundtable discussions with domestic and international contractors.