One of the biggest buyers of construction services in Aotearoa New Zealand is looking for capable main contractors who can help build safe and fit-for-purpose learning spaces.
The Ministry of Education is opening its Construction Directory — a national panel of pre-qualified construction suppliers who tender for school construction projects worth $500,000 or more — to ensure that the panel continues to have the right suppliers with the capability to deliver Ministry-led property projects.
“When we first established the Construction Directory, we committed to regularly refreshing the panel. These refreshes allow new entrants to gain admittance, and for existing suppliers to increase their scope of delivery,” Ministry of Education infrastructure procurement general manager Craig Barton says.
The notice released by the Ministry last month states that there’s a focus on seeking suppliers based in Northland, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Taranaki, Whanganui-Manawatu, Wellington, West Coast and Southland regions.
“Feedback around getting more local suppliers engaged in school property projects stood out in one of our recent consultations with schools,” Barton says.
“So with the help of our project teams, these regions were identified as key areas where we need to get more representation in our Construction Directory.
“We’re doing our best to get this call out to reach suppliers that are not yet in our network — especially those up-and-coming contractors who are yet to try tendering for government contracts.”
Prior to releasing a Request for Proposal via Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS), a series of supplier engagement sessions will be organised by the Ministry of Education starting this month to meet and brief contractors regarding tender requirements for joining the Construction Directory.
About the Construction Directory
The Ministry of Education manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, overseeing and supporting the property management of more than 2100 schools.
As a signatory to the Construction Sector Accord, the Ministry is committed to improving the health of the construction industry through strategic procurement to deliver the best outcome for New Zealanders and quality learning environments for schools.
The Construction Directory is one of these strategic approaches leading to better quality outcomes and value for money.
Established in 2018, the Construction Directory is used exclusively for Ministry-led school property projects, tendered by region, value band, project type and delivery method.
The Construction Directory substantially reduces tender time scales and costs for suppliers and the Ministry. It also incentivises high-performing suppliers with more work opportunities and subsequent selection.
• For more information about this opportunity to work with the Ministry of Education, or for details about the supplier engagement sessions, email [email protected].
