UPDATE: National Highways has amended its original contract award for this framework (see here). The new award notice explains that there is no fixed value assigned to each of the successful contractors - as had been stated in previous contract notice and in the original version of this story. The contractors will in fact face mini- competition call-offs on schemes under this framework. The total value of works expected is unchanged.
Seven companies have been awarded contracts by National Highways as part of the £495m Specialist Professional and Technical Services 3 (SPaTS3) framework.
Costain, WSP, Arcadis Consulting, Arup, Amey, AtkinsRéalis and Jacobs have all been successfully placed on the framework for future call-offs.
National Highways stated: 'The suppliers will be expected to provide road transport-related technical consultancy, engineering advice, research and innovation services.'
Separately, through the SPaTS2 'environment and sustainability framework', an AtkinsRéalis and Jacobs joint venture has also been appointed to support National Highways.
National Highways stated: 'The suppliers will be expected to provide road transport-related technical consultancy, engineering advice, research and innovation services.'
Discussing the SPaTS2 framework, National Highways director of environmental sustainability Stephen Elderkin commented: ‘We need to work collaboratively to accelerate the transformation of the highway sector. Drawing on expert support from our technical partners is a crucial step towards doing just that.’
Jacobs senior vice president Richard Sanderson said: ‘Our integrated project delivery will be essential in supporting National Highways’ vision for a connected country and a thriving environment.
‘We are committed to helping National Highways foster a resilient natural environment, reduce carbon emissions and support community wellbeing.’
AtkinsRéalis market director for strategic highways and regional roads, UK and Ireland, Peter Baynham, added: ‘This appointment builds on our extensive environmental work with National Highways, including our ongoing collaboration with Jacobs and specialist supply chain. This combined expertise enables us to engineer roads which benefit both road users and the environment, continuing our work on sustainable infrastructure development across England’s highways.’
