Science Capability in Animal Health (SCAH) Capital Programme Pre-Procurement Market Engagement

This Early Engagement Notice initiates pre-procurement market engagement with the supply chain, and, together with the information provided in the survey site, its aims are to: - Provide an update on development of the SCAH Programme; - Set the context for the SCAH Capital Programme ("SCP"), within the overarching SCAH Programme and ongoing operations of the Weybridge science estate; - Provide the range of opportunities presented by the SCP (as further described below); and - Set out next steps for interested suppliers to complete the pre-procurement market engagement survey and register for further updates.

Interested suppliers are advised to read this notice and expanded back ground information provided in the survey site, available for 4 weeks from publication of the PIN, with links to both below.

Background information: Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs

Together, Defra and APHA are developing the client capabilities required to deliver the SCAH Programme, through an Intelligent Client Function.

APHA is based at the Weybridge science estate, and provides the UK's primary capability for managing the extensive and continuously evolving threats posed by the spread of high-risk diseases carried by animals. In March 2020 the Government committed to transform the animal science facility at Weybridge. The programme is aimed at safeguarding and enhancing the Weybridge science estate, providing additional world class, state of the art laboratory space and high level ACDP biocontainment facilities. The SCAH Programme comprises the SCAH Transformation Programme and the SCAH Capital Programme. The SCAH Transformation Programme covers the development of new scientific, digital and facilities management operating models, to be delivered through Defra/APHA alongside the SCP. This notice relates specifically to the SCP.

Preparation and phasing of the SCP:

Preparatory activities are under way, with early demolition works commencing in October 2021. The SCAH Programme is now in preparation and planning stages.

Key aspirations for the SCP:

There is the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of the UK Construction Industry. Defra is aligned to UK Government policies and strategies (e.g. Construction Playbook), in delivering its 25 year environmental plan.

Defra is seeking to deliver a lasting legacy through social value benefits (e.g. employment, skills and sustainability). The SCAH Programme is committed to providing opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) both locally and across the United Kingdom, either through contracting directly with Defra or indirectly with a Tier 1 services or works supplier to the SCAH Programme.

Further information on key aspirations can be found in the survey site.

Additional information: Works and services will be delivered via various Capital Programme projects, collated into Capital Sub Programme groups. The sub-programmes are at an early stage of development. The high level phasing and range based estimates are provided for information only. Interested suppliers are advised to read all of the important information and limitations related to this notice in Section VI.3 of the PIN, linked below.

Capital Sub Programmes: 1. Capital Enabling Works and Services (net construction estimated costs range £50m - £75m) 2022 - 2027: Consolidation of existing operations, and vacation of redundant facilities, creating the footprint for capital works, whilst protecting ongoing critical science operations. Note the Engineering Delivery Framework (in procurement) will deliver a proportion of these. 2. Site Wide Infrastructure works and services (net construction estimated costs range £125m - £175m) - 2022 - 2037: preparatory services to develop and deliver the requirements; and - 2028 - 2037: works will overlap / interface with the main Science Hub works. 3. Science Hub capital works and services (net construction estimated costs range £650m - £850m) - 2022 - c. 2037: services to provide the design and develop the works, until completion and commissioning of the Science Hub; and - 2025 - 2035: logistics, construction and associated delivery of the Science Hub new builds. 4. Site Rationalisation (net construction estimated costs range £50m - £75m) 2032 to 2037: activities to support the commissioning and operation of the Science Hub, and rationalisation of the wider estate. 5. Campus Masterplan development to inform Town & Country Planning submissions.

Opportunities: The SCP presents a wide range of opportunities in the short, medium and longer term, including but not limited to: Professional services: - Preparation and planning for the Science Hub, working with the Defra and / APHA to position the SCP for successful delivery; - Design and Engineering of the Science Hub, through site wide infrastructure and capital works; and - Professional management of the main works contractors, including project & programme management, cost management and specialist support with regulatory and licensing activities. Works: - Enabling construction and engineering works, with additional opportunities generated through the planning and preparation phases, and subcontract opportunities generated by the main works contractors; - Overarching logistics integrator role to support the enabling and main works; and - Construction and engineering works for the Science Hub(s) including the required design, construction, commissioning and validation required to deliver technically complex research environments.

Defra is inviting all interested tiers of suppliers to complete a short survey regarding their organisation and communication preferences, survey link below.

After the initial 4 weeks, suppliers may still express an interest in opportunities, via email provided.