This builds on similar focused market consultation undertaken before the announcement of the delivery plan in December 2023.

The consultation is also seeking views on issues which will influence development of the procurement approach for delivering the A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) and the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton projects.

The delivery plan for the A9 Dualling programme announced in December 2023 indicated that, subject to further decision-making in late 2025, completion of the dualling programme would include the use of two resource-funded Mutual Investment Model (MIM) contracts. These contracts are currently proposed to encompass dualling of the five projects between Killiecrankie and Slochd.

Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The further decision-making on the use of Mutual Investment Model contracts for completion of the A9 Dualling programme is a significant decision for the Scottish Government and it is important this is informed by an up-to-date understanding of the views of relevant market sectors.  This information will also be important for the development of the approach to procuring and constructing both the A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) project and the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton project.

“My officials are keen to hear from as many relevant organisations as possible to keep our understanding of their views as detailed and as fresh as possible.”

The market sectors that Transport Scotland is seeking views from are:

1. Construction contractors with an interest in delivery of construction works procured using an NEC4-based Design and Build contract;
2. Construction contractors with an interest in delivery of construction works procured using a MIM form of DBFO (private finance) contract;
3. Operation and maintenance contractors with an interest in delivery of operation and maintenance services procured using the MIM form of DBFO contract;
4. Senior Debt Lenders with an interest in participating in the senior financing of contracts procured using the MIM form of DBFO contract;
5. Equity Investors with an interest in forming and subscribing equity, alongside a minority public sector shareholding, to a special purpose vehicle established to hold a contract procured using the MIM form of DBFO contract.

Organisations that wish to participate in this market consultation should request an Expression of Interest Pro-forma here between 21 February and 7 March 2025. Organisations that are active in one or more of the relevant market sectors will then be issued an information prospectus together with details of how to complete the online questionnaires for the market sectors of interest. The closing date for submission of questionnaires will be 14 March 2025.

Organisations that complete the online questionnaires will also be provided with the opportunity to book a one-to-one meeting with Transport Scotland and its advisors.