The framework award is based on a ranked allocation with Groundforce being ranked first of the two suppliers, meaning that all core requirements will be offered to Groundforce in the first instance. Competition between the second supplier can only take place for non-core and specialist projects.

The award, which is due to start on July 1st, has an initial four-year contract period, followed by a potential four one-year extension options. Groundforce is delighted to be continuing the relationship with Scottish Water, which first commenced in this format in 2013. During that time, Groundforce has delivered equipment for multiple projects including Shieldhall Strategic Tunnel (pictured) and the Kincardine Flood Reduction Scheme.

Paul Donovan, managing director of Groundforce, said: “We have an implementation plan ready to ensure that we exceed our contractual obligations, which includes substantial investment in our people, equipment and our systems and processes.”

He added: “We very much look forward to supporting Scottish Water on the SR21 programme and have confidence in our ability to live up to our reputation of the Supplier of Choice with an enviable reputation of service delivery and a first-class service model that we can all be proud of.”

Groundforce Shorco sales director Stephen Cooper said: “Being awarded this key framework agreement by Scottish Water enables Groundforce to continue to support this major water organisation by providing professional and consistent levels of sales and site support, responsiveness through hire desk and operations, with technical expertise for design work and experienced specialist technical support as required.”