Kier Graham Defence, Morgan Sindall and VolkerStevin have been appointed to deliver a broad range of building, civil engineering and mechanical / electrical works as part of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) prestigious new £750 million Clyde Commercial Framework (CCF).

To be delivered on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the ten-year programme includes a wide spectrum of project types, typically ranging from £10m - £90m in value; from standalone, new-buildings including accommodation and training facilities, through to complex refurbishments on nuclear infrastructure in high security and operational areas.

The Clyde Commercial Framework supports the DIO’s Commercial strategy that was launched in 2017, and supports the MoD’s £1.3 billion Clyde programme, ensuring personnel responsible for delivering the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) are able to live work and train in safe, state of the art facilities.

Working in partnership, Kier Graham Defence will deliver building, civil engineering and mechanical and electrical works to the main HMNB Clyde at Faslane in Scotland, which is home to the nation’s core Submarine Service.

Independently the two joint venture (JV) organisations have strong track records working across the UK within the defence infrastructure as well as numerous core production facilities for the Ministry of Defence’s clients. As JV partners Kier Graham Defence already has a growing defence portfolio delivering several schemes through the DIO’s Next Generation Estates Contract (NGEC), National and Regional Frameworks.

Brian McQuade, managing director for Kier Construction, Scotland, believes the win reinforces the JV’s position as a key MoD contractor.

He said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed to the DIO’s new Clyde Commercial Framework working in joint venture with Graham. Kier was one of the first companies to sign the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant in 2013, putting it at the heart of its policy, and understanding the importance the construction industry plays in supporting the nation’s defence and security. Together we look forward to providing high quality buildings and infrastructure to HMNB Clyde, which will allow the Ministry of Defence to continue to carry out its vital operations effectively.”

Gary Holmes, Graham managing director, building Scotland, added: “The DIO’s pioneering new approach to this major contract stresses the necessity for collaboration, transparency and trust. Securing our place on the framework in the face of major competitors is testimony to the seamless nature of the Kier Graham Defence partnership. Together we understand the complexities of working within secure environments and this appointment underlines our expertise within the defence sector and builds on our combined success in delivering first-class projects throughout the UK.”

VolkerStevin will advise and deliver cost effective construction services and other infrastructure solutions to enable HMNB Clyde to continue to endure in its new role as the Royal Navy’s Single Integrated Operating Base.

Rob Coupe, managing director at VolkerStevin, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a place on the Clyde Commercial Framework. It continues our long association with the DIO in providing key critical infrastructure solutions and we’re looking forward to working in partnership throughout this framework.”

Morgan Sindall has also been selected for the framework.

The DIO, along with support from a team of procurement specialists including Mott Macdonald and Jacobs, adopted an innovative process to choose the successful suppliers.

Ian Arbuckle, DIO assistant head of commercial services, said: “We are incredibly pleased to launch our new framework for the Clyde. We have successfully selected three reputable industry partners who have demonstrated a commitment to delivering better value for Defence.”

Cdre Mark Gayfer, Naval Base Commander Clyde, added “I am delighted that today we have put in place the framework to deliver the right infrastructure to ensure that we are able to continue to provide high quality support to our submarines and also our sailors and their families for the foreseeable future.”

The Clyde Commercial Framework adheres to the NEC4 model, a unique process for collaboration, fair dealing and project management.