Article Abstract:
The controversy surrounding the construction of the 254 million pounds sterling Ministry of Defence office complex in Bristol, UK, the first block of which is due to be handed over soon, highlights the problems with government procurement practices which may soon be encountered by Sir Peter Levene, the prime minister's efficiency adviser. Both contractor Mowlem and the client's team have pointed out that the delays which arose during the construction period were mainly due to the Ministry of Defence's inflexible procurement system, under which two teams of consultants were working on the same designs.
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Article Abstract:
Project management concern Symonds has been removed by the UK Ministry of Defence from a project involving the construction of a chemical and biological defence research facility at Porton Down, England. Project management work will now be the responsibility of client Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA). Both Symonds and DERA have emphasized that the project has turned out to be much more complicated than had initially been anticipated. DERA felt that the project could be managed more effectively in-house.
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Article Abstract:
The UK government inquiry into government construction procurement, headed by Sir Peter Levene, will probably recommend shorter tender lists and the use of partnering to reduce costs. The inquiry's report is likely to look at ways in which the public sector can learn from private sector clients, and may also suggest improve training for civil servants commissioning buildings.
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