CASE STUDY: WSP

SPaTS2 Framework  

Client: National Highways 

Partners: We have a total active consortium of 70 suppliers: SMEs – 27; Micro – 13; Sole Trader – 9; Academic – 5; Large – 16. 

Services provided: Under a Framework agreement, WSP provides technical consultancy, engineering advice, research and innovation for roads, vehicles, highway infrastructure and operations. Scope also includes post implementation evaluation of schemes, projects, policies and programmes after implementation.  

Framework Overview 

WSP is the contract lead for this research and innovation framework, the scope of services for which covers 26 key requirement areas, including technical leadership, standards development, structures, business case evaluation, tunnels, environmental assessments and transport engineering.  

In order to deliver the broad scope of the framework requirements, we have assembled a wide supply chain consisting of large organisations, SMEs and academic partners. To date, we have engaged a significant number of subcontractors on Work Orders from our Supplier Group, with 70 suppliers actively working on the framework. We have been awarded 130+ tasks, receiving subcontractor input on more than 40% of them. In total, we have been awarded more than £60M, with 25% being delivered by subcontractors.  

It is a zero-value framework, with tasks being awarded on a discrete basis, under NEC4 PSC terms, either via a secondary competition or via Direct Award based on competency and value that we can collectively bring to market.  

SME and Partnership Working  

To enable successful collaboration across the framework, we have established a ‘Collaboration Hub’, on which we share a suite of resources and processes that facilitate meaningful and productive engagement across our entire supplier group. The Hub, accessible to all supplier group members, contains information and resources at Framework level (e.g. Policies, Procedures, Innovations) and individual scope item level (scope specific documents, scope working area), National Highways publications and other useful information.  

All framework level communications are channelled through the Hub, with the Framework Management Team providing a responsive and proactive approach to engagement across the users of the framework. There is a strong emphasis on continuous improvement throughout the framework operation, both for improving framework operation and sharing of best practice. The Framework Management Team employ a collaborative and open approach to the framework, sharing and coordinating opportunities with all 70 partners to ensure that the client obtains the ‘best person for the job’.  

In addition, we hold monthly supplier surgeries – 37 held since April 2021 – allowing suppliers to update on news, information and ask questions and make connections. We also facilitate annual Supplier Days where H&S is promoted, capability shared and feedback on performance is obtained to drive continuous improvement across the supplier group.