Contract Award Notice Independent review into 2DP fire and structural safety

1. The Education Estates Directorate (EED) within the Department for Education (DfE) continually review the standards and assurance processes used to deliver school and college buildings through our capital delivery programmes.

2. 2D panelised construction is a type of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). MMC is a broad term used for innovative technologies and practices to improve speed, efficiency and sustainability in construction. In 2019, MHCLG developed a definition framework for MMC. In summary: - Category 1 - Volumetric Modular - 3D Primary Structural Systems - Category 2 - Panelised Modular - 2D Primary Structural Systems - Category 3 to 7 - Other manufacturing process (including 3D printing, digital systems and non-structural components).

3. This contract will support a wider review to see where improvements can be made to the department's current approach to delivering buildings using load-bearing 2D panelised construction. This will ensure we continue to deliver buildings that provide an excellent learning environment.

4. The successful Supplier, as set out in this notice, shall provide the department with strategic technical advice on fire safety and structural engineering considerations for the delivery of buildings using 2D panelised construction. The advice shall be based on findings and evidence from a review of existing education projects constructed using 2D panels. Suppliers shall undertake a desk review, site visits and stakeholder workshops (with manufacturers, suppliers, delivery colleagues). The Supplier shall also draw on their wider experience and expertise of this construction type across other sectors (including residential, commercial, healthcare and the wider public sector) when providing this technical advice.