Olympic Delivery Authority launches eTendering website for up to 2,000 contracts

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today launched an online eTendering and planning package to help companies compete for up to 2,000 contracts throughout the delivery of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. It is the first time eTendering has been used on a procurement programme of this nature. The ODA is also breaking new ground by enabling main venue contractors to advertise supply chain contracts through the site.

From today companies can look ahead at large-scale and direct contracts the ODA intends to sign at the new 'Future Opportunities' section of the London 2012 website. They can then tender for them online when the procurement process begins and the contracts go live on the ODA’s eTendering website https://etenders.london2012.com. A further service will be launched this spring to support businesses, particularly small and medium sized, to access further opportunities to supply and subcontract to the ODA and the London 2012 Organising Committe's main contractors and their supply chain.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said:

"The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games can be a showcase for world class business as well as sporting performance. We want to ensure businesses can see the opportunities in advance so they can prepare to bid. We also want to make the contracting process straightforward, consistent and simple."

Welcoming the services launched today Industry Minister Margaret Hodge said:

"The Games offers UK business a golden opportunity to showcase their world class goods and services. The package launched today will give businesses the practical information they need to seize these opportunities."

Future opportunities
Dozens of 'Future Opportunities' can be viewed from today at www.london2012.com/futureopportunities giving advance notice of contracts ranging from work designing sports venues and landscaping to providing occupational health services and logistical support to construction projects. The service will enable businesses to identify major 'Tier one' contracts, which are signed directly with the ODA and are likely to be significant in size, ahead of tender competitions. From summer 2007 companies will be able to register to receive an email alert as a particular contract or contract class they are interested in develops or goes live.

eTendering for 'live' opportunities
The eTendering website https://etenders.london2012.com will provide information on current 'Tier one' contract opportunities. Businesses can browse contracts or register to be alerted automatically to all opportunities and submit responses and bids electronically. Tenders for all ODA contracts will now be sent and received through the secure website.

The ODA is breaking new ground in procurement to ensure as much transparency as possible for opportunities throughout the supply chain. Details of the ODA's main contractors will be published on the website, enabling other business to identify potential supplying and sub-contracting work. The ODA will require the main contractors of each of the major Games venues to set up microsites through which they will be able to advertise opportunities they intend to sub-contract, in addition to their existing supply chains. These will go live in the coming months.

A service is being launched that will provide businesses, in particular small and medium size enterprises, with access to supply chain opportunities and business support services that will enable them to get ready to supply. This will be launched in the Spring 2007.

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. The 'Future Opportunities' website flags up contracts the ODA intends to procure over the next 18 months to enable potential bidders to plan in advance. Visitors to www.london2012.com/futureopportunities can register to receive more information on a specific contract as it becomes available.

2. The following are examples of the 'Future Opportunities' published today (Quarter procurement expected to begin in brackets):

• Construction of the Aquatics Centre (Q1 2007 procurement begins)
• Design of the Velopark (Q1 2007 procurement begins)
• Occupational health service to support construction (Mar 2007 procurement begins)
• Sustainability panel (2007 procurement begins)
• Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy construction works (2007 procurement begins)

3. The ODA published its Draft Procurement Policy, including its procurement principles and processes, in July 2006 for consultation and will launch the final policy early this year.


Media Enquiries

Contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on 020 3 2012 700