Understand the role of the client in the procurement process

Module Learning Outcomes
The following module learning outcomes and professional body learning outcomes
are tested in this assessment:
• Understand the role of the client in the procurement process
• Recommend the appropriate forms of procurement strategy for different types of
projects
• Critically analyse in the tendering and estimating process from both client and
contractor perspectives and the importance of using tender evaluation
techniques
• Produce and use information for controlling and reporting on costs during design
development and during construction
• Use best practice methods for the selection and appointment of consultants and
contractors
• Evaluate the process of converting an estimate into a tender bid submission
Assessment task and specific terms
Scenario:
The Kingston city authorities are planning on a new-build local government
administrative headquarters to be located in the city centre. This will achieve the
centralisation of all public sector departments and relocation of their staff to a single
location. These departments are currently located in a number of properties of
different types and ages across the city, and the client view is that this arrangement
is no longer suitable for the purposes of modern and efficient administration of
government services. The strategic objectives of the client for the new project are to
achieve Value for Money by rationalising local government service departments in
a high specification modern building that befits a progressive and visionary city. The
project has a budget of £25M and an initial estimate is that around 12500m2 of
accommodation is required, although this is likely to be reviewed as the design
develops.
The client need to have a Strategic Project and quality Procurement Lifecycle for
the project which ensures value and risk studies are integrated in the process. The
project is currently at an early stage of development and the client representative
has commissioned you as an independent PM consultant to advice on the value and
risk studies to be carried out at the following stages.
School of Engineering and the Environment. Coursework Assessment Brief. Page 3 of 4
• Business Development analysis. Your 1st task is to design a value study for a
sustained and ongoing partnership with the clients to achieve the objectives set
out under the “description” heading of this step.
• Options to meet business needs. Confirm project still required. Your 2nd task is
to design a value and risk study to achieve the project objectives. This include
any procurement strategy that you think best suit your client business need.
Prepare a report for the Senior Responsible Owner of the client which details your
approach to these two tasks. The report is expected to address the following
✓ How the studies (the value, risk and procurement strategy) will benefit the client
and project.
✓ Any pre-workshop activity required in preparation for the studies.
✓ Identification of the stakeholders to be invited.
✓ An agenda for how the project is to meet its strategic planning.
✓ You should outline all your assumptions.
Guidelines:
The style of your written essay must be professional and formal.
Communication must be clear, effective and error-free throughout the report. The
following points should also be used as guidance:
• Direct speech including writing in the first, second person (e.g. I, we, you etc.) is
inappropriate for academic reports and must be strictly avoided.
• Short and clear sentences must be preferred in order to avoid slipping into note
form.
• Opinions and ideas must be well-articulated and evidence-based.
• All abbreviations must be explained.
You are expected to refer to the indicative bibliography of the module provided in
the Module Descriptor and any additional bibliographic sources available via iCat as
relevant. In addition, you must undertake your own appropriate further reading and
research in relation to the matters addressed in this coursework brief. Evidence of
independent reading and research will be rewarded. Citations in the main report and
a References list at the end of the report (listing all bibliographic sources cited in the
main report) must be presented and fully comply with the Harvard system.