Project Update see below
Project Overview
Building the Education Revolution (BER) is a $14.7 billion national investment from the Commonwealth to improve the quality of facilities in Australian schools. The Commonwealth aims to build learning environments to help children, families and communities participate in activities that will support achievement, develop learning potential and bring communities together. It is a very welcome addition to the funding already provided by the NSW Government towards building and maintaining the State’s schools.
The BER comprises three programs:
- Primary Schools for the 21st Century
- National School Pride
- Science and Language Centres for 21st Century Secondary Schools.
All of the work to be funded by the Commonwealth will be extra activity. The State Government will continue with its existing school building and maintenance program. This includes the $2 billion Building Better Schools initiative and the $150 million set aside in the 2008/09 mini-budget for the Principals' Priority Building Program.
Role of Industry Capability Network (NSW) Ltd
Industry Capability Network (NSW) Ltd is an independent not for profit organisation and part of a national network of independent industry consultancies, which are managed by industry and sponsored by state governments. ICN exists to achieve beneficial outcomes for local industry (Australian and NZ) and the local economy.
The Industry Capability Network (NSW) Ltd has been engaged by the NSW Department of Education to assist with the delivery of the Building the Education Revolution projects by identifying capacity in the regions and to ensure these local and regional companies are given full, fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in the BER projects. Expected outcomes of ICN’s activities include reduced whole life of project costs, reduced lead times and maximisation of the economic benefit to the regions.
The Industry Capability Network (NSW) Ltd has consultants located in each of the regions nominated in NSW who act as representatives of local industry. Their specialist knowledge of their region and the local capacity will serve to benefit local industry and the BER projects.
Registration with ICN
The NSW Department of Education via the Industry Capability Network, seeks web based expressions of interest from companies within but not limited to the following categories of the Australian building and construction industry:
- Architects and Building Designers
- Building and facility maintenance contractors
- Building Surveyors
- Quantity Surveyors
- Civil Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Material and equipment suppliers
The department is especially interested in seeking registrations from smaller regional builders and contractors even though they may not hold any form of pre – qualification with the department.
By clicking Register for NSW BER Opportunities link (top left) you will be given the opportunity to register your company details. It is important to select the region(s) you are capable of servicing. It is also necessary to select the service or commodity you provide.
This information will assist in identifying local capacity of suppliers of goods and services to support the Building the Education Revolution (BER) program.
Important Note: The fact that you have expressed an interest is not a guarantee of work. It will identify who is available in a specific region and requests to provide a quotation or to tender may then occur. Those registered may then be called on by the Managing Contractor in each region to bid for work stemming from this project.
If you are interested in registering your products, services and capabilities with the ICN Network please complete the registration form and select submit. The data will be stored in the Industry Capability Showcase (ICS) and used in confidence only by ICN consultants throughout Australia and New Zealand when seeking competitive Australian made products and services for local projects, for import replacement and for export.
Project Update
Housing NSW through ICN are encouraging Australian Industry to participate in the stimulus projects by offering an opportunity to Asset Suppliers and Manufacturers to submit a product assessment application to assess their Asset products. Suppliers of products which meet relevant standards, warranty periods (as designated by Housing), which are competitive in price and performance and where possible are manufactured in Australia are welcome to apply.
Suitable products which pass assessment by Housing NSW are registered with Housing NSW on the “Deemed to Comply Registry”. This registry is a constant source of reference by Housing and its providers.
The registry is made readily accessible to architects and planners, builders and tradespersons, maintenance contractors and the like for specification and procurement activities. Products listed would see opportunity to supply into projects from maintenance, upgrades and renovations to new construction projects.
A registration form is available by contacting ICN, or Housing NSW. Registrations are reviewed by Housing and on approval are added to the “Deemed to Comply Registry”. Registration is free of charge.