Rijkswaterstaat launched a European tender for the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Eastern and Central Netherlands project. The contract covers the implementation of WFD measures in areas including the IJssel and Nederrijn-Lek rivers under an area-based framework agreement. Through individual contracts (UAV-GC 2005) for design and construction, measures such as side channels, former river channels, nature-friendly riverbanks and floodplain lowering will be implemented. The contract was awarded on the basis of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender with the best price-quality ratio (BPKV), including a limit on the number of lots awarded: a contractor could be awarded a maximum of two lots, with the optimal price-quality ratio across the overall programme as the guiding principle.
For lots A, B and C, submissions were assessed on ‘Timely Delivery’ and ‘Ecology’, supplemented by the performance criterion ‘CO₂ ambition level’. Tenderers were required to submit a realistic plan of approach, supported by SMART objectives, for ensuring timely delivery and safeguarding and improving the final ecological conditions. The plans for each lot were limited to a maximum of three A4 pages per criterion.
The strength of Flux Partners
We chose the approach that best aligned with Rijkswaterstaat’s needs. This resulted in a ‘governing approach’, in which planning and organisation were optimised to ensure controlled and timely delivery across the lots. This allowed us to explicitly demonstrate control and feasibility, even under the maximum scenario.
Drawing on our experience with Rijkswaterstaat, we critically assessed each measure against the tender requirements. We created focus within the limited writing space and combined the input of three parties into one consistent strategy that clearly reflected the strengths of each party.
The plan achieved the maximum score: 3 out of 3 for quality. The consortium provided the technical expertise and practical delivery knowledge, while we ensured focus, consistency and alignment with the BPKV criteria. The key lesson: making clear choices and maintaining focus results in a convincing and realistic plan.
Image source: Rijkswaterstaat
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