07.08.15
JVs bidding for lucrative HS2 engineering job
There are whispers around the sector that two joint ventures have become the frontrunners to become HS2’s phase one engineering delivery partner (EDP).
HS2 Ltd began pre-qualifying for the 10-year contract, valued at between £250m and £350m, in March. The time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is midday on 9 October.
However, it seems that two joint ventures – one led by Atkins and CH2M, another between Bechtel and Jacobs – have emerged as potential frontrunners. Although no one wants to officially comment, a Bechtel spokesperson told Building that the firm was looking at all options to see how they could “best add value to HS2”, drawing on its experience working on HS1. WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff is also among the bidders.
The Phase 1 EDP would support HS2 Ltd in the management and coordination of engineering and environmental design development between London and Birmingham.