First Ark Group sought bids from service providers with extensive experience of the social housing sector to establish a framework of service providers to provide employers agent services for development construction projects. It was anticipated that successful service providers may be instructed in a principle designer or purchasing agent role from time to time and therefore should have competent skills in these areas.

This procurement exercise was led by the Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) for itself and on behalf of the other members of the First Ark Group.

The framework is required to support an anticipated development programme of 400 units per year over the 4 years. Of which approximately 40 % will be section 106 agreements. Services are expected to be required in the following boroughs: Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Cheshire West, Cheshire East, Wigan, Halton, Warrington and West Lancashire. However services may also be required throughout North West England and surrounding areas as appropriate to meet the operational needs of the business.

KHT reserves the right to change the volume of work or amend the required services, during the life of the framework. Therefore no guarantees are given, nor are implied as to the value or quantity of business that will be placed with the successful service providers.