Services required under the framework are expected to include surveying and testing for asbestos, as well as the provision of associated reports, across a variety of property types in the North West of England and surrounding areas as appropriate to meet the needs of First Ark.

Services required under the framework are expected to include surveying and testing for asbestos, as well as the provision of associated reports, across a variety of property types in the North West and surrounding areas as appropriate to meet the needs of First Ark. From time to time, successful contractors may also be required to conduct quality assurance assessments on work conducted by other framework contractors.

The initial estimated annual value of the framework is 120 000 GBP excluding VAT based upon historical expenditure, however, this is an estimate only. It is likely that the volume of work required by KHT under the framework will increase for subsequent years of the framework, so annual expenditure could increase by up to 50 % per annum over the framework duration.

Please see the tender documents for full service requirements.

This procurement exercise is being led by Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) for itself and on behalf of the other members of the First Ark Group and references in this document to KHT/First Ark/the Group should be construed accordingly.

The framework will be available to the following, such that each of the following will be entitled to purchase goods/services from the successful supplier at the discretion of First Ark Group:

— First Ark Group and all subsidiary undertakings of First Ark both current and future,

— all parts of any current or future group structure of which First Ark is, or may become, a part,

— any joint venture entities (whether companies, limited liability partnerships or otherwise) in which any member of first ark participates from time to time (whether as a shareholder, member or otherwise), and are permitted by First Ark to make particular purchases from the service provider from time to time.