Recommendation 36

The Department told us that it is concerned about the health and capacity of the market and sees a lack of supplier appetite to bid for the main construction contracts as a significant risk.65 It said that it has done some market engagement work including issuing an information notice to the market and had undertaken a survey of suppliers resulting in a database of potentially interested suppliers. It has also had consultancy support to understand the capacity of the market and the pipeline for these type of complex construction projects. The Department felt that it had done quite a lot of market engagement, but recognised there was more to do.66 The Department confirmed that it is still working on the commercial strategy for the Weybridge redevelopment programme, but aims to complete it shortly.67 63 Qq 42–43 64 Q 43 65 Q 75; C&AG’s Report, paragraph 3.18 66 Qq 74–75 67 Q 42 Redevelopment of Defra’s animal health infrastructure 19