Soft Market Test - BIM Software and Specialist Training Service

<p>We would like to take the opportunity to do some `soft market testing&rsquo; as outlined below, to determine current interest levels in the market. Since 2011 there has been a focus on key estate holding central government departments and ministries to embedding building information modelling (BIM) into their project procurement and delivery processes, with this becoming mandated from April 2016 onwards for all central government departments. Local Authorities are not included in the mandate; however, given their significant estate-holding and management, they are potentially well positioned to benefit from its implementation. BIM is about data modelling and collaborative, standardised information management and return on investment can be short if deployed proportionately and therefore can be considered an invest-to save opportunity. The UK BIM Framework is the overarching approach to implementing BIM in the UK, using the framework for managing information provided by the ISO 19650 series. Stockport Council&rsquo;s, Capital Delivery / Highway &amp; Transportation Services have utilised relatively short-term contracts for the provision of software and specialist training to provide them with highway design support over the last decade. We now want to move towards a more sophisticated use of BIM that features collaborative working and sharing of digital project information. Project teams (designers, builders, fabricators etc.) to use their chosen software tools to produce digital 3D models and supporting project data with collaboration is achieved by the exchange of graphical and nongraphical information between the different parties on the project team to create a federated model. The Services would like to explore best practice in terms of working within a long-term collaborative delivery environment. We want to develop the service to maximise learning outcomes for staff and improve delivery of information to and from other key stakeholders (Clients/Consultants/Contractors). The Soft Market Test is intended to allow interested organisations with relevant experience to outline their views and provide information with no commitment to themselves or Stockport Council. Interested suppliers are required to complete the attached company information form and a short questionnaire (at appendix 1). The questionnaire should be returned via The Chest by 12 noon on Tuesday 31st May 2022.</p>