Start of collaboration on new framework agreements for engineering services and project and process management

On 30 September, Rijkswaterstaat and the contracted market parties jointly celebrated the start of a new phase in their collaboration. Over the next four to six years, these parties will work together under the new Cooperation Framework Agreements (SROKs) for Engineering Services and Project & Process Management. These agreements are of great importance in successfully delivering Rijkswaterstaat’s major renewal programme. 

Working together towards a future-proof infrastructure 

With these new framework agreements, we are taking an important step towards predictable project delivery, sustainable cooperation with the market, and strengthening the quality of infrastructure projects. In the coming years, 53 engineering consultancies will support Rijkswaterstaat with their knowledge and expertise in developing plans, weighing up potential solutions, and providing specialist advice. A further 36 consultancies will contribute their expertise in project management, systems-based contract management, and integrated safety. 

'SOCOTEC is honoured to have been selected as one of the partners in the new Cooperation Framework Agreements with Rijkswaterstaat. Our 500 experienced experts in the Netherlands will fully dedicate their knowledge and technical expertise to supporting the renewal of the country’s critical infrastructure. This long-term cooperation fits perfectly with our mission to safeguard the safety, sustainability, and resilience of Dutch infrastructure. Together, we are building a safer and more sustainable future for the Netherlands.'

Arnaud De Pracomtal, CEO SOCOTEC Netherlands 

Capacity and expertise 

In the coming years, more work will need to be carried out with the same number of people. It is therefore essential to make optimal use of scarce capacity and specialist knowledge. 

'Through intensive cooperation and joint investment in knowledge and expertise, the sector can rise to this major challenge. The longer duration of the new agreements provides calm and stability for both the market and Rijkswaterstaat, while creating greater scope for structural learning and innovation.'

Martin Wijnen, Director-General Rijkswaterstaat 

Joint investment in knowledge and expertise 

During the tendering process for the SROKs, market parties included many valuable proposals in their plans, focused on quality, continuity, and knowledge development. Both Rijkswaterstaat and the market view it as a shared responsibility to invest in preserving and further developing the necessary knowledge and specialist expertise. Only in this way will Rijkswaterstaat and the market remain capable of meeting the challenges of the years ahead. Since the launch of the previous SROKs, the Services GWW Cooperation Platform has been supporting this by facilitating the development and sharing of knowledge. 

Ultimately, we do this for the Netherlands; well-maintained infrastructure provides us with freedom of movement and is essential for work, study, trade, leisure, family visits, and the supply of our shops and hospitals. By strengthening it now, we ensure a resilient country that can continue to move safely and efficiently. These cooperation agreements make an important contribution to this goal.