Framework agreements
Realising ambitions through close collaboration
Framework agreements
Since the inception of the Public Procurement Act in 2012, an increasing number of framework agreements have been concluded between government authorities and contractors. Witteveen+Bos has had a framework agreement for over eight years now with the municipalities of Haarlem and Zandvoort. The notable conclusion: this form of collaboration provides a solid foundation for liveable municipalities.
Witteveen+Bos’s framework agreement with the municipalities of Haarlem and Zandvoort was first concluded in 2017. A second tender process in 2022 saw it extended until 2031 at the latest. The agreement’s scope includes preparations for the major maintenance and redesign of public spaces alongside various development challenges facing the municipalities.
Synergy
The long-term nature of a framework agreement means that the classic client-contractor relationship makes way for a partnership in which depth is created. This reinforces learning capacity, collaboration and synergy at both policy and human levels.
Witteveen+Bos has already completed dozens of projects together with Haarlem and Zandvoort. On each one, focal points related to going green, climate robustness, liveability, sustainability, and green mobility have been incorporated with increasing effectiveness, with experiences on each project contributing to improved results on the next.
Individually, each project contributes to further improving liveability in line with modern insights. Together, they ensure that residents in more and more places in Haarlem and Zandvoort experience a positive impact on their living experience.
Area as opportunity
A good example of this is the redevelopment of Bisschop Bottemanneplein in Haarlem. Begun as a residents’ initiative, it resulted in a green and climate-adaptive meeting place being created around St. Bavo Cathedral. Stone was replaced with green elements that retain rainwater and reduce heat stress.
In another example, the Municipality of Zandvoort had long desired to improve the liveability of its Nieuw Noord district. The location, however, formed a serious challenge: adjacent to Natura 2000-protected dunes and the sea. So the surrounding area was embraced as an opportunity and the decision made to bring the dunes into Nieuw Noord – for example, by introducing plant species present in the dunes and creating cycling and walking links. Another measure on this project involves redesigning the sewer system to allow rainwater from roads and roofs to water the district’s green elements.
Talent development
The projects within this framework agreement are also valuable platforms for talent development, both for government employees and our consultants and engineers. The combination of knowledge, experience and mutual trust provides an excellent environment for people to gain valuable experience and develop their talents. Both Witteveen+Bos, on the one hand, and Haarlem and Zandvoort, on the other, are taking full advantage of this opportunity.
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