AFM will look after maintenance at 13 prime States of Guernsey properties after securing two States contracts through competitive tendering processes.
Over the next three years, AFM will maintain 12 properties that come under the remit of Property Services, as well as Employment and Social Services’ Edward T. Wheadon House.
‘It’s particularly pleasing that the success of AFM’s tenders were based on our experience, professionalism and ability to deliver. A tendering process always allows us to look inwardly at what we are doing well and it’s a huge boost to everyone within the company to have confirmation that we are doing things right,’ said Ben Le Huray, AFM’s commercial director.
‘We were not only assessed on our performance across a range of specialisms, but also on our value within the local community. We subcontract certain specialist activity to other States approved local contractors, which helps the industry as a whole. The States departments also looked at our corporate social responsibility programme, which is thriving.’
Property Services’ sites include Sir Charles Frossard House, the Police Station, Fire Station, Royal Court, St James, Lukis Island Museum, Vehicle Registration and Licensing Department, Les Vardes House, Raymond Falla House, Baubigny Arsenal Store, Guernsey Tourism Information Centre and the Town Markets.
Of particular benefit to the States departments will be the introduction of a web-based client portal, which enables their management teams to have a real-time view of works being carried out.
The Employment and Social Security site is a complex site in terms of activity and equipment, consolidating the delivery to one contractor enables efficiencies to be made and the planned maintenance activity will help to prolong the life of the equipment within Edward T Wheadon House.
‘The portal allows our clients to access AFM’s system, giving them live information on the contract and any jobs and maintenance being done for them,’ said Mr Le Huray.
A spokesman for States Property Services added: ‘This service will provide much greater operational efficiencies over the previous contract and give added benefits via our portal systems. The tender was secured following the States Tender process where companies were scored on price and quality.
‘Contracting out of these services provides Property Services with the ability to oversee the management of the programmed works via a small management team without the need to employ their own tradespersons. Access to AFM’s web portal allows Property Services to view the status of planned maintenance and reactive tasks in real time.’