NORWEGIAN infrastructure manager Bane Nor has agreed three framework contracts with 23 suppliers for infrastructure work across the country’s 4067km railway network. The combined value of the three contracts is NKr 2.80bn ($US 320.6m).

This is the first time Bane Nor has entered into agreements of this type across Norway at the same time. The three parallel framework agreements cover the north, southwest and east railway areas and will last for eight years, with options. Bane Nor says this offers predictability and sustainability for the industry.

“We are focusing entirely on our strategy to develop cooperation with local, regional and national suppliers, so that they can take ever larger and more complicated assignments on the railway," says Mr Fredrik Kirsebom, Bane Nor senior vice president for operations procurement.

The agreements cover construction and maintenance work in all divisions of Bane Nor. Tasks include groundwork, concrete and casting work, bridge and tunnel work, construction of guide roads, preparatory works and mountain protection.

The tendering process took place over five months. Bane Nor says the total price is weighted by 70% while the quality and implementation of works is weighted by 30%. The parallel framework agreements were limited to eight suppliers per stretch and geographical area.

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