On 9 July 2020, the Office of Government Procurement
("OGP") published its 'Covid Co-operation Framework
Agreement' ("Framework Agreement").
The purpose of the optional Framework Agreement is to manage the
cost and time impacts of the implementation of measures on
construction sites required under the Return to Work Safely
Protocol ("Protocol"). The Protocol provides the
operative guidance for the introduction of measures necessary in
the workplace, including construction sites, to reduce the risk of
spreading Covid19.
Issuing of the Framework Agreement followed a guidance note from
the OGP on the same topic dated 24 June 2020, and the Framework
Agreement now includes template documentation as well as further
guidance. As clarity has been sought for some time from those
involved in public works contracts on the implications of
introducing the measures included in the Protocol, the publishing
of the Framework Agreement is to be welcomed. That said, the
position
