• Bid management

We work closely with the construction bid managers to develop a robust FF&E proposal as part of the overall submission. This ensures that the Bid response meets the output specification and that it reflects the aspirations and requirements of the key stakeholders. The bid management also tracks the FF&E budgets.

This is applicable for BSF and PfS.

• Transfer/Inventory Assessment

Our extensive experience in auditing legacy equipment enables us to accurately assess the condition of existing items that can potentially fit for transfer. The main benefit of undertaking such an exercise is to make use of current assets to either reduce the overall budget for new purchases or to reallocate funding for the purchase of new or higher specification equipment in other areas. We also review and recommend what can be reused or recycled.

MTS can provide life cycles and predicted life expectancies of FF&E items.

• Equipment Responsibility Matrix (ERM)

This clearly sets out for each item, the responsibility for costing, specification and life cycle. The provision of advice and allocation of the FF&E to individual parties for responsibility within the project and obtaining relevant sign-off and approval at the required stages of the programme ensures that grey areas like FM, AV and ICT are clearly allocated.

• Equipment Costs and Budgets

For all projects it is essential to have an accurate list of all items to be procured, showing qu ntities and cost as well as a description and location for each item. The team is experienced at developing these Bills of Quantities (BOQs). These also show unit quantity, unit cost, multiple cost and quantity, life cycle and maintenance costs and where appropriate levels of discount likely for procurement. MTS can also provide accurate costings for the provision of installation and commissioning costs associated with the procurement.

• Equipment Specifications

A detailed specification is developed for each equipment component code from our database. These are used for agreeing budgets and for procurement of loose and fixed FF&E items. Photographs and samples are provided in the form of an FF&E catalogue.

• Maintenance & Lifecycles

When developing the budget price for each item in the Bill of Quantities (BOQs), we consider the predicted lifecycle for each item, costs for replacement, and the estimated maintenance costs throughout that lifecycle. We can also advise on deliverables for sustainability.

• Supplier Manufacturer Selection

As an independent company we are able to select the most appropriate manufacturers and suppliers for all items of equipment based on previous experience and up to date market knowledge. We have longstanding relationships with a wide variety of suppliers which enables us to get the best solutions for the end users and also develop new products with suppliers in order to meet each projects specific requirements.

MTS also looks at sustainable and environmental factors, locally produced items and regularly attends trade fairs and manufacturing sites to look at new technologies and products.

• Catalogue Preparation for Bids

Bespoke Catalogues for each PfS or BSF bid can be prepared. This will include visuals, prices dimensions and specification to assist in the selection process. Each Client's format varies.

These items become their benchmark for the future client and further projects. We also use the catalogue for multiple schools in one project to define a level of consistency across the site.

• Procurement Negotiations

During the procurement process, packages of FF+E will be let together where possible, to achieve best value. Economies of scales will be negotiated for best value and discounts achieved will be passed directly to the Client as a cost saving on the FF&E budget.

• Room Layouts and Elevations

A generic room template from our database assists in the development and planning of room layouts. Our designers produce CAD and 3D and elevations (where asked for), to help visualise on a scale of 1:50 to see how the furniture will appear practically and aesthetically within a room environment. As an independent consultancy we can source the best products based on functional requirement, quality, budget, design and sustainability in order to achieve an optimum solution.

• Supplier Tender Management

All supplier's are managed throughout the tendering process to ensure programme, budgets and delivery are achieved.

MTS reviews delivery times and geographical locations of manufacturing and how this might impact on installation.

Supplier and manufacturer dialogue with the suppliers is maintained throughout.

• Installation & Commissioning

Our experienced team have a vast array of expertise in the installation and commissioning of both small and complex schemes, and all the issues that may arise. Careful planning, programming, co-ordination and integration of all interfaces of FF&E are crucial to the successful completion of all projects. MTS is also familiar with Decants and Double Running.

• Post Project Evaluation & Review

Once a project is completed it is necessary to undertake a post project review and 'lessons learnt' analysis to ensure that all objectives have been met and any key issues that could be taken forward for future schemes have been identified.