Dike reinforcement projects like these almost always have to be tendered. Suppose you, as a construction company, participate in such a tender, how do you ensure you win it?
As a construction company, there are all sorts of elements that fall within your expertise, such as the actual construction process. In addition, a tender process for dike reinforcement also contains all sorts of elements that not every construction company can do themselves. Think, for example, of the technical design, but also permits and regulations. Another element that is becoming increasingly important is stakeholder management in the participation process.
Involving and informing stakeholders is a crucial aspect of dike reinforcement operations. Stakeholders can include local communities, farmers, businesses, and environmental groups. Creating open communication channels, holding informative meetings, and addressing any concerns contribute to the project's success. Informing stakeholders is part of the Environmental Act (Omgevingswet). Although the act has been postponed several times, the working method associated with it is already part of the process for most government bodies. Moreover, many civil servants consider informing stakeholders very important.
At The Imagineers, we often get the question of when it's best to start informing stakeholders. Our answer is simple: as soon as possible. Dike reinforcement projects like these often consist of a planning phase and an implementation phase. Both phases typically last several years. In both phases, transparent communication is of great importance. This certainly costs more time initially, but we are convinced that it will actually save you time in the long run. Especially once you are in the implementation phase, you don't want the project to be delayed. And our experience shows that too many construction projects are still delayed because stakeholders were informed incorrectly or too late.
To win the tender, it's therefore important that you look for partners. Partners who can help you with the part where your expertise doesn't lie, and take that part off your hands. Preferably, you look for partners who can collaborate with each other. If you have multiple partners or tools that, in practice, don't communicate well or at all with each other, it will cost you a lot of time. Relief is the keyword.
By indicating in the tender which tools and partners you work with, the decision-maker can turn it to your advantage. The fact that certain crucial elements are guaranteed anyway gives the tendering party the feeling that the project is in good hands with you.
At The Imagineers, we have contributed to various dike reinforcement projects. Want to know more? Read our success stories of Dike Reinforcement Marken and Dike Reinforcement Noorderzijlvest.