Rijkswaterstaat and market parties start collaboration on new framework agreements

On 30 September, Rijkswaterstaat and the contracted market parties will jointly celebrate the start of a new phase in their collaboration. Over the next four to six years, these parties will work together under the new Framework Cooperation Agreements (SROKs) for Engineering Services and Project and Process Management. These agreements are of great importance for successfully carrying out Rijkswaterstaat’s major renewal program.

Working together on a future-proof asset portfolio

With these new cooperation agreements, we are taking an important step towards predictable project execution, sustainable collaboration with the market, and strengthening the quality of infrastructure projects. In the coming years, 53 engineering firms will support Rijkswaterstaat with their knowledge and expertise in developing plans, assessing solution directions, and providing specialist advice. An additional 36 consultancy firms will contribute their expertise in project management, system-oriented contract management, and integrated safety.

“Rijkswaterstaat has asked all parties to contribute, through a Quality Plan, to sector-wide knowledge sharing and training. This brings a fresh breeze to a traditional sector and stimulates development and innovation. This not only supports the timely delivery of the Renewal Program, but also gives civil engineers a perspective to remain in the profession, and young talent a reason to choose it. There is still so much to experience and learn in our sector!” Jan Putteman, Director SBE Nederland BV

Capacity and knowledge

In the coming years, more work will need to be done with the same number of people. Now more than ever, it is crucial to make optimal use of scarce capacity and specialist knowledge.

“Through intensive collaboration and joint investments in knowledge and expertise, the sector can meet this major challenge. The longer duration of the new agreements provides calm and stability, both for the market and for Rijkswaterstaat, and increases the room to learn and innovate structurally.” Martin Wijnen, Director-General of Rijkswaterstaat.

Investing together in knowledge and expertise

In the tendering of the SROKs, market parties have included many valuable proposals in their plans, focused on quality, continuity, and knowledge development. Both Rijkswaterstaat and the market see it as a shared responsibility to invest in retaining and further developing the necessary knowledge and specialist expertise. Only in this way can Rijkswaterstaat and the market meet the challenges of the coming years. Since the start of the previous SROKs, the GWW Services Collaboration Platform has supported this by facilitating the development and sharing of knowledge.

“We are proud that Haskoning is once again part of Rijkswaterstaat’s SROKs. This allows us to apply our broad expertise to the major challenges Rijkswaterstaat faces. As the engineering firm with the most engineers in the Netherlands, we bring knowledge together, promote knowledge sharing, and work efficiently and task-oriented; this collaboration in the chain carries great responsibility. Together we continue to build a safe, sustainable, and future-proof Netherlands.” Ir. Niek Joustra, Director Business Unit Infrastructure at Haskoning.

Ultimately, we do this for the Netherlands; well-maintained infrastructure gives us freedom of movement and is crucial for work, study, trade, holidays, visiting family, and supplying our stores and hospitals. By strengthening it now, we ensure a strong country that can keep moving smoothly and safely. These cooperation agreements help achieve that.

This text can be used as an official press release – publication 1/10/25

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