Integrated supply team
'Integrated supply team' is a term used to describe the integration of the complete supply chain involved in the delivery of a project. This may include the main contractor, designers, sub-contractors, suppliers, facilities managers, and so on.
The integrated supply team differs from the term 'integrated project team' as it relates only to the main contractor and their supply chain (designers, sub contractors, suppliers, etc.), whereas the integrated project team includes the client, and a project manager if there is one.
The relationship between the Integrated project team and the supply team is illustrated in OGC guidance as shown below:
[Image ref AE5:The integrated project team: teamworking and partnering P5.]
The integrated supply team is particularly relevant on public projects as the recommended procurement routes proposed by the government are private finance initiative (PFI), prime contracting and design and build with very early appointment of the integrated supply team. Under these routes, the entire supply team (designers, contractors, specialist suppliers and facilities managers) are appointed after the project brief has been prepared, and may involve just one single contract with the entire integrated supply team, not separate contracts with individual companies that make up the supply chain.
This is a model that is increasingly being adopted in the private sector, as clients seek a single point of responsibility for delivery of a project, and also because of the increasing need to involved specialist suppliers and contractors in the design process. The Strategic Forum Integration Toolkit suggests that contracting with a single supply team rather than separate companies is possible for small and occasional clients as well as larger more experienced clients.
NB: The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has now been absorbed into the Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG) within the Cabinet Office. OGC guidance has been archived, however, it is cited in the Government Construction Strategy and the Common Minimum Standards.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adversarial behaviour in the UK construction industry.
- Design and build.
- Collaborative practices.
- Consultancy.
- Consultant team.
- Corporate objectives for procurement.
- Designers.
- Government Construction Strategy.
- Green supply chain management.
- Integrated project delivery (IPD).
- Integrated project insurance.
- Integrated project team.
- Major Projects Authority.
- OGC.
- Prime contract.
- Private finance initiative.
- Public procurement.
- Supplier assessment.
- Supplier selection.
- Supply.
- Supply chain.
- Supply chain management.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.