Programmed, Decmil in school deal
They are both sponsors of the Fremantle Dockers and therefore "culturally aligned".
Contracting companies Programmed Maintenance Services and Decmil Group have joined forces to bid for a public-private partnership that will build and maintain eight government schools in Perth.
In a WA first, State Education Minister Peter Collier last month called for expressions of interest for a 25-year, $370 million deal for primary and secondary schools planned for outer suburbs.
The successful bidder will finance, design and build the schools and maintain them for the life of the contract.
"It's quite a unique opportunity," Programmed managing director Chris Sutherland said. "It's like an acquisition."
Decmil would look after the design and construction side of the project, with Programmed maintaining the completed facilities.
Both would have an equal stake in the project, which would require an equity contribution of $25 million plus financing. Mr Sutherland said letters of support for the joint bid had been obtained from three banks.
In addition to revenue from the Education Department, tender documents show companies might also profit from extra services such as day care outside school hours or leasing out sporting facilities.
A decision on the tender is expected by Christmas.
Programmed has similar contracts under way for schools in New Zealand and at Victoria's Ararat Prison.
It is bidding for a Victorian schools project.
Mr Sutherland said PPP projects offered the potential of better margins for contractors.
