On September 30, 2025, Rijkswaterstaat and the contracted market parties celebrated the start of a new phase in their cooperation.
For the next four to six years, these parties will work together under the new Cooperation Framework Agreements for Engineering Services and Project and Process Management (SROK’s). These agreements are crucial for successfully executing Rijkswaterstaats extensive renewal tasks.
Working Together for a Future-Proof Infrastructure
With these new cooperation agreements, we are taking an important step towards predictable project realization, sustainable collaboration with the market, and enhancing the quality of infrastructure projects. In the coming years, 53 engineering firms will support Rijkswaterstaat with their knowledge and expertise in developing plans, weighing solutions, and providing specialized advice. 36 consulting firms will complement this with their expertise in project management, systems-oriented contract management, and integrated safety.
‘Rijkswaterstaat has asked all parties to contribute to a Quality Plan focused on sector-wide knowledge sharing and training. This brings a fresh perspective to a traditional sector and stimulates development and innovation. This not only promotes the timely realization of the Renewal Task but also provides civil engineers with a perspective to stay in the profession and young talent with a perspective to choose this profession. There is still much to experience and learn in our sector!’ Jan Putteman – Director SBE Nederland BV.
Capacity and Knowledge
In the coming years, more work must be done with the same number of people. Now, it is crucial to optimally utilize scarce capacity and specialized knowledge.
‘Through intensive collaboration and joint investments in knowledge and expertise, the sector can meet this significant challenge. The longer duration of the new agreements provides stability for both the market and Rijkswaterstaat and increases the opportunity for continuous learning and innovation.’
Martin Wijnen, Director General Rijkswaterstaat
Investing Together in Knowledge and Expertise
The market parties have included many valuable proposals in their plans during the SROK tender, focused on quality, continuity, and knowledge development. Both Rijkswaterstaat and the market see it as a joint responsibility to invest in maintaining and further developing the necessary knowledge and specialized expertise. Only in this way can Rijkswaterstaat and the market tackle the challenges of the coming years. The Cooperation Platform Services GWW has supported this since the start of the previous SROK’s by developing and facilitating knowledge sharing.
We are proud to be part of Rijkswaterstaats SROKs again. This allows us to deploy our broad expertise for the significant tasks Rijkswaterstaat faces. As an engineering firm with the most engineers in the Netherlands, we bring knowledge together and promote knowledge sharing and efficient, task-oriented work; this collaboration in the chain comes with 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 it for the Netherlands; a well-maintained infrastructure gives us freedom of movement and is crucial for work, study, trade, vacation, family visits, and supplying our stores and hospitals. By strengthening it now, we are a strong country that can move quickly and safely. This cooperation agreement helps with that.
