British Business Bank Plc is establishing a multi-year, multi-supplier Engineering Framework for specialist digital and technology services. Despite the title, this is not a civil or mechanical engineering framework. It is a technology transformation framework covering software engineering, AI, service design, DevOps, product design and digital experience support.
The framework has an estimated value of £24.5m excluding VAT, or £29.4m including VAT, over four years. Suppliers can review the Find a Tender notice and tender pack for the full requirements. Thornton & Lowe supports suppliers pursuing IT tenders where technical capability needs to be presented clearly for public sector evaluators.
Framework purpose
The Bank is seeking timely and flexible access to specialist external resource as part of its ongoing technology transformation and digital estate expansion. The framework is intended to supplement internal capacity, reduce delivery risk and accelerate delivery across priority initiatives.
The framework may also be used by the British Business Bank, the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance.
Lot structure
The framework has six lots: Software Engineering and Application Design; AI Suppliers, AI, Automation and Intelligent Systems Design; Service Design; DevOps and Platform Engineering; Product Design and User Interface Design; and Digital Services and Website Estate, described as Digital Experience Platform Support.
Lot 6 is specifically linked to the Bank's external website estate and marketing digital platforms, currently hosted on the Acquia Drupal platform. That should be reflected in any supplier's evidence if bidding for this lot.
Supplier panel and call-offs
Up to four suppliers will be awarded per lot. Further competition is the only call-off option, and the maximum supplier fee is 0%. The framework is suitable for SMEs and VCSEs, which is helpful for specialist digital agencies and niche technology providers.
Because call-offs will be competed, framework entry should not rely on broad marketing language. Bidders should show delivery disciplines, team structure, agile ways of working, assurance, security, accessibility, knowledge transfer and evidence from comparable digital services. Our article on framework maximisation may help suppliers think beyond appointment and plan for future call-offs.
Key dates and evaluation
- Enquiry deadline: 24 June 2026 at 12:00pm
- Tender submission deadline: 1 July 2026 at 12:00pm
- Submission route: Delta eSourcing, access code 7Y34D8JA7V
- Estimated award decision date: 14 September 2026
- Procedure: Competitive flexible procedure involving PSQ, ITP and presentations
- Tender period: Reduced because of urgency
- Award criteria: Generally 65% quality and 35% price across the lots
Bid preparation priorities
Suppliers should prepare concise case studies that show measurable digital outcomes, not just technical activity. Strong evidence may include user-centred design, accessibility, secure engineering, AI governance, DevOps maturity, service reliability, stakeholder collaboration, sprint delivery, Drupal or digital experience platform support, and experience embedding with client teams.
If you're getting ready for this framework, Thornton & Lowe can help you sharpen your lot strategy, quality responses and digital delivery evidence before submission.
