SEC Procurement Limited T/A South East Consortium has launched its Capital Works Framework, a high-value public sector procurement vehicle for planned capital works across housing and property assets. The framework has an estimated total value of £300 million including VAT and covers a wide range of workstreams including Kitchens & Bathrooms, Windows & Doors, Roofing, Electrical, and Cyclical Decorations.
The framework is divided into 8 lots, with Lots 6 to 8 covering multi-disciplinary works that may incorporate several work elements within a single project. For contractors and property specialists considering whether to bid, the lot structure makes this a framework worth reviewing closely. If you are assessing fit, contact Thornton & Lowe for a practical review of your eligibility and bid approach.
What the Capital Works Framework covers
This is a framework for planned works rather than a single specialist category. The notice covers the following lots:
- Lot 1: Kitchens & Bathrooms - works with an annual value of up to £2,000,000
- Lot 2: Windows & Doors - works with an annual value of up to £3,000,000
- Lot 3: Roofing - works with an annual value of up to £3,000,000
- Lot 4: Electrical - works with an annual value of up to £2,000,000
- Lot 5: Cyclical Decorations - works with an annual value of up to £2,000,000
- Lot 6: Multi Disciplinary - works with an annual value of up to £749,999
- Lot 7: Multi Disciplinary - works with an annual value between £750,000 and £1,999,999
- Lot 8: Multi Disciplinary - works with an annual value over £2m
That structure creates two obvious routes in. Specialist contractors can focus on their strongest technical lot, while larger or more integrated providers can target the multi-disciplinary lots where projects combine multiple workstreams.
Why this framework matters
The framework is designed for use by all publicly funded organisations, not just SEC members. That makes it broader in practical reach than a closed consortium vehicle and potentially relevant for contractors looking to build public sector pipeline across different client types.
The estimated contract dates run from 1 October 2027 to 30 September 2029, with a possible extension to 1 October 2031. For suppliers with the right operational capacity, that creates a longer-term route to market for planned works delivery.
Framework operation and commercial points
The notice includes several commercial details that bidders should weigh up early.
- Maximum number of suppliers: 85
- Maximum supplier fee: 2%
- Call-off routes: Direct Selection or Mini Tender
- Award method: Either with or without competition
These details matter because they shape both the likely level of competition and the value of securing a place on the framework in the first place.
What suppliers should focus on before bidding
Before committing bid resource, contractors should look carefully at the lot structure, their project experience, and how well their delivery model aligns with the framework’s requirements.
- Lot strategy - decide whether to pursue a specialist lot, a multi-disciplinary lot, or both.
- Technical evidence - show relevant experience in the workstreams you are targeting, supported by clear delivery examples.
- Compliance and quality systems - the framework is explicit about technical, compliance and delivery requirements across the covered works.
- Resourcing and scale - be ready to demonstrate capacity for the project size bands relevant to your chosen lots.
- Public sector readiness - evidence governance, reporting, health and safety, and contract management arrangements suited to publicly funded clients.
Evaluation and bid strategy
The notice states an overall weighting of 70% quality and 30% cost. The procurement is being run under a competitive flexible procedure with the following stages:
- Stage 1: PSQ
- Stage 2: Quality, with cost submitted at the same time
- Stage 3: Cost
That means suppliers should expect quality to carry the greater weight, but should still prepare a commercially credible pricing position from the outset. A strong bid is likely to combine relevant technical case studies, robust compliance evidence and a clear explanation of how projects will be delivered efficiently.
Quick facts
- Framework: Capital Works Framework
- Buyer: SEC Procurement Limited T/A South East Consortium
- Total value: £300,000,000 including VAT
- Number of lots: 8
- Main procurement category: Works
- Contract locations: UK
- Framework term: 1 October 2027 to 30 September 2029
- Possible extension: to 1 October 2031
- Full details: published notice
Key dates
- Enquiry deadline: 15 May 2026 at 12:00pm
- Tender submission deadline: 26 May 2026 at 12:00pm
- Estimated award decision date: 20 July 2027
To improve your chances of success, review the framework documents carefully, target the lots that best match your actual delivery capability, and make sure your bid evidence is specific to the workstreams and value bands you are pursuing.
Ready to take the next step?
Thornton & Lowe supports contractors with framework reviews, lot strategy, bid writing and submission improvement. Get in touch with our expert team for a confidential review of your eligibility and bid approach.
