Understanding Construction Professional Services 2
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is developing a new framework, Construction Professional Services 2 (CPS2), to be the preferred route for the public sector to procure construction professional services. Building on the success of its predecessor, RM6165, it aims for a simpler customer journey, greater flexibility, and alignment with the Construction Playbook.
Key Dates
- Pre-market engagement: May 2024 to January 2025
- Drafting of procurement documentation: April 2025 to June 2025
- Publication of Find a Tender (FTS) notice: End of June 2025
- Framework Award: January 2026
- Go Live: October 2025
Key Differences from the Current Framework (RM6165)
- Simpler terms and conditions
- More flexible call-off options
- Potential for new services and disciplines
- Catered to more diverse organisations. Currently there are only 25 suppliers across 6 lots.
- Focus on growth in other sectors
- Enhanced customer journey
- Policy alignment (PPNS, SV, CNZ)
Construction Professional Services 2 (CPS2)
- Suppliers will need to meet certain minimum requirements, including Cyber Essentials certification, specific insurance levels, and compliance with social value and carbon reduction initiatives.
- The framework will have a four-year term with national geographical coverage.
- Pricing mechanisms will likely involve time charge rate cards and fixed-price options.
- The framework will align with the new Transforming Public Procurement Regulations.
- Annual self-audit and reporting requirements on social value, carbon reduction, and modern slavery.
- It will be a closed framework with a one-stage open procedure.
- Certificates of Past Performance (COPP) will be used for technical capability assessment.
- SMEs are encouraged to participate, and CCS is considering ways to make the framework more accessible to them.
Construction Professional Services 2 Lot Structure and Lots
The proposed lotting structure for CPS2 RM6356, which is still under development and subject to change, is organised into three distinct categories:
Top Level Lots: These represent the broadest classifications within the framework:
- General Infra & Built Environment
- Defence
- International
- Sensitive
- Nuclear
Mid Level Lots: These fall under the "General Infra & Built Environment" category and include:
- Architectural
- Commercial Management
- Project Management
Lower Level Lots: This further delineates the "Flood Risk and Asset Management" area within "General Infra & Built Environment," encompassing:
- Technical Services
- Environmental Services
- Commercial and Programme Management Services
The lot structure promotes competition among suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and high-quality service delivery. It also allows for flexibility in selecting suppliers based on project requirements and geographical location.
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Contact us todayEligibility and Procurement Process
The Construction Professional Services framework is designed for UK public sector organisations. It follows specific procurement regulations and offers a streamlined route to access professional construction services.
Eligible UK Public Sector Bodies
Central government departments, local authorities, NHS trusts, and educational institutions can utilise this framework. Devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also eligible. Police forces, fire and rescue services, and other public bodies funded by the government may access these services.
The framework caters to projects of various scales, from small renovations to large-scale infrastructure developments. To determine eligibility, organisations should consult the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) website or contact their procurement team.
Key Procurement Regulations
The framework adheres to UK public procurement regulations, ensuring transparency and fairness. It complies with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and subsequent amendments.
Key regulations include:
- Competitive tendering processes
- Equal treatment of suppliers
- Publication of contract notices
- Evaluation based on pre-defined criteria
Bidders must meet specific qualification requirements and demonstrate relevant experience. The framework also incorporates sustainability and social value considerations in line with government priorities.
Route to Access Framework
Accessing the framework involves a straightforward process:
- Register on the CCS eSourcing platform
- Review the framework documentation
- Identify suitable lots and suppliers
- Conduct a mini-competition or direct award
Organisations can choose between running a mini-competition among pre-approved suppliers or making a direct award in certain circumstances. The CCS provides guidance and support throughout the procurement journey. This is subject to change due the Procurement Act.
Bid Writing Services for CCS Professional Services Framework
At Thornton & Lowe, we are experts in helping businesses prepare winning bids for construction tenders. We are set up to provide high-performing and consistent bid writing capacity. Focusing on the quality of your bid submission - selection questionnaire and ITT response.
Our team will support you with your construction bidding projects, helping maximise your quality scores in key areas like social value, innovation, health & safety, cost control, and subcontractor management. We have particular expertise in areas like demonstrating community benefits, integrating technology such as BIM, and innovative approaches to value engineering.
This support of course includes construction professional services tenders, with experience across a wide range of public sector frameworks and lots. This includes tenders for services like project management, quantity surveying, engineering, architecture and design, planning, and technical consulting. We work on a lot of frameworks whether it is Fusion21, ESPO, Pagabo or CCS, for example.
