Understanding Government Procurement Service Frameworks
Government procurement service frameworks represent one of the most significant commercial opportunities in the UK, with annual public sector spending exceeding £290 billion. For businesses of all sizes, these frameworks offer a structured pathway to secure valuable contracts across central government, local authorities, NHS trusts, and other public sector bodies.
A framework agreement is essentially a type of contract commonly used as a multi-supplier agreement, establishing a long-term relationship to deliver works as an approved supplier for the buyer. As the Procurement Act 2023 defines it, a framework is a 'contract between a contracting authority and one or more suppliers that provides for the future award of contracts by a contracting authority to the supplier or suppliers.'
For example, a Council might have a range of works to be completed by a group of suppliers, contractors or service providers. Setting up a framework agreement creates an efficient way to work without having to go through the tender process each time. Similar to a tender for a contract, the framework tender usually combines quality and price considerations. The buyer reviews all framework bids and approves a specific number of bidders to be awarded a place on the framework.
When the buyer has a requirement or specific project, they typically run a mini-competition or call-off, which reduces the timescales and complexity of awarding specific works. Alternatively, some frameworks allow direct awards without mini-competitions. Work might be awarded to a bidder based on a geographical lot already agreed as part of the framework agreement. Some frameworks also award work based on performance, which will be measured throughout the partnership.
Thornton & Lowe helps businesses navigate this complex landscape by providing expert guidance on framework identification and application strategies. Our specialist bid writing team has helped hundreds of companies successfully secure places on government procurement service frameworks, establishing the foundations for sustainable growth within the public sector.
Types of Government Procurement Service Frameworks
The UK government uses several types of procurement frameworks to fulfil its vast and varied needs. Understanding the differences between these framework types is essential for suppliers looking to target the most appropriate opportunities.
In the public sector, there are two main types of framework agreements. Single-supplier framework agreements are established with a single supplier selected through a competitive tendering process. The terms, conditions, and prices are agreed upon in advance, allowing buyers to place orders directly with the supplier without further competition. These are quite often used as neutral vendor solutions to allow a public sector body to purchase almost anything through a single supplier.
Multi-supplier framework agreements are more common and what most businesses bid for. These frameworks appoint multiple suppliers following a competitive tendering process. The framework agreement sets out the general terms and conditions, but the specific terms, such as price and quantity, are established through a secondary competition among the suppliers on the framework. This allows for more flexibility and competition within the framework.
Crown Commercial Service frameworks are among the most widely used across the UK public sector. These frameworks cover a broad range of categories including technology, professional services, buildings, construction, corporate solutions, and people services. CCS frameworks typically run for 2-4 years and are structured into lots, allowing suppliers to bid for specific areas that match their capabilities. Notable examples include Digital Marketplace frameworks such as G-Cloud, Management Consultancy frameworks, Construction Professional Services, Facilities Management Marketplace, and Vehicle Purchase and Lease frameworks.
Individual government departments often establish their own frameworks for specialist requirements. These include Ministry of Defence frameworks for defence equipment and support, Department for Education frameworks for educational services, Department for Transport frameworks for transport-related services, and Home Office frameworks for security and policing services.
Beyond central government, many regional buying organisations and local authorities establish frameworks for use by their members. Framework bodies in the UK usually release frameworks every 3-5 years, with many public sector organisations creating purchasing groups to combine requirements and ensure competitive prices and procurement security for buyers.
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Major Framework Providers in the UK
Understanding which framework providers align with your business offerings is crucial for developing a targeted approach to public sector opportunities. The UK has numerous major framework providers serving different sectors and regions.
Crown Commercial Service (CCS)
CCS stands as the UK's largest public procurement organisation, managing over £27 billion of spend annually across central government, NHS, education, and local government sectors.
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS)
NHS frameworks, such as NHS SBS focus primarily on healthcare, corporate, IT, and estates sectors within the NHS and broader healthcare environments (including construction). They manage approximately £1 billion of NHS spend annually and offer typical savings of up to 15% through their frameworks.
Regional Government Procurement Service Framework Providers
Organisations like Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO), Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO), and North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) serve local authorities, schools, and emergency services in their respective regions. In practice, they all now largely work nationally and break their frameworks into regional lots. YPO is owned by 13 local authorities in Yorkshire and the North West, while ESPO represents one of the UK's largest public sector buying organisations.
Sector Specific Framework Providers
TUCO (The University Caterers Organisation) for universities and higher education catering needs, for example. Or LHC (London Housing Consortium) specialising in building and construction for social housing and public buildings, and APUC (Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges) serving higher education in Scotland.
Procurement for Housing (PfH) acts as the UK's leading procurement service provider for the housing sector, focusing on maintenance, repairs, utilities, and construction. The Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC) stands as the largest purchasing consortium for the education sector, covering educational supplies, facilities, and services.
Other key government procurement service framework providers include organisations like Fusion21 and STAR Procurement, for example which provides a shared procurement service for Stockport, Trafford, Rochdale and other local governments in Greater Manchester with a focus on social value.
Construction Focused Frameworks
Construction focused frameworks include the North West Construction Hub (NWCH), which concentrates on partnering and collaborative construction for the public sector in North West England, and Efficiency East Midlands (EEM), a not-for-profit organisation focused on property maintenance for housing and public buildings.
Additional important framework providers include the North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOECPC) for healthcare products and services, London Universities Purchasing Consortium (LUPC) serving higher education and cultural institutions in London, Kent Commercial Services (KCS) for energy, facilities, education, and corporate needs, Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC) for research, libraries, and professional services, NHS London Procurement Partnership specialising in clinical and digital solutions for NHS trusts in London, and Scotland Excel for construction, social care, and transport in Scottish local government.
A lot!!! If you want to understand which are right for your business - contact us today - 01204 238046 - hello@thorntonandlowe.com - we have a specialist government procurement frameworks team.
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Click and contact us todayThe Benefits of Government Framework Participation
Winning a place on a government procurement framework delivers several strategic advantages that extend well beyond simple transaction opportunities. From a supplier's perspective, a framework agreement offers a great way to work with public sector bodies. Once approved and compliant, it can build credibility to secure future public sector work, both via a framework and individual project contracts. Frameworks also help nurture long-term partnerships with buyers and potentially other similar buyers across the public sector.
Depending on the framework agreement, if estimated values of work are known, they can provide a healthy long-term revenue stream for a business, supporting cash flow and business planning for 3-5 years. This predictability represents a significant advantage in uncertain economic times.
Framework status confers immediate credibility within the public sector marketplace. Government buyers recognise framework suppliers as organisations that have already passed rigorous evaluation processes examining financial stability, technical capability, and compliance credentials. This pre-vetted status effectively positions your company as a trusted partner rather than merely another vendor.
Compliant Procurement ='s Faster Entry into New Government Clients
Another significant advantage comes from the reduced sales cycle for subsequent opportunities. Rather than navigating complex full tender procedures for each potential contract, suppliers on frameworks can often compete through streamlined mini-competitions or even direct awards in certain circumstances. This efficiency creates a more predictable business development pipeline and significantly reduces the resource burden associated with public sector bidding.
Framework suppliers also benefit from reduced competition compared to open market tenders, improved visibility among public sector buyers, access to a wide range of contract opportunities without repeatedly demonstrating basic capabilities, simplified procurement processes, and valuable market intelligence about public sector requirements.
However, suppliers should be aware of potential disadvantages as well. Many bidders invest time and costs to be awarded onto a framework and then potentially receive little or no work through them. Before applying, it's important to weigh up or discuss with the buyer how much work is likely to be channelled through the framework. If it's a renewal of a framework, you can review how the partnership has performed over the previous years. But you need to 'work the framework' - we can provide training and support on this as part of our post-framework award service.
Once awarded a place on a framework, you still need to work hard to get your share of the work. This may involve networking at organised events for suppliers or traditional sales and marketing – but with the benefit that you're already approved to work with them. When opportunities do arise, there can often be a short window of time to respond, which can strain business resources.
Common Framework Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
Despite the differences between various government procurement frameworks, several common requirements appear consistently during the evaluation process. Suppliers must typically demonstrate financial stability through evidence of sound financial health proportionate to the contract values within the framework. This often includes submission of accounts, financial ratios, and statements about financial capacity.
Technical capability requirements focus on demonstrating the skills, experience, and resources needed to deliver the services or goods being procured. This typically includes examples of previous relevant work, often with references from similar clients or projects. Quality management is another key area, with buyers looking for evidence of quality management systems and processes, often including ISO certifications or equivalent standards.
Social value has become increasingly important in public sector procurement. The Social Value Act requires public sector organisations to consider how suppliers will deliver additional social, economic, and environmental benefits through the contract. Similarly, environmental sustainability credentials have gained prominence, with evidence of environmental policies and practices required, particularly with the government's net zero carbon commitments. Carbon Reduction Plans are now an increasingly common compliance requirement for winning public sector bids.
Equality, diversity and inclusion policies and practices that promote these values within the workplace and supply chain have also become standard requirements in many framework applications. For digital or data-handling services, cyber security and data protection compliance with relevant legislation and standards is essential, particularly for services involving sensitive data.
Supply chain management information, including measures to ensure ethical sourcing and prevent modern slavery, rounds out the common requirements for most frameworks. The evaluation methodology typically assigns weighted scores across these elements, with most frameworks adopting a balance between quality and price considerations. Understanding these weighting factors is crucial for developing targeted, effective responses.
Framework Agreement Supplier Submission Requirements
Responding to a framework agreement differs in important ways from responding to a standard tender. While tender submissions require your specific approach, solution and price for a defined project, a framework requires a more general overview of your typical solution for a range of potential requirements. This distinction is crucial for success, as applying a framework submission approach to a specific tender will likely result in feedback that your response is "too generic."
Framework applications typically ask you to demonstrate your ability to deliver a wide range of goods or services over an extended period, showing capacity to handle variable demand and meet potential future needs. You'll need to provide evidence of scalability and adaptability to accommodate evolving requirements, while offering competitive pricing and terms that will apply to all future call-off contracts.
The application will usually require you to highlight relevant experience, certifications, and qualifications to establish credibility in the field, alongside demonstrating financial stability and ability to perform consistently over the full duration of the framework. You'll need to propose a general approach to quality assurance, performance management, and reporting, while showing your ability to work collaboratively with the contracting authority and other potential suppliers.
By contrast, an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for a specific contract requires a much more focused response. You'll need to provide a specific solution to a well-defined requirement or project, focusing on delivering a specific quantity of goods or services within a set timeline. The response must demonstrate your ability to meet the exact specifications outlined in the tender, with a detailed pricing breakdown for the specific goods or services requested. These responses are often called method statements.
In preparing your framework application, you should invest time and resources to fully understand what the buyer wants and expects. Consider your competitors' strengths and weaknesses and how you can seek competitive advantage. The buyer will want to see that you have the experience and ability to meet the requirements of the framework, typically asking for references from previous completed works, financial information, and details about your company and any accreditations you hold.
It's also advisable to consider what compliance elements may be required so that you can plan for them in advance. This might include specific training for your staff, additional certifications your business needs to obtain, or relevant experience and evidence you need to gather before the tender is advertised. Planning is key to a successful framework application.
The Application Process: From Pre-Market Engagement to Implementation
The journey to winning a place on a government procurement framework involves several key stages, each requiring careful attention and preparation, which is exactly what we provide to our clients. Many framework authorities begin with pre-market engagement (PME) activities before publishing the contract notice. These might include market consultation events, questionnaires, or draft specification reviews. Participating in these activities can provide valuable insights into the buyer's requirements and evaluation approach, potentially giving you an early advantage.
The formal process starts with the publication of a contract notice, typically on the Find a Tender service for high-value frameworks, or Contracts Finder for lower-value opportunities. This notice outlines the framework's scope, value, duration, and basic requirements. Close analysis of this information helps determine whether the framework aligns with your business capabilities and strategic goals.
Following publication, the first formal stage typically involves completing a Selection Questionnaire (SQ), which evaluates basic eligibility and capabilities. This stage focuses on exclusion grounds (reasons that would automatically exclude a supplier), financial standing, and technical capability. Passing this stage allows you to progress to the Invitation to Tender (ITT).
The ITT requires detailed responses to technical, quality, and commercial questions. This typically includes method statements describing your approach to service delivery, case studies demonstrating relevant experience, pricing schedules detailing your commercial offer, and various policy documents covering areas such as quality management, environmental practices, and social value initiatives. This stage represents the most resource-intensive part of the application process and requires careful planning and execution.
After submission, the buying authority evaluates all compliant bids against the published criteria and awards places on the framework to successful suppliers. This is followed by a mandatory standstill period before the framework agreement is formally signed. During this period, unsuccessful suppliers can request feedback on their bids, providing valuable insights for future applications.
The final stage involves framework implementation activities for successful suppliers. These include finalising framework terms, setting up framework management processes, and developing marketing materials to promote your services to framework users. This stage sets the foundation for effectively generating business through the framework.
Thornton & Lowe's experienced bid writers understand what evaluators are looking for at each stage of this process and can help you navigate it successfully. Our team has supported hundreds of businesses in securing places on government frameworks across diverse sectors, from construction and facilities management to professional services and healthcare.
Maximising Revenue Through Effective Framework Management
Securing a place on a government procurement framework represents a significant achievement, but the real value emerges through effective framework management after appointment. Many suppliers make the mistake of assuming that once awarded a place, contracts will automatically follow. In reality, you can't just wait for the phone to ring – you need to proactively work to win your share of the business.
Successful suppliers begin by thoroughly analysing the public sector organisations eligible to use the framework. This intelligence informs targeted relationship-building activities with procurement teams and departmental stakeholders across high-potential organisations. Research into historical spending patterns, published procurement plans, organisational priorities and challenges, and existing relationships and contracts helps identify the most promising framework users to target.
Developing framework-specific marketing materials highlights your appointed status and promotes the streamlined procurement routes available through the framework. Effective approaches include creating framework-specific web pages and brochures, conducting targeted email campaigns to eligible buyers, attending framework supplier events, and producing webinars and thought leadership content related to the framework categories. These activities raise your profile among potential buyers and position you as a knowledgeable, trusted supplier.
Beyond marketing, effective suppliers invest time in understanding the mini-competition or call-off processes specific to their framework. When the terms of a framework agreement are precise enough, buyers may directly award contracts following pre-prescribed call-off protocols. However, when direct award isn't possible, buyers must run mini-competitions among the suppliers on the framework. Understanding these processes enables you to respond quickly and effectively when opportunities arise.
The most successful framework suppliers also recognise the importance of performance on initial framework contracts. Delivering excellent service creates valuable reference points for future bids and can lead to repeat business from satisfied clients. Many frameworks measure supplier performance, with better-performing suppliers often rewarded with additional opportunities. Building a track record of consistent, high-quality delivery strengthens your position on the framework and enhances your reputation across the public sector.
Networking at organised events for suppliers or engaging in traditional sales and marketing activities with framework users can also yield significant benefits. When opportunities do arise, there's often a short window for response, so maintaining readiness with pre-prepared materials and information can give you a competitive edge in fast-turnaround situations.
Changes Introduced by the Procurement Act 2023
The Procurement Act 2023, coming into force in February 2025, brings significant changes to UK public procurement that will affect how government frameworks operate. Understanding these changes helps suppliers prepare for the new procurement landscape and adapt their approach accordingly.
One of the most notable changes involves the introduction of open frameworks alongside traditional closed frameworks. Closed frameworks under the new Act will be limited to 4 years maximum for standard frameworks (8 years for defence and utilities frameworks), similar to current arrangements. However, open frameworks represent a new concept allowing frameworks to last up to 8 years but requiring them to re-open to new suppliers at least once in the first 3 years and at least every 5 years thereafter. This change creates more regular opportunities for suppliers to join frameworks they previously missed out on, reducing the "locked out" period that has historically disadvantaged new market entrants.
The Act also brings changes to how framework call-offs operate. The competitive selection process for call-offs will focus on award criteria used when the framework was established. While these criteria can be refined, they must align with the original assessment approach. This change reduces uncertainty and allows suppliers to develop more focused proposals based on a clearer understanding of how they'll be evaluated.
Transparency requirements have been enhanced for both framework awards and call-offs. Contract award notices will now be required for all call-off contracts (except certain defence contracts), giving suppliers better visibility of who is winning work and why. This increased transparency helps suppliers understand market dynamics and refine their approach based on patterns of successful awards.
Another significant change is the replacement of Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) with Dynamic Markets. This new approach offers more flexibility with no maximum term limits, allowing for longer market access once admitted. Suppliers can join multiple categories or lots within a single Dynamic Market, creating more opportunities for engagement across different service areas.
The Act also clarifies the conditions for direct awards from frameworks, permitting them when framework terms are "sufficiently precise and complete" and include an objective mechanism for supplier selection. This could potentially increase opportunities for high-performing suppliers to win work without competition, making framework positioning even more valuable.
Framework fees structures will also change, with fees only permitted to be charged to suppliers who have been awarded a call-off contract. These must be set as a fixed percentage of the estimated value of the call-off contract, with no fees permitted for gaining access to a framework or for framework management. This creates greater transparency and fairness in how framework costs are distributed.
While existing frameworks will remain valid until their expiry dates, new frameworks will follow these updated regulations. To prepare for the transition, suppliers should review and update their policies and processes to align with new requirements, monitor contract notices for new framework opportunities under the new regime, consider how to demonstrate enhanced social value and carbon reduction commitments, and develop a clear understanding of the specific rules for open frameworks, closed frameworks, and Dynamic Markets.
The Provider Selection Regime for Healthcare Services
Alongside the Procurement Act changes, healthcare suppliers should be aware of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR), a separate healthcare-specific procurement approach. This specialised regime is designed for healthcare services and aims to reduce unnecessary competitive tendering while still ensuring value for money and high-quality care.
The PSR establishes three routes to contract award: direct award when there is only one suitable provider, continued arrangement with existing providers where services are working well, and competitive process when neither of the above applies. This approach places greater emphasis on patient outcomes, service quality, and integration rather than focusing primarily on price, with reduced emphasis on formal competitive tendering for clinical healthcare services.
For suppliers seeking to secure places on frameworks for clinical services, the PSR requires a different approach focused on demonstrating excellent patient outcomes, service quality, and the ability to integrate with other healthcare providers. Building strong relationships with Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) becomes increasingly important, as these bodies will make many of the decisions about which providers to work with.
Expert Support for Framework Success
The complexity of government procurement service frameworks and the significant business opportunities they represent have led many successful suppliers to engage specialist bid writing and framework consultancy support. Professional bid consultants bring valuable expertise in interpreting framework requirements, developing compelling narratives, and navigating evaluation methodologies.
Thornton & Lowe provides comprehensive support to ensure you're in the best position to win work and succeed on government frameworks. Our framework selection and strategy services help you identify and apply for frameworks that align with your services, sector, and growth goals, including detailed framework opportunity assessment and selection, bid strategy development tailored to your business strengths, and guidance on which frameworks have more demand than others and are worth investing time into winning a place on.
Our in-house and specialist bid writing team develop high-quality submissions to win places on competitive frameworks and achieve the best possible quality scores for our clients. We provide full bid writing and management services, review and improvement of client-drafted responses, and professional design that helps your submissions stand out from competitors.
We ensure you meet all framework requirements, from financial thresholds to policies and certifications, by identifying compliance requirements early in the process, supporting the development of necessary documentation, and ensuring all materials meet the exacting standards of government procurement. Beyond winning a place on the framework, we advise on how to use frameworks as part of your wider sales and business development strategy, ensuring you convert opportunities into revenue through post-award business development strategies, framework implementation support, and training to help you respond efficiently to call-off opportunities.
With our proven track record of helping businesses win places on government frameworks and maximise their return on investment, our tailored approach focuses on both securing framework positions and generating sustainable revenue through effective follow-up support. By partnering with Thornton & Lowe, you gain access to a wealth of expertise and experience that can significantly enhance your success in the government procurement framework marketplace.
Building Long-Term Public Sector Partnerships
Government procurement service frameworks offer structured pathways to developing sustainable, multi-year partnerships with the UK public sector. When approached strategically with thorough preparation and high-quality applications, these frameworks position businesses for significant growth across multiple public sector organisations.
The most successful framework suppliers recognise that excellence in both securing and managing framework positions requires specialised expertise. They invest in developing capabilities across bid writing, relationship management, and service delivery functions, whether through internal resources or external support. This holistic approach ensures they not only win places on frameworks but also maximise the resulting opportunities.
For organisations committed to the public sector marketplace, mastering the government procurement framework landscape represents a fundamental strategic priority with potential to deliver substantial, sustainable business growth. By understanding the nuances of different framework types, keeping abreast of regulatory changes, and developing targeted approaches to framework applications and management, suppliers can build enduring partnerships with public sector organisations throughout the UK.
