London Universities Purchasing Consortium is establishing a Maintenance Services framework on behalf of the UK Universities Purchasing Consortia. The framework is valued at £250m excluding VAT, or £300m including VAT, and is intended to support participating institutions with safe, efficient and compliant operation of buildings and estates.
The framework covers maintenance on a planned, reactive and project basis. Suppliers can review the Find a Tender notice before deciding whether to submit a Request to Participate. Thornton & Lowe's facilities management tender support is relevant for suppliers preparing for this type of estates framework.
What the framework covers
The framework includes building fabric maintenance, mechanical, electrical and plumbing or public health maintenance, planned preventative maintenance, reactive repairs and associated maintenance activities. It also includes grounds and external maintenance services and minor works projects where covered by the relevant lot.
Call-off contracts will use the NEC4 Facilities Management Contract, with Service Orders for maintenance and Project Orders under Option X27 where minor works and projects apply.
The two lots
Lot 1, Maintenance and Minor Works Projects, covers comprehensive building maintenance including PPM, reactive maintenance, emergency response, statutory compliance, fabric maintenance, MEP systems, external and grounds maintenance, and minor works or project orders.
Lot 2, MEP Maintenance, is more specialist. It focuses on mechanical, electrical and plumbing or public health systems, including PPM, reactive maintenance, emergency response, statutory inspections, testing and compliance activities. This lot does not include fabric maintenance or minor works unless directly associated with MEP maintenance.
Framework users and call-offs
The framework may be used by members of LUPC, SUPC, NWUPC and APUC. It has a maximum supplier fee of 1% and may be awarded with or without competition at call-off stage.
The procurement uses a competitive flexible procedure with an initial Participation Stage followed by an ITT stage for shortlisted suppliers. This distinction matters. The tender submission deadline shown as 11 September 2026 applies to the later stage, while suppliers must submit a Request to Participate by 13 July 2026 to remain eligible. Our guide to winning facilities management tenders explores the evidence themes buyers often expect in this sector.
Key dates and evaluation
- Enquiry deadline: 3 July 2026 at 5:00pm
- Request to Participate deadline: 13 July 2026
- Later tender submission deadline: 11 September 2026 at 5:00pm for shortlisted suppliers
- Estimated award decision date: 4 November 2026
- Award criteria: 70% technical quality and 30% commercial price
Bid preparation priorities
Suppliers should prepare evidence of statutory compliance, planned and reactive maintenance performance, emergency response, CAFM or reporting capability, mobilisation, staffing, subcontractor control, health and safety, service continuity and experience in complex occupied estates.
Thornton & Lowe can help you build a stronger response around compliance, mobilisation, service quality and value for money. Get in touch with us today.
