The forthcoming National Framework for Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Enabling Works 2026 is set to become one of the largest public sector construction agreements in the UK, with an anticipated value of £5 billion including VAT. Led by the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO), with Pagabo Limited acting as its agent, this framework will replace and combine two existing frameworks: the National Framework for Civils and Infrastructure (expiring May 2026) and the National Framework for Demolition and Land Preparation. It is expected to be available to all public sector bodies UK-wide, from local authorities and NHS trusts to education, blue light services, and beyond.
If you're considering bidding, Thornton & Lowe can rapidly assess whether this framework fits your business objectives. Contact our team today.
Why Pursue the National Framework for Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Enabling Works 2026?
This framework is specifically a Closed Framework that will combine the scopes of civil engineering and infrastructure works, demolition works, and land preparation works into a single, streamlined procurement. The resulting agreement will run for four years from September 2026. Key points for contractors include:
- Significant estimated value: At £5 billion over four years, this framework offers exceptional growth potential for successful suppliers across a wide range of project values.
- UK-wide access: Available to all public sector bodies and charities, this framework could unlock work with virtually any public sector client, providing breadth of pipeline that few single-authority frameworks can match.
- 12 anticipated lots: The framework is expected to be structured into 12 lots, divided by work type (civils/infrastructure, highways, rail, water and environmental, maritime, demolition, land preparation) and likely by value band and region. This means both specialist and generalist contractors can find relevant lots, rather than having to position for an all-encompassing single lot.
- Pagabo as procurement agent: Pagabo has extensive experience running national framework procurements of this scale; suppliers who have previously engaged with Pagabo frameworks will have useful process familiarity. The tender will be hosted on the In-Tend portal.
Thornton & Lowe has supported contractors bidding for major national infrastructure frameworks, including those managed by YPO and Pagabo. For more on our construction bidding approach, see our construction bid writing support page.
Bidding Considerations and Framework Structure
At this preliminary market engagement stage, final details such as the full lot structure, contract terms, and precise evaluation criteria are yet to be confirmed. The invitation to tender is expected in May 2026. Interested suppliers should:
- Register an expression of interest via the In-Tend tendering portal linked in the notice as soon as possible, to ensure you receive notifications when the ITT is released.
- Begin reviewing and updating organisational credentials, case studies, and compliance records relevant to civil engineering, infrastructure, demolition, and land preparation works.
- Consider lot strategy carefully: once full lot details are published, early strategic thinking about which lots align to your geographic footprint, discipline strengths, and project value experience will be critical.
- Ensure policies, accreditations, and insurance documents are current and aligned for national public sector frameworks of this scale.
Quick Facts
- Procurement type: Closed Framework agreement
- Estimated value: £5,000,000,000 (including VAT)
- Scope: Civil engineering, infrastructure works, demolition, land preparation
- Lead authority: Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO), procured by Pagabo Limited as agent
- Term: 4 years (from September 2026)
- Expected lots: 12 (by discipline, value band, and region)
For further details, visit the Find a Tender notice.
Key Dates
- Expressions of interest: Open now via In-Tend portal
- ITT launch: May 2026 (estimated)
- Award and commencement: September 2026 (estimated)
As the construction sector anticipates this significant opportunity, early engagement is essential. Expressions of interest should be submitted via the In-Tend portal now. Focus on internal readiness in parallel: update relevant policies, review your supply chain arrangements, and ensure your accreditations and case studies accurately reflect recent project experience.
Ready to plan your response or need early strategic advice? Thornton & Lowe supports construction specialists with successful bids for national frameworks like this. Contact us today for a tailored bid readiness review.
