NEPO Frameworks: The Ultimate Guide

NEPO Frameworks: The Ultimate Guide

The North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) is a collaborative procurement organisation that works on behalf of the North East local authorities. NEPO frameworks are pre-tendered agreements that allow public sector organisations to access a wide range of goods, services, and works. These frameworks are designed to streamline the procurement process, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and value for money.

By participating in NEPO frameworks, publicly-funded organisations can save time and resources by avoiding the need to go through a lengthy procurement process for each contract. The frameworks have been developed through a rigorous and competitive process, ensuring that only high-quality suppliers are selected. This means that organisations can have confidence in the reliability and expertise of the suppliers available through NEPO frameworks.

Understanding the NEPO Procurement Process

The NEPO procurement process is designed to be fair, transparent, and compliant with public procurement regulations. It begins with the identification of a need for goods, services, or works by a public sector organisation. This need is then assessed, and a decision is made as to whether it is suitable for procurement through a NEPO framework.

If the need is deemed suitable, the organisation will then invite suppliers to bid for the contract. This is done through an open and competitive process, ensuring that all interested suppliers have an equal opportunity to participate. The bids are evaluated based on a set of predetermined criteria, such as price, quality, and sustainability.

Once the evaluation process is complete, the winning suppliers are appointed to the framework. These suppliers are then available for public sector organisations to access and contract with as needed. It is important to note that being appointed to a NEPO framework does not guarantee a contract; it simply means that the supplier is eligible to bid for call-off contracts as they arise.

Who Can Bid on NEPO Frameworks?

NEPO frameworks are open to a wide range of suppliers, both large and small. Any supplier that can meet the criteria set out in the tender documentation can bid for a place on a framework. This means that regardless of the size or location of your business, you have the opportunity to participate in NEPO frameworks.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), participating in NEPO frameworks can be particularly beneficial - take a look at our pros & cons blog! The frameworks provide SMEs with access to a wide range of public sector contracts that they may not have been able to compete for individually. This can help SMEs like yours to grow their business, gain valuable experience, and build relationships with public sector organisations.

It is worth noting that NEPO frameworks cover a diverse range of categories, including construction, professional services, IT, and social care, among others. This means that there are opportunities for suppliers from a wide range of industries to participate in NEPO frameworks.

Benefits of Participating in NEPO Frameworks

Participating in NEPO frameworks offers a range of benefits for both public sector organisations and suppliers. For public sector organisations, the frameworks provide a simplified and efficient procurement process. By using pre-tendered agreements, organisations can save time and resources, allowing them to focus on delivering essential services to their communities.

For suppliers, participating in NEPO frameworks can offer a steady stream of business opportunities. Being appointed to a framework means that suppliers are prequalified and have access to a pool of potential customers. This can help businesses to build their reputation, increase their visibility, and expand their customer base.

Additionally, NEPO frameworks are designed to ensure value for money for public sector organisations. The competitive nature of the procurement process means that suppliers are required to offer competitive pricing and quality. This benefits both the public sector organisations and the taxpayers who fund them, ensuring that public money is spent wisely.

How to Find and Access NEPO Frameworks

Finding and accessing NEPO frameworks is a straightforward process. The NEPO website provides a comprehensive list of the current frameworks, along with details of the goods, services, or works that they cover. By browsing the available frameworks, organisations can identify those that are relevant to their needs.

To access a NEPO framework, organisations must first become a registered user of the NEPO Portal. This is a secure online platform that allows users to view and access the frameworks. Once registered, organisations can search for specific frameworks, view the suppliers appointed to them, and access the relevant documentation.

When a need arises, organisations can then issue a call-off from the framework. This is a mini-competition process that allows organisations to select the most suitable supplier for their specific requirements. The call-off process ensures that organisations have the flexibility to choose the supplier that best meets their needs, while still benefiting from the efficiency and compliance of the NEPO framework.

Tips for Bidding on NEPO Frameworks

Bidding on NEPO frameworks requires careful planning and preparation to maximise your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Before bidding, take the time to thoroughly research the framework and understand its objectives, requirements, and evaluation criteria. This will help you tailor your bid to meet the specific needs of the framework

Highlight your experience, qualifications, and track record in delivering similar goods, services, or works. Provide evidence of your expertise and showcase any relevant certifications or accreditations

Consider partnering with other suppliers to strengthen your bid. Collaboration can demonstrate a wider range of expertise and resources, increasing your chances of success. This is also referred to as a consortium, and is often used by SMEs

Develop a competitive pricing strategy that offers value for money while still ensuring profitability. Consider the long-term benefits of being appointed to the framework and the potential for future contracts

Clearly articulate your value proposition, addressing each of the evaluation criteria. Use concise and persuasive language, supported by relevant data and evidence

If your bid is unsuccessful, don't be disheartened. Request feedback to understand where improvements can be made, and use this knowledge to enhance future bids

How Thornton & Lowe Can Support Your Success with NEPO Frameworks

At Thornton & Lowe, we have extensive experience in navigating the NEPO procurement process and successfully bidding on NEPO frameworks. Our team of experts understands the intricacies of the framework requirements and can provide tailored guidance and support to help you maximise your chances of success.

We offer a range of services, including bid writing, bid administration, and public sector sales and marketing advice. Our team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and develop a customised approach that aligns with your objectives. With our expertise, you can confidently navigate the NEPO procurement process and position yourself as a competitive supplier within the frameworks.

If you're ready to take advantage of the opportunities offered by NEPO frameworks, contact us using the form below.

Upcoming NEPO Frameworks and Future Opportunities

Winning a place on a NEPO framework is a significant achievement, but many suppliers miss out simply because they don’t track upcoming opportunities. NEPO regularly releases new frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS) across various sectors, creating continuous opportunities for suppliers.

Stay Informed about NEPO Frameworks

NEPO publishes details of upcoming frameworks in advance, allowing businesses to prepare effectively.

• Monitor the NEPO Website: Check the NEPO Portal for current and upcoming frameworks, as new tenders are announced months ahead, enabling bid strategy alignment.
• Use FTS: Frameworks above Public Contracts Regulations 2015 thresholds are listed on Find a Tender Service (FTS).
• Subscribe to NEPO Notifications: Get email updates on market engagement and attend early supplier events to grasp the scope of upcoming frameworks.
• Engage with Procurement Teams: Participate in early engagement events to shape framework requirements and communicate with NEPO teams to tailor bids to buyer priorities.

Key NEPO Frameworks Opening in the Next 12-24 Months

While exact frameworks are announced progressively, NEPO regularly releases procurement opportunities across the following sectors:

• Construction & Infrastructure – Including civil engineering, highways, and building maintenance.
• Professional Services – Covering legal, consultancy, and recruitment services.
• IT & Digital Services – Ranging from software development to cyber security.
• Social Care & Health – Providing care services, training, and safeguarding.
• Environmental & Waste Management – Covering sustainability initiatives, recycling, and carbon reduction.

For businesses looking to position themselves for upcoming frameworks, a pre-bid strategy is essential.

Full NEPO tendering and contracts register below.

How to Prepare in Advance for Upcoming NEPO Frameworks

Assess Your Readiness:

1. Review past NEPO tender requirements to understand financial, technical, and compliance criteria.
2. Check whether your business meets expected turnover thresholds or experience requirements.

Strengthen Your Compliance Documents

Most frameworks need the following:

• Cyber Essentials Certification
• Carbon Reduction Plans (CRP) – Compliance with PPN 06/21
• Financial Viability Risk Assessments
• Modern Slavery Statements

Gather these documents early to avoid delays in your bid.

Develop Strategic Partnerships

If you don’t meet all the criteria, consider:

• Forming joint ventures with other providers
• Submitting consortium bids to cover all service needs
• Subcontracting with an existing framework supplier

Build Case Studies & References

NEPO may ask for Certificates of Technical & Professional Ability (COTPA) to show past experience. If you lack large public sector contracts, you can:

• Use similar private sector contracts as references
• Partner with a prime supplier to gain relevant experience

What Next? Positioning Your Business for NEPO Framework Success

Winning a framework bid starts long before the tender opens. By preparing in advance, suppliers can increase their success rate significantly.

• If you're unsure which upcoming frameworks are relevant to your business, we provide a framework research service.
• If you need help developing a NEPO bid strategy, we can review your past submissions and identify areas for improvement.
• If your business is new to public sector bidding, we offer bid training and workshops to ensure your submissions are fully compliant and competitive.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you secure a place on the next NEPO framework.

NEPO Contracts Register

Common Mistakes When Applying for NEPO Frameworks

Applying for a NEPO framework requires a strategic approach. Many suppliers fail to secure a place not because they lack capability, but due to avoidable mistakes in their applications. Below are specific issues suppliers face and practical solutions to improve success rates.

1. Misinterpreting Framework Scope & Buyer Needs

Many businesses assume they understand the framework requirements without fully analysing the buyer’s objectives. NEPO frameworks are designed to meet specific public sector procurement goals, which go beyond basic service delivery.

Common Pitfalls:

• Bidding on a lot that doesn’t fully align with the company’s capabilities.
• Ignoring social value contributions - a key evaluation factor.
• Overlooking mandatory compliance requirements (e.g., Cyber Essentials, Carbon Reduction Plans).

Solution:

• Read all tender documents carefully - not just the specifications but also buyer priorities outlined in market engagement materials.
• Consider why the framework is being procured - what challenges is NEPO trying to solve?
• If the framework includes optional social value scoring, treat it as essential.

2. Weak Evidence in Experience & Case Studies (COTPA Submissions)

NEPO frameworks often require Certificates of Technical & Professional Ability (COTPA), where suppliers must provide contract references proving past work. Many suppliers:

• Choose the wrong contracts - e.g., case studies that don’t match the lot or contract value requirements.
• Lack measurable results - general descriptions instead of clear outcomes.
• Miss compliance checks - failing to provide named contacts for verification.

Solution:

• Select strong references that match the framework’s lot structure - both in scale and scope.
• Clearly highlight key metrics and outcomes, such as cost savings, efficiency improvements, or delivery innovations.
• Ensure references include full buyer details to pass verification checks.

3. Underestimating Financial & Commercial Readiness

NEPO frameworks require financial viability assessments, and suppliers often:

• Lack sufficient turnover levels for the required framework lot.
• Fail to demonstrate financial stability, particularly SMEs without long trading histories.
• Overlook pricing strategy - submitting unrealistic rates that don’t align with public sector cost expectations.

Solution:

• Review financial thresholds for each lot before bidding - if you’re below the requirement, consider a joint venture or subcontracting approach.
• Benchmark your pricing model against existing NEPO framework suppliers - public contracts databases can help with this.
• If turnover is a concern, provide alternative financial guarantees, such as parent company support or bank references.

4. Generic, Unstructured Bid Responses

Public sector evaluators review hundreds of bid submissions. Suppliers often fail to stand out because they:

• Use generic, copy-pasted responses that don’t directly answer the question.
• Overload responses with irrelevant detail, making key points hard to identify.
• Don’t structure answers to match scoring criteria, leading to lost marks.

Solution:

• Write for the evaluator - use clear, structured responses that directly address the framework’s evaluation criteria.
• Avoid marketing-style fluff - concise, evidence-backed statements perform better.
• Use headings, bullet points, and structured formatting to improve readability.

5. Submitting Last-Minute Bids Without Quality Checks

Many suppliers rushed submissions, leading to:

• Missed deadlines - submissions fail due to system errors or incomplete uploads.
• Compliance failures - missing attachments (e.g., insurance certificates, policies).
• Formatting issues - documents that are difficult to read or incorrectly labelled.

Solution:

• Create a bid timeline - plan for internal reviews and approval at least one week before the deadline.
• Use a bid compliance checklist before submission - ensuring all required documents are included.
• Test the NEPO portal submission process in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.

How Thornton & Lowe Can Help with NEPO Frameworks & Other Public Sector Agreements

Winning a place on a framework is just the start - maximising opportunities and winning mini competitions is key. Thornton & Lowe supports businesses at every stage, helping them win places, secure contracts, and grow in the public sector.

Framework Bid Support

We provide expert bid writing for frameworks such as:

• NEPO, CCS, CPC, Fusion21, YPO, ESPO, Pagabo and more.
• Ensuring compliance, strong case studies, and high scoring quality and social value responses.

Winning Mini Competitions & Call-Off Contracts

• Tailored bid responses for higher success rates.
• Marketing and account management systems and procedures.
• Maximising framework contracts through proactive engagement.

Ongoing Framework Management

• Maintaining compliance.
• Tracking contract opportunities and improving bid success rates.
• Support with framework renewals and performance reporting.

Contact us today.