NHMF Frameworx is developing a dedicated Mechanical & Electrical Framework for Northern Ireland, with a proposed value of £500 million excluding VAT / £600 million including VAT.
The framework is intended for NHMF members, housing providers and other public-sector organisations and could cover a wide range of electrical, mechanical, fire-safety, security, renewable-energy and maintenance requirements.
The framework is currently at preliminary market engagement stage. If you're considering the opportunity, contact Thornton & Lowe to discuss how you can prepare ahead of the formal tender.
What could the M&E framework cover?
NHMF is considering separate opportunities for domestic and commercial work, although the final lotting model remains under development.
Potential workstreams include:
- electrical installation and rewiring;
- inspection, testing and certification;
- PAT and fixed-wire testing;
- CCTV, access control and intercom systems;
- fire alarms and detection;
- smoke ventilation and dry risers;
- heating systems and boilers;
- pumps;
- ventilation;
- water systems;
- building management systems;
- sprinklers;
- planned and responsive maintenance;
- solar PV;
- battery storage;
- heat pumps;
- EV charging infrastructure; and
- multidisciplinary M&E services.
Our guide to construction frameworks provides further advice on preparing for framework opportunities in the construction and maintenance sector.
A strong focus on the Northern Ireland supply chain
NHMF is particularly interested in engaging Northern Ireland-based contractors, SMEs and specialist providers.
The engagement will help shape scope, lots, geographic coverage, contract values and delivery models while identifying barriers that could make participation unnecessarily difficult for parts of the market.
That should make the consultation particularly relevant to specialist contractors that may not normally pursue large national framework opportunities.
Key engagement dates
NHMF is holding:
- an in-person event in Belfast on 17 September 2026;
- an online event on 30 September 2026; and
- a feedback period running until 31 October 2026.
The formal tender notice is currently estimated for 31 October.
Quick facts
- Framework: Mechanical & Electrical Framework – NI
- Reference: NI NPC 01
- Buyer: NHMF Frameworx
- Estimated value: £500m excluding VAT / £600m including VAT
- Expected term: Four years
- Coverage: Northern Ireland
- SME suitability: Yes
- Engagement closes: 31 October 2026
- Estimated tender notice: 31 October 2026
- View the official Find a Tender notice
Decide which M&E workstreams fit your business
The breadth of the proposed scope means suppliers should resist presenting themselves as capable of everything unless the evidence genuinely supports it.
Identify the services where you have the strongest accreditations, people, systems and contract examples. For multidisciplinary providers, show how the different disciplines are coordinated rather than simply listing them.
Thornton & Lowe can help you assess the opportunity, organise your evidence and prepare for the live procurement. Contact our team to discuss the Northern Ireland M&E framework.
