NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has published a planned procurement notice for a new Public Sector Construction Consultancy Framework. This is one of the most significant frameworks in this sector for some years. With an estimated value of £2,760,000,000 (including VAT) and 11 lots spanning the full range of construction consultancy disciplines, it represents a major pipeline opportunity for firms of all sizes working in the built environment.
The formal tender notice is expected in August 2026, and a Pre-Procurement Bidder Webinar is scheduled for 10am on 10 June 2026: well worth attending if you're thinking of bidding. Contact Thornton & Lowe to discuss your positioning ahead of time.
Scope and Lot Structure
The framework's 11 lots cover the full spectrum of construction consultancy, making it relevant to a wide range of practices and individual specialists:
- Lot 1: Multidisciplinary Services
- Lot 2: Project Management
- Lot 3: Civil and Structural Engineering
- Lot 4: Quantity Surveyor
- Lot 5: Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) Services
- Lot 6: Principal Designer CDM Services
- Lot 7: Architectural Services
- Lot 8: Building Surveyor
- Lot 9: Healthcare Planning
- Lot 10: Net Zero, Environmental Consultancy and Sustainability
- Lot 11: Ancillary Services
Who Can Use This Framework?
NHS SBS acts as the lead authority, but the framework is significantly broader than NHS bodies alone. It is open to the full list of NHS SBS "Approved Organisations," which includes NHS trusts, social care organisations, and other public or private sector bodies authorised by NHS SBS, covering England, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Jersey. This broad reach meaningfully increases the potential call-off volumes for appointed suppliers.
Bidding Considerations
- Start preparing now: With the tender expected in August 2026 and a submission deadline of 21 September 2026, there is time to prepare, but frameworks of this complexity demand early evidence-gathering. Begin collating case studies and assembling your supply chain now.
- Sustainability and social value carry significant weight: NHS SBS has flagged a significant weighting on sustainability and social value in the evaluation. This needs a substantive, evidenced response, not boilerplate.
- Attend the bidder webinar: The Pre-Procurement Bidder Webinar on 10 June 2026 is a direct line to the buyer's thinking. Register via the link in the official notice.
- Don't over-spread: With 11 lots, it's tempting to bid widely. But a focused, high-quality submission in your strongest lots will consistently outperform a diluted approach across many.
- Note on NHS SBS levy: The framework carries a 2% NCIS levy applied to call-off values. Factor this into your commercial modelling.
Quick Facts
- Lead authority: NHS Shared Business Services Limited
- Value: £2,760,000,000 (including VAT)
- Term: 4 years (January 2028 to January 2032)
- Lots: 11
- Procedure: Open procedure
Key Dates
- Bidder webinar: 10 June 2026, 10:00am
- Tender notice publication (estimated): 7 August 2026
- Tender submission deadline (estimated): 21 September 2026
The combination of scale, breadth and the NHS's emphasis on sustainability make this a genuinely compelling framework. Now is the time to assess your strategy and start building your evidence base. Get in touch with Thornton & Lowe today for a rapid assessment of your fit.
