Updated October 2026: NHS Shared Business Services has delayed the planned Invitation to Tender for the Public Sector Construction Consultancy Framework. The latest estimated release is mid to late October 2026, with a six-week tender period expected once the competition opens.
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has published a planned procurement notice for a new Public Sector Construction Consultancy Framework (SBS10528). 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.
NHS SBS has confirmed that the procurement timetable has been delayed. Following its latest update on 22 September 2026, the Invitation to Tender is now expected in mid to late October 2026, with suppliers anticipated to have around six weeks to respond. If you're considering bidding, this additional preparation window is valuable. Thornton & Lowe can help you assess the most appropriate lots, strengthen your evidence and prepare for the competition before the ITT is released.
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
- Use the additional preparation window: The tender has been delayed, with the ITT now expected in mid to late October 2026 and a six-week bidding period anticipated. Use the time before publication to confirm your lot strategy, identify evidence gaps and allocate your bid resource.
- Sustainability and social value will matter: NHS SBS has stated that sustainability and social value will carry significant weighting within the procurement. Suppliers should be ready to demonstrate practical commitments, measurable outcomes and relevant evidence rather than relying on generic statements.
- Review the bidder webinar materials: The Pre-Procurement Bidder Webinar took place on 10 June 2026. NHS SBS has subsequently made the recording, presentation slides and Q&A available, giving potential bidders another opportunity to understand the planned requirements and evaluation approach.
- Don't over-spread: With 11 lots available, focus on those where your experience, delivery capability and supporting evidence are strongest rather than assuming that bidding across multiple lots will increase your chances.
- Factor in the NHS SBS levy: The framework carries a 2% NHS Contracted Income Stream levy on sales through the agreement, which suppliers should account for when considering their commercial model.
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
- Invitation to Tender: estimated mid to late October 2026
- Tender period: approximately six weeks from ITT publication
- Framework commencement: estimated January 2028
The revised timetable gives interested consultancies more time to prepare, but the opportunity is now close enough that evidence gathering, lot selection and bid planning should already be under way. If you're considering the NHS SBS Public Sector Construction Consultancy Framework, speak to Thornton & Lowe about assessing your fit and preparing for the tender.
