Procurement for Housing (PfH) has published a preliminary market engagement notice for its upcoming Technical Consultancy Services Framework. With an estimated total value of £140 million including VAT, a four-year national term and a planned tender publication date of 29 May 2026, this framework represents a major opportunity for professional consultancies operating in the housing and built environment sector.
The framework will provide housing providers with access to a wide range of technical and construction-related consultancy services, supporting investment, compliance, decarbonisation and asset management programmes across the UK.
Who Are Procurement for Housing (PfH)?
Established in 2004, Procurement for Housing (PfH) is a national procurement consortium dedicated to the social housing sector. PfH is supported by key sector bodies including the National Housing Federation (NHF), the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and HouseMark.
PfH members collectively manage more than 90 percent of the UK’s social housing stock, making it one of the most influential procurement organisations in the housing sector. PfH operates as a centralised procurement authority under the Procurement Act 2023, enabling its members to call off services directly from its frameworks without running their own full procurement processes.
PfH is administered by Inprova Limited, which provides integrated procurement, technology and consultancy solutions to public sector organisations.
Who Is Likely to Use the PfH Technical Consultancy Services Framework?
The primary users of the framework will be PfH member organisations, which typically include:
- Housing associations and registered providers
- Arm’s length management organisations (ALMOs)
- Local authority housing departments
- Social landlords and supported housing providers
These organisations use PfH frameworks to access pre-procured, compliant consultancy services, reducing procurement timescales while maintaining value for money and governance.
For suppliers, this means the framework can unlock multiple call-off opportunities across the housing sector over its four-year term.
What Services Will the Framework Cover?
PfH intends the framework to operate nationally and to be divided into multiple lots, which will be confirmed in the tender notice. The scope is expected to include professional support services such as:
- Project management
- Cost management and quantity surveying
- Mechanical and electrical engineering
- Architectural services
- CDM and health and safety consultancy
- General construction-related consultancy services
- Net zero, sustainability and decarbonisation consultancy
This breadth makes the framework relevant to both large multidisciplinary consultancies and specialist SMEs operating in niche service areas.
Market Engagement and Procurement Timeline
PfH has placed a strong emphasis on pre-market engagement, giving suppliers the opportunity to influence the final structure of the framework.
Engagement Activity
- Engagement period: February to March 2026
- Engagement formats: One-to-one sessions and group webinars
- Deadline to express interest: Midday on 27 February 2026
- Engagement deadline: 1 April 2026
Suppliers interested in participating are required to email PfH with details of their organisation and services offered.
Indicative Procurement Timeline
Stage | Estimated timing | Supplier focus |
Preliminary market engagement notice published | 18 December 2025 | Early opportunity review and capability assessment |
Supplier engagement sessions | Feb to Mar 2026 | Provide feedback on scope and lot structure |
Engagement deadline | 1 April 2026 | Finalise engagement input |
Tender notice published | 29 May 2026 (estimated) | Final bid decision and mobilisation |
Evaluation and award | Mid 2026 (indicative) | Submission management and clarifications |
Framework start date | 1 August 2026 | Call-off readiness |
Framework term | 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2030 | Ongoing delivery across PfH members |
This timeline gives suppliers a clear window to prepare policies, evidence and pricing models well in advance of tender release.
Why This Framework Matters for SMEs and Consultancies
PfH has confirmed that the framework is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, competition is likely to be strong due to the national scope and high value.
Suppliers will need to demonstrate:
- Relevant experience within housing and the built environment
- Robust governance, risk and quality management
- Capacity to deliver across multiple housing providers
- Clear approaches to net zero and sustainability
- Value for money and flexible delivery models
Early preparation and engagement are critical to standing out.
How Thornton & Lowe Can Support PfH Framework Bids
Thornton & Lowe supports consultancies, surveyors, engineers and technical specialists bidding for housing and construction frameworks.
Framework Strategy and Readiness
We help organisations assess whether the PfH framework is the right opportunity, identify likely lots and shape a strong bidding strategy.
Bid Writing and Tender Support
Our bid writing team supports suppliers through selection and award stages, ensuring responses are compliant, evidence-led and aligned to PfH evaluation criteria.
SME-Focused Support
For SMEs, we provide proportionate support to strengthen policies, case studies and delivery models without unnecessary overhead.
Tender Pipeline Monitoring
Through Tender Pipeline, suppliers can track updates to this framework and related housing-sector opportunities across the UK.
Bid Training and Capability Building
We also support internal teams with bid writing training and mentoring, improving long-term consistency and confidence.
Final Thoughts
The PfH Technical Consultancy Services Framework is a significant opportunity for consultants supporting housing investment, compliance and decarbonisation programmes. With early market engagement and a clear pipeline, suppliers that prepare now will be best placed to succeed.
If you are considering bidding and want support with engagement, bid strategy or tender delivery, Thornton & Lowe can support you from early planning through to framework award.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PfH?
Procurement for Housing is a national procurement consortium supporting the UK social housing sector.
Who can use the PfH framework?
PfH member organisations, including housing associations and social landlords, can call off services directly.
When is the tender expected to be published?
The estimated publication date is 29 May 2026.
Is the framework suitable for SMEs?
Yes. PfH has confirmed that SME participation is encouraged.
