Southern Construction Framework 6 is one of the largest public sector construction framework opportunities currently live. It is expected to replace SCF5 and support major construction projects for eligible public bodies across London, the South East, the South West and, for this generation, wider England. The latest tender notice indicates a value of £10bn excluding VAT, or £12bn including VAT. If you are weighing up whether to bid, Thornton & Lowe can help with bid writing services and framework agreement support.
The opportunity is listed on Find a Tender. Suppliers should check the live notice and procurement documents before committing bid resource, as deadlines, lots and buyer clarifications can change during the process.
What the opportunity covers
- major public sector construction projects across multiple regions and client types
- framework access for local authorities, education, health, emergency services and other public bodies where eligible
- contractor selection for complex capital programmes, refurbishment, new build and associated works
- early contractor involvement, collaborative working, governance and framework management expectations
- quality, commercial, social value and delivery methodology requirements at framework level
Who should be looking at it
SCF6 is primarily for experienced main contractors with the capacity, financial standing, supply chain, project controls and regional coverage to deliver significant public sector construction schemes. It may also be relevant to strategic supply chain partners, but they are more likely to participate through lead contractors.
Quick facts
- Buyers: Hampshire County Council and Devon County Council
- Latest tender value: £10bn excluding VAT / £12bn including VAT
- Framework term shown in public search: May 2027 to May 2031
- Supplier action: use the latest tender notice when planning your bid, as earlier market engagement figures may differ
What to focus on in the bid
For a framework of this size, a rushed submission will show. Suppliers should start with bid/no-bid discipline, lot selection and evidence mapping before writing. The strongest responses will be specific about how the contractor supports early engagement, predictable delivery and value for money for public sector clients, not just how it builds.
- clear lot strategy and evidence matched to project value, geography and sector
- public sector project examples with measurable outcomes and client references
- programme control, risk management, quality assurance and supply chain governance
- social value, net zero and community benefit commitments that can be delivered in practice
- how you will support early contractor involvement and collaborative working
Bid planning points
Before investing time in the submission, map the requirement against your strongest evidence, named team, accreditations, delivery model and pricing position. Our construction framework bidding support can help you shape that decision and avoid spending time on a framework that is not commercially realistic.
How Thornton & Lowe can help
Thornton & Lowe supports suppliers with bid/no-bid decisions, framework strategy, compliance checks, response planning and full bid writing. We can help you decide whether this opportunity is worth pursuing, identify the strongest lot or route, and turn your evidence into a clear, evaluator-focused submission.
If this framework is a good strategic fit, early planning will make the bid easier to manage and improve the quality of your submission. Speak to Thornton & Lowe for practical, commercially focused support.
