Alongside a new £11bn construction framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Scape Group has announced a £2bn framework for Scotland to be operated and managed by Scape Procure Scotland.

Following an extensive market consultation period, the latest enhancements to its construction framework suite have been designed to provide direct support to the local economy and the green recovery. The frameworks will empower public sector organisations to shape their project objectives, whilst offering a wider choice of delivery partners, contracts and performance measurement, without compromising the accelerated direct award model that we operate.

The four-year frameworks, which have the option to be extended until 2027, builds on the success of the existing National Construction and Minor Works frameworks which have seen over 800 projects delivered to date by Willmott Dixon, Robertson, Wates, Lendlease and Kier. Projects have been supported regionally by Farrans, McLaughlin and Harvey, Henry Brothers and a UK-wide network of SMEs.

The new simplified frameworks, which are available to all public sector organisations, will accelerate the delivery of innovative and high-quality construction projects across all sectors and values.

A new feature to the next generation of construction frameworks is a unique parallel lotting structure that, for the first time, will give commissioning clients the option to engage early with multiple contractors before awarding a project.

Our public sector colleagues have a diverse mix of challenges that they have to tackle as a part of the projects they commission. By introducing what we believe is the first ever parallel lotting structure within a direct award framework, we feel that we can help to clear a path to achieving those objectives, whilst maintaining a bedrock of rigour, compliance and client support. By providing the flexibility to decide how success is defined, be that related to local spend, social value or low carbon initiatives, we can help the public sector to meet their strategic goals.

John Simons, Scape Group, Head of procurement and audit

This element of the framework has been designed to stimulate innovation and a reinforced commitment from contractors to maintain the highest possible standards.

Whilst this framework will continue the fully-managed, direct award model, it has also been designed to support the growing list of project objectives that the public sector seeks to address. These include enhanced local economic engagement and supporting the achievement of the UK’s 2050 net-zero carbon commitments.

Our clients will also benefit from a wider range of NEC contract options. These new contracts will provide greater opportunity for collaboration and flexibility across the supply chain on longer-term, higher-value projects or for specifying performance objectives that cover the full life cycle of an asset.

The new £13bn frameworks will be structured into 11 lots; including a dedicated framework with four lots to serve Scotland.

Other highlights from the new construction frameworks include:

  • ‘Digital as standard’ – a pre-qualifying criteria will include a requirement that all delivery partners must be Level 2 BIM compliant and that contracts can be digitally exchanged through e-document agreements, building further rigour and speed into the procurement experience.
  • A new approach to sustainable delivery – we will be unveiling our new sustainability plans this summer, which bidders will be expected to respond to as we look to help the public sector address the climate emergency.

To learn more about the framework structure and procurement notices, please visit our live procurement portal.