UK's Concertus Launches £1 Billion Construction Works Framework Tender

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On 5 October, UK-based Concertus Suffolk Limited officially launched the procurement for the Link14 Construction and Building Services Framework, with a total framework value of up to £1 billion, excluding VAT, planned to run from 1 June 2027 to 31 May 2031. The procurement adopts a multi-supplier framework model, covering new build, extension and alteration, refurbishment, demolition, civil engineering, as well as mechanical and electrical installation and maintenance works. The deadline for first-stage participation requests is 5 November.

The framework is divided into 7 lots, of which 5 are construction works lots and 2 are building services lots. For East of England and the Home Counties, two construction lots are established: one for projects under £2 million and one for projects between £2 million and £14 million; East Midlands, West Midlands and the West of England are likewise divided into two lots: one for projects under £2 million and one for projects between £2 million and £14 million; a separate lot for major works across the central England region covers projects above £12 million. The two building services lots respectively cover East of England and the Home Counties, and East Midlands, West Midlands and the West of England, each for individual projects under £3 million.

The scope of works includes, in addition to new build, refurbishment, alteration and extension of public buildings, site preparation, partial or full civil engineering works, building installation, building finishing, rental of construction machinery and equipment, repair of building facilities, and architectural, engineering and inspection services. The building services lots may cover heating, photovoltaics, electric vehicle infrastructure, and other mechanical and electrical installation works. The framework is available to public bodies, public utilities and eligible procuring entities in the relevant regions.

This procurement adopts a two-stage competitive flexible procedure. In the first stage, applicants are required to complete a qualification questionnaire and the lot-specific procurement questions, with a score of at least 50% required. Those who pass the screening proceed to the formal tender stage. For lots 1–4, a maximum of 18 enterprises per lot will be invited to the second stage; for lot 5, a maximum of 14; and for lots 6 and 7, a maximum of 12 each. In the final evaluation, quality carries a weighting of 70% and commercial pricing 30%.

The framework supports two methods of project call-off: direct award and mini-competition. Contract systems such as NEC, JCT, ICE and ICC may be used, and bespoke contract terms may also be used depending on the specific works. For framework call-off projects with a value not exceeding £4,999,999.99, the framework usage fee rate is 0.8%; for those exceeding £5 million, the rate drops to 0.4%. The contracting authority plans to complete the framework award around 21 April 2027.

Concertus had previously conducted market consultation on Link14, with the original proposal mainly seeking contractors' views on project value bands and regional divisions. This formal tender has now determined the 7-lot structure, the admission screening method, the evaluation weightings and the contract call-off mechanism. The framework will replace the existing Suffolk Construction and Building Services Framework, which expires at the end of May 2027.