FEATURE PROCUREMENT
Understanding How Frameworks Operate
Frameworks offer an essential route for offsite providers into the public sector marketplace. This core component of procurement strategy is often misunderstood outside the procurement profession. Louise Hardcastle, Buyer - Buildings at the YPO, offers some much-needed clarity.
MMC IS A RAPIDLY GROWING part of the
and will also be evaluated against scored criteria by an
construction industry, and the public sector is
evaluation team. Successful suppliers are appointed to the
increasingly recognising the advantages it brings to
framework and become eligible for call-off opportunities.
projects of all sizes. These include faster and more
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Image 1: Louise Hardcastle, Buyer – Buildings, YPO Image 2: Central to offsite delivery is speed and predictability. Courtesy Stelling Properties Images 3-4: Modular construction provides repeatable, precision quality. Courtesy Integra Buildings
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Depending on the framework, users may run their
predictable delivery, along with sustainability benefits.
own competitive selection process or award without
A framework is defined under the Procurement Act
competition, previously known as direct award under
2023 as: “a contract between a contracting authority
the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, in line with the
and one or more suppliers that provides for the future
framework rules. The framework owner monitors call-
award of contracts by a contracting authority to the
offs, manages key performance indicators and feedback,
supplier or suppliers.” The contracting authority runs
and carries out ongoing due diligence to ensure
a single competition to establish the framework.
suppliers remain capable of delivering. Recent business
Framework users can then award call-off contracts
failures in the modular sector have reinforced the
more quickly using the framework’s appointed
importance of strong due diligence, ongoing monitoring
suppliers. The framework sets out the scope, pricing
and clear evidence of resilience within the supply base.
structure, terms and conditions, and the rules
Frameworks offer many strategic benefits.
for awarding call-offs. Suppliers appointed to a
The most obvious is speed. Running your own
framework are eligible for call-offs, but the authority
open procedure can take months, including pre-
is not obliged to award any. All call-off contracts must
engagement and tender development. Much of this
comply with the rules of the framework.
work has already been completed when using a framework, meaning a contract can be awarded in
Market insights
weeks. Suppliers have been pre-vetted, and processes
A well-designed framework begins with market
are compliant, which reduces contract risk. Quality
engagement. This is where demand is assessed, and
is assured, as all suppliers have met a minimum
the capacity and capability of the supply market are
standard. Pricing is transparent, and internal
understood. These insights shape the tender documents,
procurement costs are reduced. Frameworks also
which clearly set out the quality, capability, experience,
create space for innovation within the scope, and
social value and sustainability criteria required to join the
social value considerations are built in, which is an
framework. Bidders must meet mandatory requirements
important factor for the public sector.
Issue 53 July/August 2026
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