Compliant with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) and Procurement Regulations 2024, once launched in April 2027, the new framework will run for a term of four years, with an estimated total value of up to £2 billion and individual contract values up to £20 million.

The framework offers space for up to 75% regional contractor appointments, to support the growth of local businesses and economies. Works types include new build, refurbishment, highways, public realm, accessibility, decarbonisation, and mechanical and electrical engineering.

This is the third iteration of the small to medium works framework offering managed by Pagabo on behalf of contracting authority The Education Alliance. The framework has been created to give public sector clients a compliant way to appoint quality contractors from their own regions, and ensure investment stays within the local economy.

It will be available to a range of public sector bodies including local and combined authorities and central government, housing associations, NHS, education providers, policing, ambulance services, public utilities, fire and rescue, museums, leisure facilities (including sports health and wellbeing) and prisons. It is also accessible to the third sector as well as those operating in the highways and infrastructure and aviation sectors.

Jason Stapley, chief procurement officer at Pagabo, said: “This is a framework that explicitly focuses on ensuring regional lots are reserved for regional firms, in the form of having national procurement assurance with a focus on local delivery.

“We’re excited to continue this offering and open the opportunity for contractors and the public sector to take advantage of a ready-made and compliant way to turn devolved funding into local delivery and local growth. The offering is a vessel to help the public sector deliver the greatest value from investment, which is especially important considering the government’s focus on fiscal devolution - pushed in the recent Autumn Budget.

“Speed, compliance and quality continue to take centre stage within all frameworks that we manage, and through our role we’re able to help drive regional growth across the UK by enhancing opportunities for local contractors and supply chains.”

The framework offers five main lots, with lots 2 through to 5 split into 40 regional areas, enabling procurement to take place with local contractors close to projects on the ground. Lot 1 is reserved for national contractors, to maintain this option for public sector clients.

• Collaborative Partner Lot 1 – Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales (£0-£20m)
• Lot 2-5 – 40 Geographic Area Sub-Lots

o Lot 2 (£0m-£1m)

o Lot 3 (£1m-£5m)

o Lot 4 (£5m-£10m)

o Lot 5 (£10m-£20m)

Contractors will be assessed on quality and price, with a weighting split of 70% and 30%, respectively. The framework will be managed through Pagabo’s digital-first delivery model, Pagabo+. The model provides a single environment for all framework activity, including management and delivery, as well as reporting and compliance obligations in line with PA23.

Jason continued: “This framework offering is championed through our Pagabo+ offering, creating space for contractors to take advantage of faster and greater visibility of public sector opportunities, reduced administrative overheads through our digitised process and a much clearer and consistent compliance with PA23.”

The framework’s tender submission deadline is set for 5 January 2027 and interested parties can find more information online via InTend.