Frameworks

Frameworks are umbrella agreements that set out the terms that include specification, quality, price and quantity under which contracts (call-offs) can be made during the lifetime of the framework (normally 4 years). Suppliers compete through open competition to be appointed to a framework. Publicly funded bodies then access the suppliers that have successfully met the framework criteria by “calling-off” individual contracts.

The five stages

We monitor legislation, building regulations, standards and innovations that create a need to adapt or improve the way that works, goods or services are procured
We gather client and supplier feedback to identify and validate future procurement needs

To ensure compliance with UK Public Contracts Regulations 2015, framework opportunities are advertised in Find a Tender, Public Contracts Scotland, Sell2Wales and the electronic tender portal, InTend.
Frameworks are typically split by workstream, region and value band to attract a wide range of suppliers, so that clients throughout the country have a choice of local suppliers or national operators to deliver their projects
Documentation comprises an Invitation to Tender, which specifies the works, goods or service being procured. It also inlcudes the Offer Document, which comprises a technical quality questionnaire and pricing templates that a supplier needs to complete and submit, as well as the General Terms & Conditions which govern how the framework operates and individual projects are called off by clients.
As part of their offer all suppliers wishing to become an LHC appointed company also complete a European Standard Procurement Document with questions that address a number of elements. This includes; company standing, financial standing, employment practices, health and safety practices, environmental awareness, capacity and geographical range, installation capability, technical capability, quality management, administrative capability and experience of supplying the public sector
Suppliers enjoy free and open access to the ITT and Offer documentation, accessible via our online e-portal. Suppliers are allocated a pre-set set time frame of at least a month, but often longer depending on the complexity, in which to collate information and submit a bid.

We review every submission in detail
We then apply the MEAT principle (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) to take account of criteria that reflect qualitative, technical and sustainable aspects of the tender submission, as well as price when reaching an award decision. We do this by weighting the various sections accordingly
Tenders are ranked according to their final Value for Money score, which takes account of the weightings for each section
To ensure compliance with UK Public Contracts Regulations 2015, framework opportunities are advertised in Find a Tender, Public Contracts Scotland, Sell2Wales and the electronic tender portal, InTend.
A detailed Tender Report is also prepared, showing the weighted scores under each heading, value for money index, and company or companies recommended for appointment
We typically appoint three or four of the highest scoring tenderers to each framework agreement regional lot
Numbers are based on likely demand and other considerations

Our nationwide network of client engagement officers “engage” with both our “client” contracting authorities throughout England, Wales and Scotland to identify suitable projects
We then assist clients wishing to “call off” a project under the framework, guiding them through the procurement process, providing technical and procurement advice, managing the Expressions of Interest, and verifying prices
Clients contract directly with the appointed company delivering the works
We then continue to monitor the project, liaising with both clients and appointed companies, to help identify and resolve potential issues, and ensure the timely and cost effective delivery of the project
At the end of each project we get feedback from clients on the performance of the appointed companies, and currently enjoy a 90% client satisfaction rating

At the end of each financial year, as a not for profit, all excess revenue generated through levy income is rebated to our clients, based on project invoice value generated
This primary focus of rebates is typically local community social value projects