Framework Announcement: NHS SBS Announces £750m Public Sector Construction Works 2

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has announced its upcoming Public Sector Construction Works 2 Framework (SBS10533), providing construction contractors across the UK with an opportunity to secure a place on a framework valued at an estimated £750 million (excluding VAT).

The four-year framework will support construction, refurbishment, demolition and civil engineering projects across the public sector, with opportunities ranging from minor works contracts worth up to £5 million to major national construction projects exceeding £15 million.

Although NHS SBS is responsible for establishing the framework, its use will not be limited to NHS organisations. Approved users will include NHS and social care bodies, alongside other authorised public and private sector organisations.

With three lots covering different project values and geographical requirements, the framework offers opportunities for contractors of varying sizes and capabilities, including SMEs.

The tender notice is currently expected to be published on 13 November 2026, with submissions due by 8 January 2027.

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Framework Overview

• Contracting Authority: NHS Shared Business Services Limited (NHS SBS)

• Framework Reference: SBS10533

• Framework Name: Public Sector Construction Works 2

• Estimated Value: £750 million excluding VAT (£900 million including VAT)

• Framework Duration: Four years

• Estimated Start Date: 8 December 2027

• Estimated End Date: 7 December 2031

• Geographical Coverage: UK, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Jersey

• Procurement Procedure: Open Procedure

• Estimated Tender Publication: 13 November 2026

• Clarification Deadline: 4 December 2026, 12pm

• Tender Submission Deadline: 8 January 2027, 12pm

• Estimated Award Decision: 20 October 2027

The framework is intended to provide approved organisations with a compliant route to procure construction services across a broad range of project types and values.

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How Is the Framework Structured?

The Public Sector Construction Works 2 Framework is divided into three lots, allowing contractors to target opportunities that align with their experience, capacity and geographical coverage.

Lot 1: Minor Works (£0–£5m) – Regional

Lot 1 covers smaller-scale construction projects, with individual call-off contracts valued at a maximum of £5 million.

The scope includes construction, refurbishment, demolition, extensions and maintenance works.

Projects within this lot are generally less complex and may use simplified JCT or NEC4 contract forms.

Suppliers will be organised into 12 geographical areas, making this lot particularly relevant to regional contractors and SMEs looking to strengthen their public sector presence.

Lot 2: Intermediate Works (£5m–£15m) – Regional

Lot 2 is designed for contractors capable of delivering larger construction, refurbishment and demolition projects, with individual contracts valued between £5 million and £15 million.

These projects typically involve greater complexity, more comprehensive contractual requirements and additional management responsibilities than those under Lot 1.

However, they are not expected to involve the highly specialised building services or complexity generally associated with major construction programmes.

Like Lot 1, suppliers will be organised across 12 geographical areas.

Lot 3: Major Works (£15m+) – National

Lot 3 covers major construction, refurbishment and civil engineering projects, with individual call-off contracts starting at £15 million and no specified upper limit.

These projects are likely to require substantial resources, dedicated project teams, extensive planning and the management of multiple stakeholders.

Unlike the first two lots, Lot 3 will operate nationally, making it particularly relevant to larger contractors with the operational capacity and experience to deliver complex public sector construction programmes.

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How Will Bids Be Evaluated?

NHS SBS has confirmed the following evaluation weightings:

• Quality: 60%
• Commercial (Price): 30%
• Social Value: 10%

With quality accounting for 60% of the overall evaluation, contractors will need to demonstrate more than competitive pricing.

Strong submissions should clearly evidence relevant project experience, delivery methodologies, risk management, quality assurance and the resources available to fulfil framework requirements.

Social Value also carries a dedicated 10% weighting, and NHS SBS has emphasised the importance of sustainability and social value throughout the procurement.

For contractors, this means preparing credible, measurable commitments that demonstrate how their projects will deliver wider benefits alongside the construction works themselves.

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How Will Work Be Awarded Under the Framework?

Securing a place on the framework will provide access to future call-off opportunities, but it will not automatically guarantee contracts.

NHS SBS has outlined two potential award routes: competitive selection between suppliers appointed to the relevant lot, potentially following a capability assessment, and awards without a further competitive process where the framework rules permit.

Competitive selection will be the default procedure.

Contractors should therefore consider not only how to secure their initial framework position, but also how they will maintain a competitive approach to future call-off opportunities.

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How Can Contractors Prepare for the NHS SBS Framework?

Although the tender submission deadline is in January 2027, contractors should begin preparing well before the tender documents are published.

There are several areas worth prioritising.

Assess Which Lot Is the Best Fit

The first step is identifying where your business is most competitive.

Lot 1 may be particularly suitable for regional contractors delivering smaller construction and refurbishment projects, while Lots 2 and 3 require evidence of progressively larger and more complex project delivery.

Contractors should assess their previous experience, financial capacity, geographical coverage and available resources before deciding which lots to pursue.

Prepare Relevant Construction Case Studies

With quality carrying 60% of the evaluation weighting, strong project evidence will be essential.

Contractors should begin identifying comparable projects that demonstrate their ability to deliver works safely, efficiently and to the required standard.

Where possible, case studies should include measurable outcomes, such as programme performance, budget management, quality assurance results and client satisfaction.

Strengthen Sustainability and Social Value Responses

NHS SBS has made it clear that sustainability and social value will be important considerations.

Contractors should consider how their delivery model can support local employment, apprenticeships, responsible waste management, carbon reduction and wider community benefits.

Rather than relying on generic commitments, bidders should demonstrate how these outcomes will be delivered, measured and reported throughout individual projects.

Review Compliance and Supplier Registration Requirements

Prospective bidders will need to register on the Central Digital Platform and ensure their Core Supplier Information is accurate and up to date.

NHS SBS has also confirmed that suppliers will access the tender opportunity through SAP Ariba following publication.

Reviewing these requirements early can help avoid administrative delays during the submission process.

Review the Pre-Procurement Webinar Materials

NHS SBS held its pre-procurement bidder webinar on 17 June 2026.

For contractors who were unable to attend, the meeting recording, presentation slides and Q&A responses are available through the NHS SBS Public Sector Construction Works 2 webinar page.

These materials may provide useful insight into the procurement requirements and anticipated process ahead of the tender's publication.

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How Can Bid Writing Service Help?

The NHS SBS Public Sector Construction Works 2 Framework represents a substantial opportunity for construction contractors looking to expand their presence within the public sector.

However, with three distinct lots, detailed technical requirements and a quality-led evaluation process, preparing a competitive submission will require careful planning and strong supporting evidence.

At Bid Writing Service (BWS), we support construction and civil engineering contractors throughout the tendering process, from initial opportunity assessment and bid strategy development to full bid writing, reviewing and submission support.

Our team can help you:

• Identify the most suitable lots for your business.

• Assess your tender readiness and compliance requirements.

• Develop compelling technical responses supported by relevant construction experience.

• Strengthen your sustainability and social value commitments.

• Review your completed submission against the published evaluation criteria.

Whether you're an established public sector contractor or considering your first major construction framework, our team can help you approach the opportunity with a clear, competitive bid strategy.

Get in touch with Bid Writing Service today at info@bidwritingservice.com to discuss how we can support your NHS SBS Public Sector Construction Works 2 submission.