Public Sector Frameworks

ProcurePublic is a ‘Managing Agent’ for Central and Cecil Housing Trust (CCHT), a registered charity, Mutual society number 29573R.

CCHT was established to provide social housing and associated services. Its charitable status reinforces the fact that its operations are not driven by purely commercial objectives but by the delivery of social value.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, several key factors are considered when determining whether an organisation is a contracting authority:

1. Public Funding
   CCHT receives the majority of its funding from public sources, which satisfies the requirement that the organisation is supported predominantly by public funds.

2. Public Authority Oversight
   CCHT operates under oversight from public authorities, which exercise influence and control over its governance and decision-making.

3. Commercial Basis
   CCHT was established for the purpose of providing social housing and continues to deliver services with a strong social value objective. As such, it does not operate on a purely commercial basis.

ProcurePublic is a managing agent for two contracting authorities. We offer a comprehensive national procurement platform created to support public sector organisations in accessing compliant, streamlined frameworks for the procurement of goods, services, and works. Our mission is to simplify public procurement, reduce administrative burden, and ensure that all procurement activity remains legally compliant while delivering best value and transparency.

Any UK-based public sector body, including local authorities, NHS trusts, housing associations, educational institutions, emergency services, and charitable organisations, can access and benefit from ProcurePublic’s frameworks. If your organisation falls under UK procurement legislation, you are eligible to use our platform.

The list below covers all current and future contracting authorities:.

• https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/nationalaccounts/uksectoraccounts/datasets/publicsectorclassificationguide

• Housing associations, including registered social landlords

• Councils, including county councils, district councils, county borough councils, community councils, London borough councils, unitary councils, metropolitan councils, parish councils

• Ministerial and non-ministerial government departments

• Executive agencies of the government and other subsidiary bodies

• Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs), including advisory NDPBs, executive NDPBs, and tribunal NDPBs

• All non-Crown Status Government Companies wholly or partly owned by central government departments and their subsidiaries

• Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies (ASPBs)

• Police forces – this includes Police Forces and Special Police Forces in the UK, Police and Crime Commissioners, Police Authorities, and other relevant legislation for the constituent parts of the United Kingdom, for their respective rights and interests.Fire and rescue services

• Ambulance services

• Maritime and coastguard agency services

• NHS bodies: NHS Authorities and Trusts, Clinical commissioning groups

• Educational bodies or establishments including state schools (nursery schools, primary schools, middle or high schools, secondary schools, special schools), academies, colleges, Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), further education colleges and universities

• Hospices

• National Parks

• Third sector and charities

• Local Enterprise Partnerships

• Citizens advice bodies

• Other Public Bodies and Public corporations and their subsidiary bodies sponsored by Central Government Departments that are not covered by named categories in this list

• Public financial bodies or institutions

• Public pension funds

• Central banks

• Civil service bodies, including public sector buying organisation

• All new bodies created which fall within the criteria or as listed on procurepublic.co.uk

Yes, all frameworks hosted by ProcurePublic are fully compliant with the UK Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and or align with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023. Each framework is tendered by a recognised Contracting Authority, ensuring legality and audit readiness.

There is no cost to public sector clients for using ProcurePublic. All associated fees are transparently built into the supplier agreements through a small framework levy. Clients are not charged any membership or access fees, ensuring that budgets are preserved for frontline delivery.

ProcurePublic offers two primary routes for procurement: Direct Award and Mini-Competition. Direct Award allows for rapid supplier appointment under specific conditions. Mini-Competitions are used to ensure value through a fair and transparent competitive process between framework-approved suppliers.

A mini-competition begins with the client defining their requirements, budget, and evaluation criteria. An invitation is sent to all suppliers within the relevant framework lot. Suppliers submit their bids, which are then evaluated based on pre-agreed criteria. The supplier achieving the highest overall score is awarded the contract. ProcurePublic provides comprehensive templates and support throughout the process.

Clients receive full support throughout the procurement lifecycle. This includes access to editable documentation, help with developing evaluation criteria, facilitation of supplier clarifications, and legal reviews to ensure each stage remains compliant and robust.

Timeframes vary depending on the procurement route. Direct Awards can typically be completed in five to ten working days. Mini-Competitions usually require three to six weeks, depending on the project’s scope and complexity.

Yes, ProcurePublic offers a managed service option. Our team can fully administer the procurement on your behalf, or we can collaborate with your internal team to guide and advise at key stages to maintain governance and assurance.

Yes, clients are empowered to define their own evaluation framework. This includes customising the weightings for quality, price (by up to 10%) and social value in a way that aligns with your organisational priorities. We offer guidance to ensure these are proportionate and fair.

Social value is a key feature of our process. We help clients to integrate meaningful criteria and reporting mechanisms that reflect local priorities, such as employment initiatives, community investment, and sustainability goals. Suppliers are assessed on their ability to deliver these outcomes as part of their bid.

Yes. We apply industry-standard encryption protocols and comply fully with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Access to sensitive information is limited to authorised personnel, ensuring confidentiality and integrity of all data shared.

Many of our frameworks are designed to support multi-disciplinary requirements. This means you can procure related or complementary services from one framework, reducing procurement effort and creating greater consistency in delivery.

Clients receive a full audit pack that includes procurement templates, supplier communications, evaluation scoring sheets, clarification responses, call-off contracts, and award letters. This documentation ensures transparency and compliance with internal and external audit standards.

To begin using ProcurePublic, simply click on the framework page, and use our 4 step call-off process.

Suppliers can join a ProcurePublic framework by responding to published tenders during their open procurement phase. These opportunities are advertised on the ProcurePublic website ‘Tenders’ page and on Find a Tender Service (FTS). Suppliers must submit their proposals before the closing deadline. Late submissions or off-cycle applications are not accepted.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of organisations, including SMEs, large contractors, charities, regional specialists, and social enterprises. All applicants must meet the specific criteria set out in each framework’s tender documentation.

ProcurePublic frameworks are awarded based on a combination of factors including technical expertise, financial standing, delivery methodology, innovation, environmental sustainability, and a commitment to delivering social value. Suppliers must demonstrate their capacity to meet client expectations and legislative obligations.

There is no cost to join a framework. However, once awarded a contract through the framework, suppliers contribute a small agreed levy (typically 1–3 percent of the contract value) to cover framework management and support services. This ensures clients can access the platform at no cost.

When a client initiates a mini-competition, suppliers on the relevant lot are invited to bid. The client issues a detailed specification and evaluation methodology. Suppliers submit proposals within a defined timeframe, after which bids are assessed and scored. The top-ranked supplier is then awarded the contract.

Yes. Suppliers are encouraged to seek clarification on any aspect of the tender. Questions must be submitted within the clarification period, and responses are shared with all participating bidders to ensure transparency and fairness.

Successful suppliers are formally notified via email. This is followed by the issuance of a call-off contract or purchase order from the client. The supplier will then liaise with the client directly to arrange mobilisation and delivery.

Yes. Suppliers who are not successful in a mini-competition may request a debrief. This will typically include evaluation scores, commentary on your bid, and constructive suggestions to improve future submissions.

Yes, though we cant give out client details. Once you are appointed to a framework, you are encouraged to engage with potential clients through approved channels. All marketing activity must adhere to the framework’s communication guidelines and ethical standards.

Yes. Suppliers may be removed for serious breaches such as misrepresentation, non-compliance with framework terms, poor performance, or failure to pay the agreed levy. Any removal will follow a structured review and appeal process.

Yes. Suppliers are welcome to apply to multiple frameworks and lots, provided they meet the eligibility and capability requirements. This allows suppliers to expand their reach and work across different sectors or services.

While not always mandatory, social value is a highly weighted factor in many competitions. Suppliers should be prepared to outline how their work will deliver tangible community, environmental, or economic benefits in line with public sector priorities.

Suppliers can find live framework opportunities on the ProcurePublic website at www.procurepublic.co.uk/suppliers and via Find a Tender Service.

Mini tenders will be notified to appointees by email.