What's Happening?
The Southern Construction Framework (SCF) is set to expand its value beyond the current £4.5 billion cap to accommodate increased demand and incorporate lower-value workstreams. Hampshire County Council and Devon County Council have initiated early market engagement for the sixth-generation framework, SCF6, which is expected to launch in May 2027. The current SCF5, launched in 2023, involves 11 contractors and has already achieved over 80% of its workload target. SCF6 will cover projects above £1 million and will be structured into value and geographic lots, remaining focused on the South East, South West, and London, but open to all public sector bodies in England. The councils are considering merging local frameworks for lower-value projects into SCF6 to reduce supplier bidding costs and improve consistency. A shift in procurement approach is also under review, with potential adoption of single-stage or hybrid approaches for lower-value lots.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of the Southern Construction Framework reflects a growing demand for construction projects in the South of England and London, indicating robust economic activity in these regions. By including lower-value workstreams, the framework aims to streamline procurement processes and reduce costs for suppliers, potentially leading to more competitive bidding and efficient project delivery. This development could benefit public sector bodies by providing access to a wider range of contractors and fostering innovation in procurement strategies. The shift towards single-stage or hybrid procurement approaches may also enhance flexibility and responsiveness to client needs, promoting better project outcomes.
What's Next?
A formal tender notice for SCF6 is anticipated in March 2026, with interested firms required to complete a survey by October 2025. Follow-up engagement meetings and a supplier event are scheduled for early 2026. The councils will continue to explore procurement strategies and gather contractor input to refine the framework's approach. As the framework evolves, stakeholders will likely monitor its impact on project delivery and supplier engagement, assessing the effectiveness of the new procurement models.
