What's Happening?
Hampshire County Council and Devon County Council have commenced early market engagement for the sixth iteration of the Southern Construction Framework (SCF6), which is set to replace the current £4.5bn framework upon its expiration in May 2027. The new framework, SCF6, is expected to have an increased value cap of over £5.4bn, reflecting its expanded scope and the strong performance of its predecessor. The framework will be open to all public sector bodies across England, with a focus on supporting construction delivery in the South East, South West, and London regions. The current framework, SCF5, has already delivered £1.59bn of workload, achieving 83% of its turnover target with nearly half of its term remaining. The SCF6 will cover construction projects
valued above £1m and will be divided into geographic and value-based lots. A market engagement event is scheduled for January 21, 2026, in London, with the formal tender notice expected by March 31, 2026.
Why It's Important?
The refresh of the Southern Construction Framework is significant as it aims to enhance public sector construction projects across key regions in England. By increasing the value cap to over £5.4bn, the framework is set to accommodate a broader range of projects, potentially boosting local economies and providing opportunities for both major and smaller contractors. This initiative reflects a commitment to improving infrastructure and public services, which can lead to job creation and economic growth. The framework's focus on geographic and value-based lots ensures that projects are tailored to regional needs, promoting efficient resource allocation and project management.
What's Next?
The next steps involve the formal tender notice for SCF6, expected by March 31, 2026, with the framework set to run from May 2027 to May 2031. Stakeholders, including contractors and public sector bodies, will likely prepare for the upcoming market engagement event and subsequent tender process. The event will provide an overview of feedback from previous engagements and outline the framework's objectives. As the framework progresses, it will be crucial for participating entities to align with its goals and requirements to maximize the benefits of this significant investment in public sector construction.
