NHS SBS Public Sector Construction Works Framework - What You Need to Know so far

David Procter
2 days ago
3 min read

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched preliminary market engagement for its second-generation Public Sector Construction Works (PS-Works) framework agreement. With an estimated total value of up to £900 million (including VAT), this is one of the most significant construction procurement opportunities in the public sector calendar and one that every ambitious construction business should have on its radar right now.

What Is the Framework?

The new framework will replace the existing PS-Works agreement, which is due to expire in December 2027. It will run from October 2027 to October 2031 a four-year term and will be available to NHS organisations, social care bodies, and a wide range of other public sector clients authorised by NHS SBS.

The framework is structured around three lots, each targeting a different scale of project and supplier capability.

The Lot Structure

Lot 1 — Minor Works This lot covers smaller-scale construction projects and is organised by geographical area. Following the recent webinar, NHS SBS has confirmed that 10 suppliers will be appointed per geographical area, giving regional contractors a genuine opportunity to win a place on the framework without competing on a national stage.

Lot 2 — Intermediate Works Structured in the same way as Lot 1, 10 suppliers will again be appointed for each geographical area. This lot targets intermediate-scale projects and represents an excellent route to market for businesses with a strong regional track record.

Lot 3 — Major Works Lot 3 takes a different approach. Rather than being geographically segmented, this lot is national in scope, with a restricted panel of 12 suppliers who will deliver major projects across the country. Competition here will be intense, so demonstrating significant national delivery capability will be essential.

Qualification Requirements

Experience Suppliers will need to demonstrate the capability to deliver a minimum of three relevant projects completed within the last five years, aligned to the relevant lot and financial banding. This means your case studies need to be carefully chosen the value, scope, and complexity of each project must be appropriate to the lot you are applying for.

Accreditations and Management Systems ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety Management) are desirable rather than mandatory. However, if your business does not yet hold these certifications, all is not lost NHS SBS has confirmed that suppliers who can demonstrate a clear, documented process aligned with these standards will be considered. If you are working towards accreditation, make sure you can articulate your management systems clearly and provide supporting evidence. A Carbon Reduction Plan is a requirement.

Scoring and Evaluation

The evaluation model is split between commercial and quality criteria:

30% commercial weighting — ensuring value for money remains a priority
70% quality weighting — split across a set of written responses

Suppliers will be required to complete four quality responses and two social value responses. These responses are not lot-specific, meaning all applicants regardless of which lot they are targeting will complete the same set of questions.

Social value carries a significant weighting in this procurement, reflecting NHS SBS's commitment to working with suppliers who can demonstrate a genuine and measurable contribution to communities. This is not a box-ticking exercise; buyers will expect well-evidenced, credible commitments.

Modern Slavery Compliance

All suppliers will also be required to complete the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool as part of the submission process. This is a mandatory requirement, so ensure your organisation's supply chain due diligence processes and policies are in order well in advance.

Key Dates and Next Steps

The tender notice is estimated for publication in September 2026, but the preliminary market engagement questionnaire (PMEQ) deadline has already passed (13 November 2025). If you missed the PMEQ, now is the time to prepare for the formal tender stage.

NHS SBS is using SAP Ariba as its eSourcing platform. You will need a valid DUNS number to register, so if your organisation is not already set up on Ariba, address this early to avoid delays.

How Procter Street Can Help

Whether you are targeting a regional lot or aiming for the national Lot 3 panel, success on this framework will depend on the quality of your written responses. From articulating your management system alignment to evidencing social value impact and crafting compelling project case studies as construction consultancy experts, we can help.

Get in touch with Procter Street today to discuss how we can support your next public sector opportunity.