With numerous procurement frameworks available, finding the right match for your business is key to sourcing goods and services efficiently. The question is: in a changing landscape, is it possible to simplify the process, unpick complicated guidelines and ensure your chosen framework partners are the right fit for your business? In this article, NHMF Frameworx Director, David Miller outlines how choose which procurement route will work for you, and how you can keep things simple by streamlining the decision-making process.
How to procure through NHMF Frameworx
Below is an outline of the two procurement methods used at Frameworx:
#1 Direct Awards
In accordance with Public Contracts Regulations (PCR) 2015, contracts ‘called off’ by Direct Award must be granted in accordance with “objective criteria” to select which Framework Provider is awarded the contract.
To break down the criteria, we have created a simple step-by-step flowchart which outlines the process.
#2 Mini Competition
The second option is a Mini Competition which includes several stages:
Stage 1
Establish interest from the Approved Providers on the framework and determine which Framework Providers meet your requirements for the Call-off Contract. You can do this by applying the Pre-Allocation Checks to all of the Providers on the framework, (see PCR Regulations 2015 Schedule 4, paragraph 1 for details).
Stage 2
Prepare and issue an Invitation to submit a Mini-Tender (IMT), which must include:
- Evaluation criteria based on the original framework using the ratio: 40 Price | 56 Quality | 4 Social value.
- Mini-Tender submission requirements (including any prices) that the framework provider is required to submit to tender for the Call-off Contract. The price should be based on the rates and prices that formed the basis of the framework.
- Date until which those prices must be held open for acceptance.
- Deadline for Mini-Tender submission.
Once clients have signed up to Frameworx, they have access to our expert procurement team, who can walk you through each stage in more detail, and provide advice on how avoid the risk of a challenge to the Call-off Contract.
While the above is intended as a short summary of how to procure through Direct Awards and Mini Competition, it’s important to note that under PCR 2015 regulations, there are a number of legal requirements associated with the award criteria, weightings, pricing and Stand Still Periods which must be adhered to. Our objective at Frameworx is to help you stay compliant with the requirements and act as a trusted partner to guide you through the process to ensure your procurement project runs as smoothly as possible.
In conclusion, procurement frameworks are there to help you save time, reduce risk and stay compliant. The trick is to find the right fit, that not only provides the right level of support, but also gives you access to high-calibre suppliers. When considering which frameworks to use, it may be useful to bear in mind that the best procurement frameworks aren’t just partners – they’re a strategic asset that can be harnessed to support your business goals and help you stay agile in a competitive landscape. In the run-up to the new Procurement Act coming into force in February 2025, frameworks have an important role to play in the success of your business, so make sure you choose the best fit.
Author: David Miller | NHMF Frameworx Director, Consultant at Rand Associates, Chair of M3 Housing
David is a Quantity Surveyor by profession, being a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building, he joined Rand Associates in 1975 and has been involved in the maintenance of social housing for the last 25 years.
Like to award work through NHMF Frameworx? Our team can support you – get in touch: