Scope
Reference
DN765460
Description
The Capital Works Framework is a structured approach for managing and delivering construction projects. It is designed to streamline the process and ensure efficient project execution.
The framework focuses on delivering capital works across the Cumberland Council's diverse portfolio.
Overview of the Authority's requirement:
To undertake construction projects across various locations within Cumberland with an individual project budget of up to £6 million. The Council reserves the right to advertise projects exceeding this value if it considers it appropriate.
The projects are divided into the following packages (Lots):
• Lot 1: General Building Works
• Lot 2: Civil Engineering Works
• Lot 3: Combined Building and Civil Engineering Works
The Council is seeking to award up to eight contractors for each lot.
Contractors will be appointed as the principal contractor for each project.
Contractors must ensure they have the necessary capabilities to perform the tasks described in each work package summary.
The framework is anticipated to commence in September 2025 and will continue for a period of four years unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract.
The estimated total value of the framework over the total contract period is a maximum value of £175,000,000 but no guarantee is given as to the actual value of the contract.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £175,000,000 excluding VAT
- £210,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 30 September 2025 to 29 September 2029
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45000000 - Construction work
Contract locations
- UKD1 - Cumbria
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
The Council is seeking to award up to eight contractors for each lot.
Lot 1 (was Lot 1 - Property, Lot 2 - Civils). General Building Works
Description
Project Value Range: £0.2 million to £3 million
Contractors are expected to undertake a variety of works including:
• Planned Maintenance: This may involve repairs and replacements of roofs, windows, and mechanical and electrical systems (M&E). Capital maintenance projects are typically low value and primarily focused on ensuring buildings are safe, windproof, and watertight.
• Upgrading and Refurbishment: This includes the enhancement and renovation of the Council's existing portfolio of corporate and school properties.
• New Builds and Extensions: This involves constructing new buildings and extending existing corporate and school properties, utilising a wide range of building types, including modular and offsite fabrication.
Lot value (estimated)
- £175,000,000 excluding VAT
- £210,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Civil Engineering Works
Description
Project Value Range: Up to £3 million
Contractors are expected to undertake a variety of works including:
• Structures & Bridges: This involves the repair and maintenance of highway structures, including retaining walls and bridges. Tasks may include culvert replacement, masonry arch bridge repairs, replacement of sections of retaining walls, and sea wall repairs. These structures are primarily made of stone or stone-faced materials, reinforced or mass concrete, or structural steelwork, and are most often located on carriageway local roads.
• Public Realm: This includes improvements to town centre environments, likely involving highway surfacing, footpaths, drainage, and signage enhancements. Works may also include upgrades to the appearance and functionality of transport interchanges.
• Highway Improvements: This involves improvements to junctions, access roads, car parks, and distributor routes to enhance safety and facilitate development.
• Footpath/Cycleway Improvements: While some of these schemes may be procured through other Council frameworks (e.g., small value surfacing framework), larger schemes may be managed through this framework.
• Drainage, Ground Stabilisation, and Flood Prevention Schemes: These schemes could include packages of several small drainage projects, piling, slope stabilisation, or slope protection schemes adjacent to highways. They may also encompass a variety of flood prevention initiatives.
Lot value (estimated)
- £175,000,000 excluding VAT
- £210,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Combined Building and Civil Engineering Works
Description
Project Value Range: £2.5 million to £6 million but may be used to procure schemes above £6m (with no upper limit) based on complexity, risk and other considerations
Contractors are expected to undertake a variety of works including similar projects to those outlined in Lots 1 and 2.
Lot value (estimated)
- £175,000,000 excluding VAT
- £210,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
Mini Competition Procedure
Initiation:
When the Council wishes to purchase Works, they will initiate a mini competition as outlined below:
1.2 Opportunities:
The Council will advertise opportunities in advance via a pipeline of projects. This pipeline will be updated as projects are approved or cancelled, including amendments to proposed tender and start completion dates required for operational or governance reasons.
1.3 Lot Selection:
The Council will determine the most appropriate Lot for the mini competition. They may choose to open the mini competition to more than one Lot at their discretion.
1.4 Expression of Interest:
All Suppliers on the selected Lot(s) will receive a request to provide an "expression of interest" via the Chest. Suppliers with Key Performance Indicator (KPI) scores below the target minimum will be excluded from requests to express interest, in accordance with Schedule 5 of the framework agreement.
1.5 Contractor Response:
Contractors must respond within the minimum time period specified in the request (not less than 2 working days) to confirm their interest. Responses must be submitted via the Chest. Late responses will not be considered.
1.6 Tender List:
The Council will assess the expressions of interest and establish a mini-competition tender list. If there are up to 6 interested suppliers, all will be invited to participate. If there are more than 6, the Framework User will request a high-level method statement and quality plan from all interested suppliers, to be returned within a specified period (not less than 3 working days). The top 4 scoring suppliers will be shortlisted. Contractors not selected for the mini competition will be informed via the Chest.
1.7 Tender Documents:
Selected contractors will receive the mini-competition tender documents, including assessment criteria, call-off contract details, work package drawings, schedules, and specifications. The return period for tenders will be determined by the Framework User, considering the complexity and urgency of the works, generally between 3 and 6 weeks.
1.8 Assessment:
Returned mini competition tender documents will be assessed based on the criteria set out in the tender documents. The assessment will consider Social Value, Price, and Quality, with weightings varying from 100% Price: 0% Social Value and Quality to 0% Price: 100% Social Value and Quality. Quality criteria may include methodology, programme, resources, innovation, sustainability, and social or environmental impacts.
1.9 Selection:
All contractors who tendered will be informed of the mini-competition outcomes. The selected contractor will complete the call-off contract. The Council, as the Framework User, is not obliged to place any order or enter into any contract following a mini competition. However, if they do, the contractor shall enter into a contract comprising the documents in Schedule 2, as amended, and any other documents issued as part of the mini-competition invitation.
1.10 Performance Based Adjustments:
Contractors with an average quarterly KPI score exceeding the Upper Band level will have their price score adjusted for all mini competitions in the following quarter, in line with Schedule 5 of the framework agreement.
1.11 Contractor Capacity:
The Council acknowledges that a Contractor's capacity to undertake work may vary, and thus, allows Contractors to withdraw or opt out from tender opportunities as necessary. This flexibility enables the Council to monitor trends and enhance the framework progressively.
Award method when using the framework
With competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1 (was Lot 1 - Property, Lot 2 - Civils). General Building Works
Lot 2. Civil Engineering Works
Lot 3. Combined Building and Civil Engineering Works
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
23 June 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
7 July 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=69382777-19f5-ef11-8136-005056b64545
Suppliers wishing to express an interest and obtain access to the tender documents should go to www.the-chest.org.uk and click on current opportunities from the navigation area on the left of the screen. On the next screen enter the contract Reference (DN765460) in the box labelled 'contains' then click search. Click on the Blue link for the contract title to view the opportunity.
To express an interest you will need to login. If you are not already registered on the www.the-chest.org.uk you will need to return to the home page and click on Register. Register free link in the navigation area on the left of the screen. Registration is free of charge and your username and password will be emailed to you.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
8 September 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 62.5% |
| Social Value | Quality | 20% |
| Price | Price | 17.5% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=69382777-19f5-ef11-8136-005056b64545
Suppliers wishing to express an interest and obtain access to the tender documents should go to www.the-chest.org.uk and click on current opportunities from the navigation area on the left of the screen. On the next screen enter the contract Reference (DN765460) in the box labelled 'contains' then click search. Click on the Blue link for the contract title to view the opportunity.
To express an interest you will need to login. If you are not already registered on the www.the-chest.org.uk you will need to return to the home page and click on Register. Register free link in the navigation area on the left of the screen. Registration is free of charge and your username and password will be emailed to you.
The contracting authority reserve the right to use any electronic portal during the life of the agreement.
Contracting authority
Cumberland Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGX-9191-DYLV
Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RD
United Kingdom
Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government