A framework sets the terms for future contracts with one or more suppliers, and you award individual call-offs by mini-competition or by direct award using a mechanism set out in the framework. Under the Procurement Act 2023 most frameworks last no more than 4 years, and dynamic markets replace dynamic purchasing systems, which expire on 23 February 2029 if set up under the 2015 Regulations.
A framework sets the terms for future contracts with one or more suppliers; you then award individual call-off contracts by mini-competition or, where the framework allows, by direct award without a new competition. Under the Procurement Act 2023, most frameworks run for no more than 4 years, open frameworks can run for up to 8, and dynamic markets replace dynamic purchasing systems.
How long can a framework last?
Section 47 sets a maximum term of 4 years (8 for defence or utilities). A longer term is allowed only where the works require it, and you must publish your reasons.
Section 49 adds open frameworks, which let new suppliers in during the term:
- they must re-open within 3 years, then at least every 5 years;
- they can last no more than 8 years in total, or 4 years with a single supplier.
Frameworks let under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 continue until they expire.
How are contracts called off?
There are two routes:
- Competitive selection process (mini-competition): you invite the framework's suppliers, or those on the relevant lot, to compete for the call-off (section 46).
- Award without competition: you award directly, using an objective mechanism already set out in the framework.
Read the call-off rules before you plan a programme. The lots, the award mechanism and the framework's geographic coverage decide which suppliers you can approach and how quickly you can appoint.
How is a framework direct award different from a direct award?
The two are easy to confuse. A framework direct award relies on the competition that took place when the framework was set up. A standalone direct award, with no competition at all, is allowed under the Act only in the special cases in section 41, or by "switching" to direct award under section 43. See the Procurement Act 2023 guide for the wider rules.
What has replaced dynamic purchasing systems?
Dynamic markets replace dynamic purchasing systems (DPSs). As with a DPS, suppliers can join a dynamic market at any time while it runs, which keeps it open to new and smaller firms.
DPSs set up under the 2015 Regulations expire automatically on 23 February 2029, according to legal commentary. If you buy through a DPS now, plan the move to a dynamic market or framework well before that date.
Which housing consortia run frameworks?
The bodies below run frameworks or agreements used for social housing works. The details come from their own pages and notices, or from trade press where marked. Values and dates can change, so check the current notice before relying on them.
- Fusion21: Responsive Repairs & Void Property Framework, £350m over 4 years from 1 October 2026, with 80 firms appointed. Lots cover repairs, void improvement, void security and clearance, disrepair, and contact centre services (trade press; Find a Tender notice 007288-2026).
- LHC Procurement Group: Housing, Regeneration & Demolition (H3), £1bn in England plus £75m through the Welsh Procurement Alliance, running 26 October 2026 to 25 October 2030. It has 12 lots, including retrofit and estate regeneration, with some places reserved for small firms (trade press).
- Efficiency East Midlands (EEM): EEM0046 Retrofit, Insulation and Associated Works framework, with a £93m Midlands lot and a £31m national lot (including VAT), running 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2030.
- Procurement for Housing (PfH): describes itself as a centralised procurement authority. It runs frameworks and DPSs covering Building Works & Materials, Construction, Decarbonisation, and Health, Safety & Compliance.
- Pagabo: Medium Works framework, about £1bn, for projects from £50k to £10m, with 94 suppliers. Live from January 2023 until 2027 (trade press).
- Northern Housing Consortium: offers housing and property frameworks to its members through "Consortium Procurement". Its lot categories have not been confirmed.
- Advantage South West: a housing procurement consortium owned by housing providers in the South West.
- Government Commercial Agency (formerly Crown Commercial Service): the Crown Commercial Service became the Government Commercial Agency on 1 April 2026. Existing CCS agreements continue.
This list is descriptive, not exhaustive, and is not a recommendation of any framework.
What lots do housing frameworks usually have?
Typical lot types are:
- responsive repairs;
- voids;
- disrepair;
- kitchens and bathrooms, or wider planned works;
- retrofit and insulation;
- fire safety;
- compliance.
Lots matter to smaller firms, because a single-trade or regional lot can suit a business that could not take on a whole programme.
How do SMEs win work without a framework place?
SMEs usually reach framework-era housing work in one of four ways:
- As tier-2 subcontractors to framework contractors. The 30-day payment term flows down to public sub-contracts (section 73) and to below-threshold contracts and their subcontracts (section 88).
- Through direct below-threshold quotes. Contracts of £30,000 or more need a published contract details notice, so these awards are visible.
- By joining dynamic markets or DPSs, which suppliers can join at any time.
- Through lots reserved for SMEs, where a framework includes them.
Why these routes? A framework is let once for several years. A supplier that misses the tender window has to wait for the next one, or for an open framework to re-open. Tier-2 work, below-threshold quotes and dynamic markets stay open throughout, and the Act's payment terms now protect subcontractors on public work.
If you want local SMEs in your supply chain, ask framework contractors how they appoint tier-2 firms, use below-threshold quotes where the value allows, and consider dynamic markets for specialist trades.
This guide is a summary, not legal advice. Check the current legislation and each framework's terms, or take advice for your own case.
How we help
We can work as a tier-2 partner to framework contractors, and we quote directly for below-threshold packages. Our procurement page explains how to buy from us.
Common questions
Can a supplier join a framework after it has started?
Only if it is an open framework, which must re-open to new suppliers within 3 years and then at least every 5 years. Dynamic markets and dynamic purchasing systems can be joined at any time while they run.
Does a framework place mean a supplier will get work?
No. A framework sets terms and a route to award. Work only follows when a buyer calls off a contract, by mini-competition or by direct award under the framework's own rules.
What happened to the Crown Commercial Service?
It became the Government Commercial Agency on 1 April 2026. Agreements let under the CCS name continue.
Sources
- Procurement Act 2023, section 47 (frameworks: maximum term)
- Procurement Act 2023, section 49 (open frameworks)
- Capital Law: frameworks and dynamic markets under the Procurement Act 2023
- Construction Enquirer: 80 firms win places on £350m Fusion21 repairs framework renewal
- Find a Tender notice 016038-2026: EEM0046 Retrofit, Insulation and Associated Works
- Procurement for Housing: contracting authority
- Northern Housing Consortium: Consortium Procurement
- Government Commercial Agency: Crown Commercial Service
Checked 31 October 2026. This guide summarises the rules for planning purposes and is not legal advice; check the current legislation or take advice for your own case.
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