UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

Aspire Housing is looking to create a repairs and maintenance framework. A soft market test and planned procurement notice have been undertaken to give potential contractors and other stakeholders the opportunity to express their interests and feed in their views about the potential service model. Aspire has used the information to appraise options and further develop the specification/tender pack. Aspire housing has a DLO off circa 130 operatives, delivering responsive repairs, voids, planned works, grounds maintenance and damp and Mould works. Our first point of call is to deliver works using the DLO however due to volume of work, we rely heavily on sub-contractors. Hence the need for this Repair & Maintenance framework. The works are predominantly reactive, and our busiest time is December – April as we approach year end to ensure we are hitting our job target dates, which usually means a quick turnaround. The framework is broken down into Lots - “A” lots are dedicated for SMEs - The UK Public procurement definition of SME is - fewer than 250 employees. Tenderers can bid for Lots “A” if classed as a SME (Small, Medium sized Entity) or Lots “B” if not classed as a SME i.e larger company. Lots with no “A” or “B” can be bid on by any size organisation. You cannot bid for both A and B lots. Aspire has structured this Framework into Lots and sub‑Lots, each with an estimated annual value to support proportionate competition and market access. Aspire reserves the right not to award a sub‑Lot where insufficient competition or capacity is demonstrated. In such circumstances, Aspire may merge the sub‑Lot back into the overarching Lot and proceed with award under the main Lot structure. The lot structure has been designed to support Aspire’s objective of diversifying the supply base and ensuring that SMEs have equitable access to the Framework. By establishing a dedicated SME Lot, smaller providers compete solely against organisations of a similar scale, removing barriers that can arise when SMEs are evaluated alongside significantly larger contractors. Likewise, the non‑SME Lots enable larger contractors to compete against peers with comparable capacity and resources. This approach promotes fair competition, broad market participation, and a balanced mix of suppliers across the Framework. The works delivered under this Framework are entirely reactive and responsive, with no planned or programmed works included. Each Lot is supported by its own specification, setting out the typical job types, required response times, and service expectations. The nature of the Framework is characterised by smaller, frequent, fast‑turnaround tasks, often raised at short notice. This structure is not intended to deter larger contractors; rather, it ensures that suppliers of all sizes can participate appropriately. The division into SME and non‑SME Lots reflects the fact that individual orders may be low in value, while the overall volume may be high, enabling SMEs to compete on a level playing field and allowing larger contractors to operate within Lots aligned to their capacity and delivery models. Aspire is looking to appoints provider of Repairs and Maintenance works for a Framework commencing in February 2027 for a term of 6 years, reopening for new applicants in year 3 details of which are included in the enclosed documents.