UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (STAR Housing) is undertaking Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) to inform the proposed procurement of Cleaning Services across its housing stock, communal facilities and corporate premises throughout Shropshire. The proposed contract will cover a range of planned, routine, responsive and specialist cleaning services, including void property cleaning, environmental and deep cleaning, communal area cleaning, community facilities, sheltered and supported accommodation, office cleaning, biohazard cleaning, waste removal and needle sweep services. STAR Housing intends to appoint a single supplier to deliver the full scope of services under one contract. The proposed contract term is three (3) years, with the option to extend for up to two (2) additional years, subject to satisfactory performance. This engagement seeks to understand market capability, capacity and interest, and gather supplier feedback on the proposed service requirements, delivery arrangements and procurement approach. This is a preliminary market engagement exercise only and does not constitute a formal invitation to tender or a commitment by STAR Housing to proceed with a procurement.

The Major Works & Repairs Framework has been developed to provide STAR Housing with a compliant, flexible and efficient route to procuring a wide range of property maintenance, repair, refurbishment and capital improvement works across its housing stock. Rather than undertaking individual procurement exercises for each requirement, the framework establishes a panel of pre-qualified suppliers who have demonstrated the technical capability, financial standing and operational capacity required to deliver works safely, efficiently and to a consistently high standard. The framework has been designed to improve outcomes for residents by providing timely access to competent contractors, strengthening contract management, improving quality and consistency, and delivering value for money throughout the life of the framework. It also provides STAR Housing with the flexibility to respond to changing operational priorities while maintaining compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and ensuring a transparent and auditable procurement process. The framework comprises eight Lots covering Electrical, Mechanical, Major Works & Major Voids, Healthy Homes, Drainage, Pest Control, Tree Works, Scaffolding and Waste Management. The specialist Lots have been structured to reflect the scale, complexity and risk associated with each service, with proportionate financial and technical requirements designed to encourage competition and maximise participation from competent local and regional suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Lot 2 - Major Works and Voids provides a comprehensive end-to-end solution for larger and more complex programmes of work, including planned maintenance, capital investment, major void refurbishment, external works, estate improvements and planned and reactive highways maintenance. By appointing one Principal Contractor, STAR Housing aims to achieve clear accountability, streamlined contract management, effective programme coordination and a consistent approach to quality, resident engagement and health and safety. Under Healthy Homes, Lot 3, this provides a dedicated service for internal and external adaptations, specialist equipment, damp, mould and condensation remediation, and additional specialist surveys and investigations where instructed by STAR Housing. The framework also recognises the important contribution local businesses make to the regional economy. Suppliers will be encouraged to maximise the use of local labour, apprenticeships, specialist subcontractors and regional supply chains wherever appropriate. This approach supports economic growth within Shropshire, reduces travel and associated carbon emissions, strengthens supply chain resilience and helps develop long-term partnerships with organisations that understand the local communities and housing stock. Overall, the framework balances robust governance and statutory compliance with commercial efficiency, providing STAR Housing with a procurement solution that delivers value for money, supports excellent resident outcomes and creates sustainable opportunities for competent suppliers to work collaboratively in maintaining and improving the quality of its homes. Stage 1: The Major Works & Repairs Framework has been developed to provide STAR Housing (based in Shropshire) with a compliant, flexible and efficient route to procuring a wide range of property maintenance, repair, refurbishment and capital improvement works across its housing stock. Rather than undertaking individual procurement exercises for each requirement, the framework establishes a panel of pre-qualified suppliers who have demonstrated the technical capability, financial standing and operational capacity required to deliver works safely, efficiently and to a consistently high standard. The framework has 8 Lots and has been designed to improve outcomes for residents by providing timely access to competent contractors, strengthening contract management, improving quality and consistency, and delivering value for money throughout the life of the framework. It also provides STAR Housing with the flexibility to respond to changing operational priorities while maintaining compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and ensuring a transparent and auditable procurement process. The Lots include: Lot 1a - Electrical Lot 1b - Mechanical Lot 2- Major Works and Major Voids Lot 3 - Healthy Homes Lot 4 - Drainage Lot 5 - Pest Control Lot 6 - Tree Works Lot 7 - Scaffolding Lot 8 - Waste Management The 4 year framework will be established using a Competitive Flexible Procedure comprising of the following: 1. Condition of Participation (CoP) - completion of a PSQ 2. Invitation to Tender (ITT) - Split 60% Quality, 40% Price 3. Interview (Int) Full details on how to apply are contained within Document 1 - Information and Instructions. Document 5 is a very useful summary of each Lot and the minimum requirements.

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing Limited (STAR Housing) is undertaking Preliminary Market Engagement to inform the proposed procurement of a contract for Waste – Cesspit Services including emptying, inspection and associated maintenance services. STAR Housing currently has 28 sites within Shropshire requiring planned cesspit emptying. The anticipated servicing profile is: • 25 sites requiring weekly emptying; and • 3 sites requiring quarterly emptying. In addition to planned emptying, the proposed service is expected to include appropriate inspection and maintenance duties, together with the ability to respond to unplanned or emergency requirements where necessary. The purpose of this Preliminary Market Engagement is to understand the capacity and capability of the market to deliver the requirement and to help STAR Housing develop an appropriate specification, pricing structure, performance regime and procurement strategy. STAR Housing wishes to understand: • whether suppliers have sufficient operational and tanker capacity to reliably service the required locations and frequencies; • how planned and emergency services should best be organised; • the maintenance and inspection services that the market can reasonably provide alongside emptying; • appropriate and transparent charging arrangements; and • any changes to the proposed approach that could improve service quality, resilience, environmental performance or value for money. This Preliminary Market Engagement does not constitute a call for competition or a commitment by STAR Housing to undertake a subsequent procurement.