Primary Contractor Framework

Portsmouth City Council (the 'Council') is undertaking this Pre Market Engagement (PME) exercise as part of the establishment of a Primary Contractor Framework. The framework will be used to undertake a range of multi-disciplinary project work, with contractors taking on the role of Principal Contractor to oversee and manage building work projects, primarily for Building Services within PCC with works generally being undertaken to the Council's portfolio of properties.

The Council currently has a Primary Contractor Framework, that is due to expire on 31/07/2026.

It is currently estimated that the new Primary Contractor Framework will have an approximate value of £10m-£20m per annum.

It is anticipated that during the 4 year initial period of the framework £60m spend will be through Portsmouth City Council properties.

Additional headroom has been added to allow for anticipated spend if additional properties are added through any local government reorganisation or other external use of the framework, however there is no commitment or guarantee of this additional spend.

The new framework will run for an initial 4 years from 01/08/2026. The Council are considering inclusion of an extension for a further 2 years to account for any known risks around Local Government Reorganisation and Legislative change.

The council is planning to establish the new Primary Contractor framework with only 1 Lot associated with it. This lot will cover all works of both lower and higher value packages of works.

The framework will be comprised of a primary tier of 5 contractors and secondary tier of 7 contractors to provide contingency and ongoing competition.

The Framework will serve as the primary route to procure building maintenance projects for Building Services within PCC with works generally being undertaken to the Councils portfolio of nearly 17,500 social housing and leasehold properties and 900 corporate assets.

In addition to use on PCC assets, the Framework may be used by PCC when undertaking work on behalf of other public sector clients within South Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The Framework may also be accessed directly by the following Contracting Authorities:

• Havant Borough Council

• Fareham Borough Council

• Gosport Borough Council

The type of works, scale and buildings will be similar to those within the PCC property portfolio.

Typically works will involve planned maintenance activities to properties including but not limited to;

• External and communal decoration

• Window replacement

• Roofing replacement

• Fire safety works

• Electrical works

• Fencing

• External repair to brickwork and concrete structures

In additional to planned maintenance works other projects may involve;

• Conversion of properties

• Refurbishment of properties

• Extensions

• Disabled adaptations

• New build

New regulations imposed under the Building Safety Act will result in a specific works programme for high risk buildings particularly around:

• Fire safety

• Structural safety

The majority of projects, around 60%, will be to the Councils social housing portfolio where residents usually remain in occupation for the duration of works. The remaining 40% of projects are to properties within the Councils varied corporate property portfolio, this includes properties such as;

• Schools

• Libraries

• Leisure centres

• Community Centres

• Cultural assets

• Shops

Works will generally be of low value (c £350k- £500k) and of low complexity to buildings of less than six storeys. Although there may be occasions where higher value or more complex projects are required.

The Council are intending to run the subsequent envisaged tender process under the following Procurement Programme:

ITT / Contract Notice issued Mid/Late Jan 2026

Site visits and bidders session Mid Feb 2026

Deadline for clarifications Mid March 2026

Tender return deadline Late March 2026

Notification of award Early June 2026

End of standstill period (8 working days) Mid June 2026

Start of Section 20 period Mid June 2026

End of Section 20 Notice period Mid July 2026

Framework Award Confirmation Mid July 2026

Framework Execution Late July 2026