Southern Construction Framework (SCF-6)

The fifth generation Southern Construction Framework (SCF-5) currently in place is due to expire 1st May 2027. Hampshire County Council and Devon County Council (the Authorities) are together re-procuring the next generation of the Southern Construction Framework. As with previous generations, this framework will predominantly support contracting authorities with construction delivery across the South East, South West and London regions. However, the new SCF-6 framework will also be open to all Public Sector Bodies in England should they wish to use it.

Applicable Public Sector Bodies will be Contracting Authorities as defined under the Procurement Act 2023. For the purposes of this procurement, “Contracting Authority” includes any organisation that is subject to the Procurement Act 2023, including but not limited to:

• Central Government Departments and their executive agencies

• Non-departmental public bodies

• Local authorities and combined authorities

• NHS bodies and healthcare organisations

• Emergency services (police, fire and rescue, ambulance services)

• Educational establishments including schools, academies, colleges and universities

• Registered providers of social housing

• Organisations owned and/or operated by a public body

• Public corporations and other bodies governed by public law

This framework may also be used by any successor organisation or any organisation established to perform substantially similar functions. A non-exhaustive list of such organisations is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations

Additionally, the framework may be used by organisations where an element of funding from a public body is included or where the contracting body deems a public interest in using the framework.

Southern Construction Framework (SCF) is a managed framework, not merely a route to market, and defines the behaviours, standards and processes that all SCF contractors are expected to meet. SCF exists to help public sector clients deliver predictable, safe, sustainable projects, with value‑for‑money at its core. We achieve this by embedding early engagement, collaboration, and transparency across procurement, pre‑construction, construction and aftercare. SCF is actively managed by an experienced Framework Management Team (FMT) that supports clients and contractors, provides governance and assurance, and monitors performance to drive continuous improvement.

Developed in collaboration over the past 20 years, SCF is overseen by a Joint Working Agreement between Devon and Hampshire County Councils. During the 5th generation of SCF, the arrangements surpassed £10bn of delivery across the Public Estate in the South of England. In that time, SCF has supported over 850 public sector clients, including local authorities, central government departments, universities, emergency services and many others.

The Southern Construction Framework (SCF) is designed to support the full breadth of public sector construction needs, and contractors seeking a place on the framework must be prepared to deliver an exceptionally wide range of project types. SCF is built to serve public sector clients across all scales and disciplines, ensuring they can confidently procure new builds, refurbishments, complex fit‑outs, and specialist works through a trusted and compliant route. For contractors, this means demonstrating the capability, flexibility, and collaborative approach required to operate within a framework that responds to varied and often highly technical public sector requirements.

SCF’s portfolio ranges from modest school extensions and internal upgrades to major leisure centres, civic buildings, healthcare improvements, and advanced science and research facilities. Contractors are expected to support this full spectrum, bringing the expertise to manage straightforward schemes as well as the governance, quality standards, and problem‑solving needed for complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.

SCF6 will operate for all projects and will be split into geographic and value-based lots. The previous generation had a framework cap of £4.5bn with an anticipated workload of £1.92bn over the 4 years it is set to operate. As of July 2025, SCF has achieved a workload of £1.85bn (96% of turnover at 75% of framework duration). The SCF6 framework cap has been revised up to reflect both the performance and an increase in scope it covers.

The project can be found by going to https://in-tendhost.co.uk/hampshire/aspx/Tenders/Current and then searching for 'UN27073'. You will need to click on 'View Details' for the project and then click the 'Express Interest' button to be able to view and download the ITT documents.

Any reference to 'Specification' in the ITT is referring to the Guidelines and Working Practices Document (Annex 1 a-l)