Construction frameworks in the UK: how small businesses get on them

A lot of public construction work never appears as a one-off tender. It goes to builders and trades who already hold a place on a framework, an agreement a public buyer sets up so it can award contracts quickly later. If you're not on the framework, you can't bid for that work. Here's how frameworks work under the Procurement Act 2023, when you can get on one, and what to do if you missed the window.

What a construction framework is

A framework is an agreement between a buyer and one or more suppliers that sets the terms for future contracts. Contracts awarded under it are called call-off contracts. GOV.UK's frameworks guidance says that in most cases a framework doesn't commit the buyer to award any call-off contracts, so a place on one is a chance of work, not an order.

Many frameworks are set up for lots of buyers to use. A council can award call-off contracts under a framework set up by another public buyer, such as a centralised procurement authority or another council, as long as a public buyer set it up.

How long frameworks last

Under section 47 of the Act, a framework can usually last up to 4 years, or up to 8 years for defence and security or utilities frameworks. A buyer can set a longer term only if it considers the nature of the work needs one, and it must give its reasons in the notice for the framework.

Open frameworks, which are new under the Act, work differently (see below).

When you can get on a framework

Standard frameworks. The time to get on is when the framework is tendered. GOV.UK's guidance says that, unlike a standard framework, an open framework can add new suppliers when it's re-opened. So once a standard framework is awarded, you usually wait for the next one.

Open frameworks. Under section 49, where there's more than one supplier, an open framework must be re-opened at least once in its first 3 years and at least every 5 years after that, and it lasts up to 8 years in total. Each re-opening is a chance for new suppliers to tender for a place. GOV.UK's short guide for suppliers says the Act makes frameworks more open, so suppliers aren't shut out for long periods.

How to find construction frameworks

• Search Find a Tender. A tender notice is used to advertise a competition, including when a buyer is setting up a framework. Search for "framework" with your trade and region. Our guide to finding construction tenders covers the searches that work.
• Read pipeline notices. A buyer that expects to spend more than £100 million in the coming financial year must publish a pipeline notice within 56 days of the start of that year. It lists the contracts over £2 million it plans to tender in the next 18 months (section 93).
• Watch for re-openings. If an open framework covers your work, note when it's due to re-open.

There's a lot to sort through. In our count of Find a Tender, buyers published 449 construction tender notices from 1 September to 28 October 2026, and 183 of them had a stated value under £500,000.

What frameworks ask for

The tests a buyer sets to get on a framework are called conditions of participation. Under section 22, they must be a proportionate way of checking your legal and financial capacity or your technical ability. Two limits help small businesses:

• A buyer can't ask for audited accounts unless you're required by law to have them audited.
• A buyer can't require insurance for performing the contract to be in place before the contract is awarded.

For works, GOV.UK's guidance says buyers can still use industry pre-qualification questionnaires such as the Common Assessment Standard, as long as they meet the Act's rules. Our guides explain what PAS 91 asks and when tenders ask for SSIP. You'll also need your core supplier information on the Central Digital Platform, with a share code. See how to register on the Central Digital Platform.

Under section 18, the buyer must consider splitting a contract into lots, and give its reasons if it doesn't. Smaller lots, by trade or area, can be an easier way in for a smaller business.

Framework fees

Under section 45, a framework fee can only be charged to a supplier that's been awarded a call-off contract, and it must be a fixed percentage of that contract's estimated value. So under the Act you shouldn't be charged just for being on the framework.

If you missed the window

• Offer your services to businesses already on it. Some suppliers on a framework bring in subcontractors for specialist work.
• Bid for one-off tenders in the meantime. Our guide to how many bids public tenders get shows where the competition is. In our count of construction award notices on Find a Tender that gave a bid count (139 lots, 1 September to 28 October 2026), the median was 2 bids per lot. That mixes all award methods, so treat it as a rough guide.
• Decide before you write. A framework bid takes as long as any other. Use our bid or no bid checklist first.

Questions

Can a small business get on a construction framework?

Yes. Frameworks are tendered like other public contracts, and the tests to get on must be proportionate to the work. Look for frameworks split into lots by trade or area, which can suit a smaller business.

Can I join a framework after it has started?

Usually not a standard framework. You wait until it's tendered again. An open framework is re-opened at least once in its first 3 years and at least every 5 years after that, and new suppliers can tender each time.

Do I have to pay to be on a framework?

Under the Procurement Act 2023, a framework fee can only be charged to a supplier that's been awarded a call-off contract, as a fixed percentage of that contract's estimated value.

Want to know which tenders are worth your week?

UK Tender Desk, from Your Evenings Ltd (that's us), is a done-for-you tender shortlist for small businesses in construction trades, training, transport, care, cleaning and catering. For £149 once, you get a readiness report and up to 5 live tenders that fit a business your size, by email within 5 working days of your answers to a short form. Nothing renews. If no live tender fits, we say so and why. Late? You don't pay. See how UK Tender Desk works

Not ready for that? Tell us your trade and we'll email you 3 live public sector tenders in it, free. If fewer than 3 fit, we'll say so.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Guidance: Frameworks (read 31 October 2026) (paragraphs 2, 10, 19, 20, 22, 33 and 35)
• Procurement Act 2023, section 18, section 22, section 45, section 47, section 49 and section 93 (read 31 October 2026)
• GOV.UK: Guidance: Conditions of Participation (read 31 October 2026) (paragraphs 36 and 38)
• GOV.UK: The Procurement Act 2023, a short guide for suppliers (read 31 October 2026)
• Find a Tender: notice types (read 31 October 2026)
• Our count of Find a Tender tender and award notices, 1 September to 28 October 2026, for construction works.

This guide summarises the official sources above. It isn't legal advice. Check the notice and tender documents for each contract.

Written with AI assistance by the Your Evenings team at Your Evenings Ltd. Last updated 31 October 2026.