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Framework
Frameworks are crucial for local authority officers and their supply chain because they streamline the procurement process, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. By using frameworks, officers can benefit from pre-negotiated terms, competitive pricing, and reduced administrative burdens. This familiarity also promotes consistency in procurement practices, enhances accountability, and facilitates effective management of public funds. Overall, frameworks enable local authorities to achieve value for money, deliver services efficiently, and uphold high standards of governance.
Below is a list of the frameworks that local authority officers can procure services and goods from; and their supply chain can supply their goods and services through.
ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation)
The Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) is a public sector-owned buying organisation in the UK. It sets up approved public sector frameworks across the country and is widely used by various entities such as councils, universities, and schools1. ESPO provides a vast range of products and services, including school supplies, with over 27,000 products listed for educational providers. They have over 40 years of experience and pride themselves on excellent stock availability and reliable delivery services.
NEPO (North East Procurement Organisation)
The NEPO (North East Procurement Organisation) framework is a procurement solution designed for local authorities and other public sector organizations in the UK. It provides a compliant and efficient route to procure a wide range of construction works, services, and goods. Here’s a brief summary:
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Duration: The framework will run until June 2027, with the possibility of extension until May 2029.
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Scope: It includes 10 lots covering local, regional, and national needs, from small-scale projects to development work programs valued up to £50 million.
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Access: Contracting local authorities have access to a diverse range of contractors, from SMEs to large nationals.
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Flexibility: The framework offers direct award and further competition options, early contractor involvement, and 1 or 2 stage appointment processes.
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Objectives: NEPO aims to deliver infrastructure ambitions while supporting regional suppliers, with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and social value.
This framework is part of NEPO’s strategy to help regional suppliers find and win opportunities, ensuring value for money and social impact in public sector procurement.
CCS (Crown Commercial Services)
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework is a procurement initiative for UK public sector organizations, including local authorities. It provides a wide range of commercial solutions to help these entities buy smarter and save time and money. The framework is designed to support key policy reforms such as carbon net zero and social value. It encompasses various agreements for technology procurement, including cloud services, digital capability, network services, and software and hardware solutions. The CCS framework aims to facilitate digital transformation in local government, offering guidance and best practices to navigate the procurement journey effectively.
YPO
The YPO framework is a procurement tool designed to simplify and streamline the purchasing process for public sector organizations, including local authorities. It consists of structured agreements with suppliers that outline terms, conditions, and pricing. The framework allows for competitive tendering, ensuring that suppliers meet specific criteria and service standards. Public sector entities can then select suppliers directly from the framework, confident in their compliance and quality. YPO, owned by 13 local authorities, returns profits to its members, enhancing the value and service they provide to the public.
Cirrus Consortium
The Cirrus Consortium Framework is a collaborative procurement initiative for contracting authorities across England, Scotland, and Wales, including local authorities, social housing providers, and NHS Trusts. It offers a range of frameworks for products and services that comply with Public Contracts Regulations. Key aspects include:
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Free Membership: Authorities using the framework can join the consortium at no cost, allowing them to contribute to the framework’s development while retaining autonomy in using suppliers.
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Framework Offerings: Current frameworks cover building materials, agency labor and recruitment services, kitchen supply, and waste management, among others.
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Compliance and Flexibility: The frameworks are designed for compliance with procurement legislation and offer flexibility in delivery models, such as managed services or direct delivery.
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Value and Efficiency: They aim to provide value for money and a quicker procurement process with options for direct award2.
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Social Value: Suppliers are assessed for social value and environmental sustainability at the tender stage.
Overall, the Cirrus Consortium Framework provides public sector organizations with compliant, flexible, and efficient procurement solutions, with a focus on social value.
South East Consortium
The South East Consortium (SEC) framework is a collaborative procurement initiative designed to benefit local authorities and other public sector organizations. It provides a structured and compliant way to access a range of services and goods through pre-tendered contracts. The framework aims to streamline the procurement process, achieve cost savings, and ensure quality by pooling resources and expertise. It covers various categories, from construction and maintenance to professional services, and is tailored to meet the specific needs of the public sector in the South East region of the UK. SEC also offers support and guidance throughout the procurement process, enhancing efficiency and compliance for its members.
Scotland Excel
Scotland Excel is the Centre of Procurement Expertise for local government in Scotland, established in 2008. It’s a non-profit shared service funded by Scotland’s 32 local authorities. The framework supports the delivery of a wide range of services, including social care, construction, roads, transport, environment, corporate, education, and ICT. It aims to encourage innovation, facilitate policy, support local economies, and generate social value for communities. The framework adheres to the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, ensuring value for money and contributing to the achievement of strategic objectives. Scotland Excel’s frameworks are designed with a strategic approach to meet the sustainable procurement duty under the Act and to contribute to the wider social, economic, and environmental aims of procurement.