Construction framework - suppliers / contractors

Key features:

• Designed to unlock meaningful opportunities for suppliers, the framework minimises engagement costs and simplifies processes, fostering easier participation and access

• Long-term pipeline: An eight-year agreement offers consistent access to public sector projects with regular, transparent updates of supplier data informing procurement decisions

• Direct access to projects: With carefully managed supplier numbers, contractors benefit from reduced competition dilution, increasing the likelihood of securing substantial work

• More efficient bidding: Accelerated direct award options and simplified mini-competitions streamline the procurement process, lowering bid costs and reducing timescales for suppliers

• Balanced risk: Pre-drafted contract templates, developed by specialist legal advisers, assure contractors that contract terms are fair and reduce post-award negotiation, promoting consistency across projects

• Broad client base: Accessible to all segments of the public sector including central government, healthcare, education, local authorities, housing and emergency services, maximising supplier reach and impact

Why this framework is different for suppliers?

Through extensive market engagement and research, CPC identified several persistent challenges facing suppliers involved in traditional frameworks. These included a dilution of opportunities resulting from excessive numbers of suppliers within each lot, elevated bidding costs coupled with limited transparency on bid outcomes, inconsistencies and imbalances in contract terms, a lack of clarity in award processes, and supplier data that is rarely updated or refreshed.

The Crescent Construction framework directly addresses these barriers by establishing a structure that ensures equitable access, proportionate competition, and greater transparency in the route to project awards.

Equitable access to a robust pipeline of projects

The Crescent Construction framework is carefully structured to limit the number of suppliers within each lot, thereby minimising the dilution of opportunities and guaranteeing that contractors have a genuine chance of successfully bidding for and securing public sector projects. With an eight-year agreement in place, the framework offers a stable, long-term flow of capital projects, fostering lasting engagement and reliable prospects for participating suppliers.

Reduced bidding cost and complexity

The framework has been specifically designed to simplify the bidding process, offering efficient award routes, competition based on shortlists, and direct award options when suitable. This approach ensures genuine competition whilst significantly minimising unnecessary time and expense for suppliers, making it easier for contractors to focus resources on viable opportunities and reducing the overall administrative burden associated with bidding.

Clear and balanced contract environment

Specialist construction lawyers have developed a suite of pre-drafted contract options designed to ensure fair allocation of risk and foster consistency across all projects. By streamlining the contracting process, these templates minimise the need for lengthy post-award negotiations, helping contractors and clients move quickly and confidently from agreement to delivery. This approach not only saves time and effort but also supports a transparent and dependable working environment for all parties involved.

Committed to sustainable supplier involvement

The Crescent Construction Framework is purpose-built to encourage ongoing, responsible supplier engagement. It achieves this by enhancing the visibility of project opportunities, minimising unnecessary bidding costs, delivering clear contractual terms, fostering genuine competition, and ensuring alignment with national policies and industry best practice.

Transparent and compliant route to market

The Crescent Construction Framework provides a transparent and fully compliant route to market, meticulously aligned with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023, the National Procurement Policy Statement, the Government’s Construction Playbook, and the Gold Standard for Construction Frameworks. This ensures not only robust governance and accountability throughout the procurement process, but also delivers confidence to all stakeholders by upholding the highest standards of best practice, risk management, and legal compliance across every stage of project delivery.

Performance-led approach

The framework adopts a robust, performance-led methodology, whereby contractor delivery is rigorously tracked against a set of clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This performance data is systematically collected, evaluated, and transparently shared with customers, empowering them to make well-informed choices when awarding future projects. Such an approach not only drives continuous improvement and accountability among contractors, but also fosters a culture of excellence and best value throughout the lifespan of the framework.

A framework designed to stay competitive and relevant

Featuring a dynamic open structure, the framework ensures it remains market-facing by refreshing competition every two years. This regular renewal process enables supplier data to be kept up to date, welcomes new entrants at designated intervals, and maintains a vibrant, competitive environment that adapts to evolving industry standards and requirements.