What happened
Procurement company Fusion21 has launched a tender process for its third-generation construction and refurbishment framework. The value of the deal is expected to reach £1bn. According to Fusion21, the framework is open to suppliers with experience in housing, health, education, and wider public sector building projects. Bids must be submitted by 8 January 2027.
The framework covers both new-build and refurbishment projects and will run from 2027 to 2031. Fusion21 confirmed the framework is divided into two lots: Housing Refurbishment and New Build, and Non-Domestic Refurbishment and New Build. Suppliers can apply for one or both lots, depending on their experience and capability.
Fusion21’s Group Executive Director (Operations), Peter Francis, said the process has been designed to give suppliers a consistent procurement route and increase confidence in compliance. He commented that identifying demand earlier and supporting strategically planned programmes could maximise value and offer suppliers more certainty for long-term planning.
The background
Fusion21 is a procurement organisation that facilitates frameworks for a range of construction and refurbishment works in the public sector. Previous iterations of this framework have seen the completion of 95 projects with a combined value of £675m. The average value per project under earlier frameworks was reported as £7.2m.
The company said that the streamlined approach for the new framework takes into account lessons learned from earlier versions. By combining requirements and supporting larger-scale programmes, Fusion21 aims to deliver economies of scale and operational efficiencies for both clients and suppliers.
The demand for reliable public sector frameworks remains high as housing, healthcare, and educational bodies face pressure to deliver building upgrades and replacements. Fusion21’s new framework is intended to meet that demand across multiple sectors, giving access to both refurbishment and new build routes.
What people are saying
Peter Francis of Fusion21 stated the “streamlined framework” provides a “consistent and efficient route” from procurement through to project delivery. He emphasised that the new approach offers members flexibility and the assurance of compliance.
Francis also highlighted that early identification of demand and aggregation of requirements are central to driving up the average contract value. Fusion21 expects that the promise of larger work packages and more predictable pipelines will encourage suppliers to bid and invest in their delivery capacity. He said these changes are designed to bring more consistency to suppliers and increase their confidence in making long-term commitments.
Suppliers are encouraged to review the requirements and submit their interest ahead of the January 2027 deadline. The framework is open to current and new Fusion21 partners.
What happens next
Supply partners interested in the framework have until 8 January 2027 to submit their bids. The successful suppliers will be appointed in time for the framework’s launch in 2027, and contracts will run through to 2031.
Further details about the application process, supporting documents, and criteria are available on Fusion21’s website, where suppliers can find the ‘Current opportunities’ section for full information.
Fusion21 will conduct evaluations after the deadline to select partners who can deliver on the technical and operational requirements outlined in the two lots. The company said it would aim to begin the framework period with adequate supplier coverage across the involved sectors. Suppliers chosen for the framework can expect to work on projects within the housing, health, education, and general public sector environments during the four-year term.