Are you ready for the biggest transformation in UK construction professional services procurement?
The Crown Commercial Service has just unveiled the Construction Professional Services 2 Framework (RM6356) a £3.5 billion opportunity that’s set to transform how public sector construction projects are delivered across the UK.
Why should this matter to you? Whether you’re a construction professional, procurement specialist, or business leader in the built environment sector, this framework will impact how you work, compete, and grow over the next four years.
What Makes CPS2 a Game Changer?
Unprecedented Scale and Reach
The estimated total value of the framework is £3.5 billion, excluding VAT, with a four-year term running from February 2026 to February 2030. It offers comprehensive coverage across all UK public sector bodies, including the NHS, education institutions, and local authorities, and even extends to international projects, providing suppliers with a broad range of opportunities.
Streamlined for Success
Gone are the days of complex procurement processes. CPS2 introduces simplified terms and conditions, more flexible call-off options, and an enhanced customer journey that makes procurement smoother and more efficient. It also offers the ability to use direct awards and mini-competition options, giving suppliers greater flexibility and faster access to opportunities.
Future Focused Requirements
The framework isn’t just about construction. It’s about building a sustainable future. It requires mandatory Cyber Essentials certification, places a strong emphasis on delivering social value, and aligns with carbon reduction initiatives.
In addition, suppliers must provide annual reporting on sustainability and modern slavery compliance, ensuring that every project contributes to a responsible and forward-looking industry.
Who Benefits Most from CPS2?
For SMEs: Your Time to Shine
Unlike the previous RM6165 framework, which was limited to around 25 suppliers, CPS2 actively encourages SME participation. It offers more accessible entry requirements, broader opportunities across the supplier base, and the potential for competitive pricing through time charge rate cards and fixed-price options, making it easier for smaller businesses to compete and succeed.
For Established Players: New Opportunities
The framework offers expanded service categories, including specialised lots for Defence, Nuclear, and international projects, alongside mid-level lots covering Architectural, Commercial Management, and Technical Services.
It also provides geographic flexibility, allowing suppliers to operate across the UK and on international projects, opening up a wide range of opportunities for diverse expertise.
Critical Dates You Cannot Miss
Mark your calendars now:
- 8 September 2025: ITT release and tender publication
- 7 October 2025: Final day for enquiries (3:00 PM)
- 20 October 2025: Tender submission deadline (3:00 PM)
- 16 February 2026: Award decision (estimated)
- 26 February 2026: Framework goes live
What the Experts Are Saying
The value estimate has increased from £2bn during planning to £3.5bn, compared to just £600m spent via predecessor RM6165 signalling the Labour government’s massive infrastructure ambitions.
This isn’t just procurement evolution; it’s a “strategic investment in UK construction capabilities” positioning successful suppliers “at the heart of national priorities” including HS2, nuclear new build, and flood defense programs.
The Competitive Reality Check
Here’s what many don’t realise: Competition will be intensely fierce. While budget and scope have expanded dramatically, the number of suppliers per lot has been reduced, with fewer total suppliers expected than the 26 awarded on RM6165.
Evaluation Criteria That Matter
All lots use a 70% quality and 30% price weighting, with a strong focus on key areas that drive project success. Delivery capability is critical, ensuring the right resources and expertise are in place. Technology and innovation are also heavily weighted, highlighting the importance of modern tools and continuous improvement. Sector-specific excellence is valued, with tailored expertise required for each lot. Finally, social value plays a central role, emphasizing the wider social and economic benefits that projects can deliver.
Strategic Insights for Success
Start preparing now. The six-week tender window is tight, and success will hinge on thorough preparation. Key requirements include securing Cyber Essentials certification, ensuring full insurance compliance, developing robust social value strategies, and putting in place credible carbon reduction plans. Getting these elements ready in advance will give bidders the best chance of standing out in a highly competitive process.
Lot Strategy Matters
With five top level categories and multiple mid-level lots, strategic lot selection will be crucial:
- General Infrastructure & Built Environment (largest opportunity)
- Defence (specialised requirements)
- International (global expansion potential)
- Sensitive (high security projects)
- Nuclear (specialist expertise required)
Lot Structure: Where the Real Opportunities Lie
CPS2 features 11 specialised lots with limited places making competition fierce but rewards substantial:
Core Service Lots (15 places each):
- Lot 1: General Infrastructure & Built Environment
- Lot 2: Architectural Services
- Lot 3: Project Management
- Lot 4: Commercial Management
Specialist Sectors:
- Lot 5: Defence (10 places)
- Lot 6: Defence Enhanced (5 places)
- Lot 7: International (7 places)
- Lot 8: Nuclear (7 places)
Environment Agency Exclusive (8 places each):
- Lot 9a: Flood Risk & Asset Management – Technical
- Lot 9b: Flood Risk & Asset Management – Environmental
- Lot 9c: Flood Risk & Asset Management – Commercial
Partnership Opportunities
With fewer total suppliers expected compared to RM6165’s 26, strategic partnerships will become increasingly critical. They provide the means to meet diverse lot requirements, combine complementary capabilities, and open doors to specialised sectors such as Defence Enhanced, where only five places are available. At the same time, partnerships help enhance social value propositions, ensuring suppliers remain competitive and aligned with evolving buyer priorities.
The Bigger Picture: Industry Transformation
CPS2 represents more than just a procurement framework – it’s a catalyst for industry transformation. At its heart is a digital-first approach, with enhanced online procurement processes that streamline delivery and improve efficiency. Sustainability is placed at the core, driving innovation in green construction practices and setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility.
The framework also empowers SMEs, fostering greater competition and innovation across the sector. At the same time, it ensures strong policy alignment, making sure that projects contribute directly to broader government objectives.
What This Means for Your Business
Consultants are seeing expanded opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, from project management to environmental services. Technology providers can tap into growing demand for integration with digital procurement and project delivery systems, with innovation carrying significant weight in evaluations.
Training organisations face massive demand for upskilling, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, sustainability, and social value delivery. Meanwhile, supply chain partners are benefiting from new collaboration models and partnership opportunities that are reshaping the way projects are delivered.
Your Next Steps
The CPS2 Framework represents a once in a decade opportunity to position your business at the heart of UK public sector construction delivery. Success will require strategic thinking, thorough preparation, and decisive action.
Key Actions:
- Register on the CCS eSourcing portal immediately
- Begin Cyber Essentials certification process
- Develop comprehensive social value and carbon reduction strategies
- Showcase technology and innovation capabilities (critical for 70% quality weighting)
- Identify potential partnership opportunities
- Prepare compelling tender responses focusing on delivery capability and sector specific excellence
