The London Universities Purchasing Consortium introduces a new £60 million framework for professional estates consultancy aimed at enhancing sustainability, supporting SMEs, and streamlining procurement across UK higher and further education institutions from 2026 to 2029.
The London Universities Purchasing Consortium (LUPC) is advancing its commitment to sustainability and efficiency in the higher and further education sectors through the launch of a new framework for professional estates consultancy services. This significant initiative, covering an estimated value of up to £60 million including VAT over an initial three-year term—with a potential one-year extension to 2029—aims to streamline procurement processes while aligning closely with sustainability goals.
The framework, scheduled to commence in January 2026, is segmented into eight distinct lots. These cover a comprehensive range of services: lead contractor, project management, quantity surveying, structural engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), planning consultancy, architectural design, and fire safety advisor roles. Each lot will accommodate a maximum of eight suppliers who must demonstrate a robust ability to meet the technical and service delivery requirements outlined. The framework will be accessible to members of UKUPC, the United Kingdom Universities Purchasing Consortia, which encompasses a broad range of institutions primarily within the UK higher and further education sectors.
LUPC has made it clear that the framework is designed to offer opportunities for suppliers across various UK regions, supporting a spectrum of projects such as building refurbishment, new builds, compliance activities, and sustainable development initiatives. This regional spread indicates a deliberate effort to include both national and regional providers, with a particular encouragement for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate.
The procurement process places a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. Prospective suppliers are required to submit detailed evidence of their organisational experience, technical competencies, financial stability, and their commitment to social and environmental responsibilities. The evaluation of tenders will be rigorously weighted: 50% on technical quality, 40% on price, and 10% on social value criteria, which notably include equality, diversity, and environmental sustainability impacts. This approach reflects a broader shift in procurement practices within the education sector towards embedding social value and sustainability into core contracts.
Under the fixed framework terms, appointed suppliers will be subject to specific contract award conditions, ensuring standards for mobilisation, service delivery, financial management, and reporting are met consistently. This regulatory framework offers transparency and accountability throughout the duration of the contracts.
This latest framework is part of LUPC’s larger portfolio of over 100 framework agreements designed to reduce time and cost burdens in tendering processes for its members while ensuring compliance with relevant public procurement regulations. Members can access these framework agreements through LUPC’s Hunter Buyers Portal, which centralises documentation and support.
The renewed focus on sustainability is consistent with other recent initiatives by LUPC, such as the re-tendered Office, Paper, EOS, and Library Supplies Framework, which emphasises suppliers providing greener solutions. These developments illustrate a coherent strategy within the consortium to embed environmentally responsible procurement across a wide range of services and goods.
In summary, the new LUPC framework for 2026–29 marks a significant step forward in facilitating strategic, sustainable development across UK educational institutions. By drawing on a mix of national expertise and regional suppliers, prioritising technical excellence alongside social responsibility, and embedding robust procurement processes, LUPC is setting a high standard for future professional estates consultancy services within the sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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