The UK public sector construction industry is set for a significant transformation with the launch of the Construction Professional Services 2 (CPS2) framework – one of the largest procurement opportunities in the sector with an estimated total value of £3.5 billion over four years.
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is establishing this pan-government collaborative agreement to provide construction professional services across the entire UK public sector. This agreement will provide access to technical advisory services for the full lifecycle of construction projects across 11 dedicated lots, replacing the existing RM6165 Construction Professional Services agreement.
The framework will run from 26 February 2026 to 25 February 2030, serving Central Government Departments and all UK Public Sector Bodies, including Local Authorities, Health, Police, Fire and Rescue, Education, Housing, Charities, Not for Profit organisations, Nuclear sector, and Devolved Administrations.
The CPS2 framework is structured across 11 specialised lots, each targeting specific expertise areas:
Core Service Lots:
Lot 1: General Infrastructure & Built Environment (15 places available)
Lot 2: Architectural Services (15 places available)
Lot 3: Project Management (15 places available)
Lot 4: Commercial Management (15 places available)
Specialist Sectors:
Lot 5: Defence (10 places available)
Lot 6: Defence Enhanced (5 places available)
Lot 7: International (7 places available)
Lot 8: Nuclear (7 places available)
Environment Agency Exclusive Lots:
Lot 9a: Flood Risk and Asset Management – Technical Services (8 places available)
Lot 9b: Flood Risk and Asset Management – Environmental Services (8 places available)
Lot 9c: Flood Risk and Asset Management – Commercial and Programme Management (8 places available)
Services will include, but are not limited to: project management, cost management, engineering, for example civil, structural, electrical, architectural and design services (design of buildings, spaces and infrastructure), environmental and sustainability services – basically anything to do with construction that’s not the actual construction service itself. It also indicates that the current Labour government expects a large increase in public sector construction / infrastructure projects over the next 4 years so it can be expected that there will be a large increase in spending in this market too.
Construction Professional Services 2 (CPS2) represents more than just a procurement exercise, it’s a strategic investment in UK construction capabilities. With growing infrastructure needs, net-zero commitments, and major projects like HS2, nuclear new build, and flood defence programmes, the CPS2 framework positions successful suppliers at the heart of national priorities.
The international lot particularly offers exciting opportunities for UK expertise export, while the defence and nuclear lots provide access to some of the most technically challenging and rewarding projects in the sector. The value estimate has also been increased greatly from the £2bn estimate during Planning, and the £600m that was spent via its predecessor RM6165 showing a shift towards a larger, more centralised framework for pan-public sector Buyers to access.
It’s important to note that although both the requirements (6 Lots to 11 Lots) and budget (£2bn to £3.5bn) have both been expanded, the number of suppliers per Lot, and across the framework itself has been reduced and although there is an ‘unlimited’ potential number of suppliers we expect there to be less than the 26 who were successfully awarded onto RM6165.
All lots follow a consistent evaluation approach with 70% quality and 30% price weighting, focusing on:
Delivery Capability: Demonstrating the right resources and expertise
Technology and Innovation: Use of modern tools and continuous improvement
Sector-Specific Excellence: Tailored expertise for each lot’s requirements
Social Value: Contributing to wider social and economic benefits
Enquiry Deadline: 7 October 2025, 3:00pm
Tender Submission Deadline: 20 October 2025, 3:00pm
Award Decision: 16 February 2026 (estimated)
Framework Commencement: 26 February 2026
The CPS2 framework represents a watershed moment for the UK construction professional services sector. With its £3.5 billion value, four-year duration, and comprehensive scope, it offers unprecedented opportunities for suppliers to establish long-term relationships with the UK public sector.
For companies with the right expertise and ambition, this framework could define the next phase of their growth. The relatively short application window means that preparation should begin immediately to ensure the best chance of success in this highly competitive opportunity.
The framework’s emphasis on innovation, social value, and collaborative working aligns with broader government objectives, making successful participation not just commercially attractive but strategically valuable for positioning within the UK’s evolving construction landscape.
Bidders should be mindful of the significant changes in the specification requirements, along with the increased competition for the limited number of places per Lot and the relatively short submission timeline. If you need support with your bid submission, whether full bid management or a thorough bid review, our team are on hand to help.
Bidding Ltd © 2026
