West Northamptonshire Council – Term Maintenance Contracts (Pre-Market Engagement) Buildings Framework

Pre-Market Engagement (PME) Notice

Title: West Northamptonshire Council – Term Maintenance Contracts (Pre-Market Engagement)

Notice Type: Pre-Market Engagement (PME)

Publication Date: 21 July 2025

Authority Name: West Northamptonshire Council

Region: East Midlands (England)

Overview: West Northamptonshire Council is undertaking a Pre-Market Engagement (PME) exercise ahead of a formal procurement process for Term Maintenance Contracts, anticipated to launch in September 2025. This process will help inform the market, collect feedback, and shape the final strategy for building and estate maintenance services.

Background: Since the 2022 local government reorganisation, contracts inherited from legacy councils have been maintained through interim arrangements. With the Procurement Act now active, the Council intends to establish long-term contracts that strengthen strategic partnerships and reduce re-procurement frequency.

Objectives:

Develop collaborative long-term relationships with suppliers

Attract both local and national providers

Maintain fair, transparent procurement processes

Use standard market-recognised contract forms

Deliver social value and community benefits

Support the local supply chain and workforce

Comply with Building Safety Act and H&S standards

Enable CPD and skills development

Approach:

Frameworks with multiple suppliers

Mix of mini-competitions and direct awards

Clearly defined service area lots (e.g. roofing, electrics)

Open framework up to 8 years, with minimum two re-openings

Direct awards permitted in exceptional cases

Procurement Areas (Building Maintenance):

*General Building (planned and reactive): single supplier, 4-year contract

*Roofing (pitched, flat, cladding): framework of 4 suppliers, 4-year contract

• Drainage and Civils: single supplier, 8-year contract

*Fencing: framework of 4 suppliers, 8-year contract, reopens every 4 years

*Grounds Maintenance and Tree Services: Framework of 4 supplier , 8-year contract, reopens every 4 year

*Fire Management Services: Framework of 4 supplier , 8-year contract, reopens every 4 years

Timeline:

PME Launch: July 2025

Procurement Launch: September 2025

Contract Start: From April 2026

Supplier Engagement Activities:

*Online surveys

*Briefings via a supplier day

How to Participate: Interested suppliers are encouraged to register an account on the Council’s procurement portal: In-Tend Electronic Tendering Site. Once the tender is launched, registered users will be able to access the full tender pack and associated documents, should they wish to respond to the opportunity. Further information regarding supplier days and other pre-market engagement activity will also be shared via the portal.

Important Note: Registration is required to attend PME events. Participation in this engagement does not guarantee future contract opportunities; outcomes depend on the results of PME and internal governance decisions.