Contract notice
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Scottish Government
5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw
Glasgow
G2 8LU
UK
Contact person: Sophie Stark
Telephone: +44 412425466
E-mail: sophie.stark@gov.scot
NUTS: UKM
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.scotland.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA10482
I.2) Joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
I.3) Communication
Access to the procurement documents is restricted. Further information can be obtained at:
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/go/63271052019F36458374
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent electronically to:
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/go/63271052019F36458374
Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at:
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/go/63271052019F36458374
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Building Standards Research and Technical Services Framework
Reference number: CASE/817752
II.1.2) Main CPV code
73000000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
The Authority intends to establish a multi-supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of research and technical services across seven lots. The Framework Agreement will be available for use by Scottish Government, Building Standards Division only and will enable the procurement of specialist support in the following areas:
Lot 1: Fire
Lot 2: Safety/Accessibility
Lot 3: Energy (Software, Tools and Methodology)
Lot 4: Energy (Policy and Research)
Lot 5: Environment and Sustainability
Lot 6: Structure
Lot 7: Non-technical
Economic operators may bid for one, several, or all lots. No guarantee is given as to the volume or value of services that may be awarded under the Framework Agreement.
Call-off contracts will be awarded in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
The estimated maximum framework value is GBP 4,000,000.
Call-off contracts under the Framework Agreement may be awarded by either direct award or mini-competition in accordance with the framework terms and conditions. The Authority reserves the right to use either method as appropriate to the specific requirement.
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
II.2) Description
Lot No: 1
II.2.1) Title
Fire
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
73210000
71317000
71317100
71313000
79315000
71315200
71318000
73110000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 1 covers the provision of research, analysis, and technical advisory services to support the development, review, and amendment of fire safety standards and associated technical guidance within the Scottish building standards system, particularly Section 2 (Fire) of the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 70
Price
/ Weighting:
30
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 24
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
Two periods of 12 months
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 2
II.2.1) Title
Safety/Accessibility
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
73210000
71317000
71317100
71314300
71314000
71313000
79315000
71315200
71311000
71318000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 2 covers the intended research and outputs to support the development standards and guidance contained under Section 3 ‘Environment’ and Section 4 ‘Safety’ in relation to the accessibility and safety of new domestic and non-domestic buildings. Services will support the regulatory development, options appraisal, and cost impact modelling and assessment of the above themes. Outputs will inform the production of policy and consultation materials as well as amendments to regulations and updated technical handbook guidance.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 70
Price
/ Weighting:
30
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 24
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
Two periods of 12 months
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 3
II.2.1) Title
Energy (Software, Tools and Methodology)
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
73110000
73210000
71317000
71314300
71314000
71313000
79315000
71315200
71311000
71318000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 3 covers the provision of technical services relating to energy related software, tools, and methodologies supporting compliance, modelling, and assessment within the Scottish building standards system.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 70
Price
/ Weighting:
30
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 24
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
Two periods of 12 months
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 4
II.2.1) Title
Energy (Policy and Research)
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
73110000
73210000
71317000
71314300
71314000
71313000
79315000
71315200
71311000
71318000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 4 covers policy focused research and analytical services relating to energy use, decarbonisation, and energy performance of buildings. This lot focuses on Section 6 of the of the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks. Outputs may inform amendments to regulations, updates to Technical Handbooks, supporting guidance, related policy, and consultation material.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 70
Price
/ Weighting:
30
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 24
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
Two periods of 12 months
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 5
II.2.1) Title
Environment and Sustainability
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
73110000
73210000
71314300
71314000
71313000
79315000
71315200
71311000
71318000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 5 covers consultancy and research services relating to environmental performance and sustainability of buildings and the built environment. This lot focuses on Section 3 and Section 7 of the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks. Outputs may inform amendments to regulations, updates to Technical Handbooks, supporting guidance, and related policy and consultation material.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 70
Price
/ Weighting:
30
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 24
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
Two periods of 12 months
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 6
II.2.1) Title
Structure
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
73110000
73210000
71314300
71314000
71313000
79315000
71315200
71318000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 6 covers structural engineering and structural safety consultancy services supporting building standards, technical guidance, and regulatory compliance. This lot focuses on Section 1 of the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks. Outputs may inform amendments to regulations, updates to Technical Handbooks, supporting guidance, and related policy and consultation material. Research within this lot will support the development of guidance and policy in relation to matters relating to building safety and structural integrity.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 70
Price
/ Weighting:
30
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 24
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
Two periods of 12 months
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 7
II.2.1) Title
Non-technical
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
73110000
73210000
79315000
71315200
71311000
71318000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 7 covers the provision of overarching business and policy support services for Lots 1 to 6 to enable informed decision‑making and effective policy development. The scope includes the delivery of detailed options appraisals to assess the feasibility of approaches against strategic objectives, alongside robust cost impact and benefit analysis to evaluate the financial, economic, and value‑for‑money implications of policy and technical proposals. 1.2. The Lot also encompasses stakeholder survey design, delivery, and engagement activities to gather evidence, insights, and feedback in support of policy development and refinement for Lots 1 to 6. In addition, suppliers will support the development and authoring of clear, accessible draft guidance and supporting materials, ensuring outputs are well‑structured, evidence‑based, and suitable for consultation, approval, and implementation within relevant organisational or regulatory contexts.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Criteria below:
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 70
Price
/ Weighting:
30
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 24
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
Two Periods of 12 months
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information
III.1) Conditions for participation
III.1.2) Economic and financial standing
List and brief description of selection criteria:
Insurance: Professional Risk Indemnity, Employer's (Compulsory) Liability and Public Liability.
Minimum level(s) of standards required:
Professional Risk Indemnity: GBP1,000,000.00
Employer's (Compulsory) Liability: in accordance with any legal requirements for the time being in force, and
Public Liability: GBP1,000,000.00
Economic operators must demonstrate sufficient financial standing to perform the contract. Where available, a Dun & Bradstreet Failure Risk Indicator rating of no greater than 2 (low risk) will be accepted as evidence. Where such a rating is not available, contracting authorities will accept equivalent evidence, such as audited accounts, management accounts, banker’s references, turnover statements, or other information demonstrating financial viability.
III.1.3) Technical and professional ability
List and brief description of selection criteria:
Requirement: Relevant supplies and/or services delivered within the last three years. Examples may be from public, private, or third sector organisations and may include work delivered through partnerships, consortia, or grant-funded activity.
The example(s) provided should demonstrate experience that is similar or relevant in nature, but does not need to be of the same scale or value as this contract.
The Authority will accept proportionate and equivalent experience demonstrating the skills and capability required to deliver the contract.
Tenderers must demonstrate the extent to which they meet the Purchaser ‘s minimum requirements in respect of Cyber Security for this contract by completing the relevant Supplier Assessment on the Supplier 25 System via the URL inserted below:
https://app.supply25.com/applications/LuDtf5hD-oVDfRz_863KF
Minimum level(s) of standards required:
Minimum number of relevant examples: The Authority is seeking at least one example of relevant supplies and/or services delivered within the last three years.
Lots 1 to 6 shall be assessed at a Moderate cyber security level, reflecting the anticipated handling of digital information and associated risks.
Lot 7 shall not require cyber security assessment, on the basis that the services are not expected to involve the processing, storage, or transmission of digital data.
III.2) Conditions related to the contract
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
IV.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement with several operators.
Envisaged maximum number of participants to the framework agreement: 3
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number in the OJ S:
2026/S 000-025694
IV.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date:
17/08/2026
Local time: 12:00
IV.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
EN
IV.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Duration in months: 6 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
IV.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date:
17/08/2026
Local time: 14:00
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement:
No
VI.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
VI.3) Additional information
4c.4 Requirement - Supply chain management
Please provide a statement of the relevant supply chain management and/or tracking systems used:
4C.7 Requirement - Environmental Management
Production and submission of evidence of steps taken to build awareness of the climate emergency and consideration of how the organisation plans to respond to it. This should include details of planned projects and actions to reduce the bidder’s carbon emissions.
It is a requirement of this Contract that the Contractor shall pay staff that are involved in the delivery of services under this Contract at least the real Living Wage.
Technical Evaluation Scoring Criteria:
Score
Definition Description
0 Unacceptable Nil or inadequate response. Fails to demonstrate an ability to meet the requirement.
1 Poor Response is partially relevant but generally poor. The response addresses some elements of the requirement but contains insufficient/limited detail or explanation to demonstrate how the requirement will be fulfilled.
2 Acceptable Response is relevant and acceptable. The response addresses a broad understanding of the requirement but may lack details on how the requirement will be fulfilled in certain areas.
3 Good Response is relevant and good. The response is sufficiently detailed to demonstrate a good understanding and provides details on how the requirements will be fulfilled.
4 Excellent Response is completely relevant and excellent overall. The response is comprehensive, unambiguous and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the requirement and provides details of how the requirement will be met in full.
Technical Award Criteria:
Section Title Weighting
A Understanding of Policy and Technical Context 20%
B Management, Staffing and Resourcing 30%
C Delivery 25%
D Contract Management 10%
F Sustainable Procurement 10%
G Fair Work First 5%
100%
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 32243. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:
Community Benefits will apply on a per‑Supplier basis, based on cumulative spend earned by each Supplier across all call‑off contracts awarded under the Framework.
Cumulative spend per Supplier Requirement
Below GBP 250,000 No mandatory Community Benefits (voluntary provision encouraged)
GBP 250,000 reached Core Community Benefits requirement applies
GBP 1,000,000 reached
Enhanced Community Benefits requirement applies
Once a spend threshold has been triggered, the Supplier must deliver Community Benefits by selecting activities from the Community Benefits Menu set out Annex 8 of the Specification.
The Community Benefits Menu is structured around the following themes:
-Employability and Skills in Building Standards
-Community and third sector support
-Promoting Inclusion and Reducing Inequalities
-Environmental and Sustainability Contributions (Additional)
(SC Ref:836511)
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
Edinburgh Sheriff Court & Justice of the Peace Court
Edinburgh
EH1 1LB
UK
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
06/07/2026