Engineering Framework
Framework Description
British Business Bank plc is procuring a multi-supplier Engineering Framework (reference P 3558) for digital and technology services across six lots, from software engineering and AI to service design, DevOps, product design and web product development. The planned procurement notice estimates a value of £12.3 million excluding VAT, and the framework is expected to run to 13 September 2030, with no extension option.
Context & Use Case
The Bank will use the framework to buy specialist digital delivery capacity for its own services and systems, such as building and modernising applications, adopting AI and automation, and designing user-facing services. Call-offs will be awarded by further competition or direct award, and separate lots let it buy specific skills, such as platform engineering or UI design, without engaging one large supplier.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Software Engineering and Application Design Lot 2: Artificial Intelligence, Automation and Intelligent Systems Design Lot 3: Service Design Lot 4: DevOps and Platform Engineering Lot 5: Product Design and User Interface Lot 6: Digital Services and Web Product Development
Lots
Yes: Lot 1 - Software Engineering and Application Design; Lot 2 - Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, and Intelligent Systems Design; Lot 3 - Service Design; Lot 4 - Dev Ops – Platform Engineering; Lot 5 – Product Design User Interface; Lot 6 – Digital Services Web Product Development
Who Can Apply
Suits digital agencies, software houses and specialist consultancies, including SMEs, that can evidence delivery in one or more of the six lots. The framework is not yet procured, so suppliers win a place by bidding in the tender. Expect to show past public sector or financial services projects and named team skills.
Buyer Benefits
The Bank gets access to specialist digital teams through one route, with lots that let it pick niche expertise instead of relying on a single supplier. Buyers will value delivery against government service standards, security awareness in a regulated financial context, and teams that can scale up and down with demand.
Next Steps
Read the British Business Bank's notices on Find a Tender for the tender documents and deadlines. Decide which of the six lots you can evidence strongly; Lot 6, digital services web product development, carries the largest estimated value. Prepare case studies, CVs and certifications such as ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials Plus if you hold them.
How Athena Can Help
Six lots means competition will be specialist and close. Athena can help you choose lots and build a winning tender, with case studies, competitor analysis and pricing that reflects day-rate expectations in central government.
Our public sector bid writing also covers social value, which digital firms often underplay. If you want more central government routes, our framework targeting advice maps other technology frameworks and when they open, so your bid effort goes where your lots are strongest.
