CHIC Newbuild Framework
Framework Description
CHIC's Newbuild framework is an eight-year route for housing members to procure new build, refurbishment and modular construction. It has three lots: consultancy services, contractors and MMC manufacturers, and development and regeneration. It was awarded on 7 March 2024 and runs until 6 March 2032, with no extension, so it covers several development cycles.
Context & Use Case
Housing associations and councils building new homes use it to appoint the whole delivery chain. That means project managers, architects, engineers and principal designers through Lot 1, traditional or modern methods of construction (MMC) contractors through Lot 2, and development partners for larger regeneration schemes through Lot 3. Work is awarded by mini-competition or direct award.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Consultancy Services (project management, architecture, structural/civil engineering, principal design) Lot 2: Contractors/MMC Manufacturers (traditional, fully modular, frame and panel, turnkey) Lot 3: Development & Regeneration
Lots
Lot 1 Consultancy Services (project management, architecture, structural/civil engineering, principal design); Lot 2 Contractors/MMC Manufacturers (traditional, fully modular, frame & panel, turnkey); Lot 3 Development & Regeneration
Who Can Apply
Development consultants, housebuilders and contractors, MMC manufacturers and regeneration partners. Applications for this framework are closed and it runs to 6 March 2032, so firms not on it should look to other routes in the meantime.
Buyer Benefits
Landlords can source consultants, contractors and MMC manufacturers through one framework, which helps them build up a development pipeline. Including modular and panelised suppliers supports faster delivery and more certain costs, and the long term suits multi-phase schemes that run for years from first design to final handover.
Next Steps
Appointed firms should build relationships with members that have development pipelines and grant-funded programmes, and present relevant schemes and MMC capability. Others should register interest with CHIC, and target other housing development frameworks and members' own procurements before 2032. Evidence of MMC delivery, such as modular or frame and panel schemes, is worth gathering now.
How Athena Can Help
Newbuild call-offs can be very large, so each mini-competition deserves a proper bid. Athena's bid management for construction covers planning, quality responses, competitor scoring and pricing strategy for appointed firms.
If you are not on it, our framework identification and registration service maps other housing development and MMC frameworks and prepares the applications. We also advise on whether development partnership opportunities are worth pursuing, through the bid/no-bid analysis we offer.
