Principal Designer Framework
Framework Description
The Principal Designer Framework from the National Framework Partnership (NFP) gives public sector clients access to pre-qualified principal designers. It is a single-lot consultancy framework running from 20 May 2024 to 19 May 2028. Clients appoint through direct selection or mini-competition. Because applications are closed and it is not a Dynamic Purchasing System, no new suppliers are added during the term.
Context & Use Case
Contracting authorities use it to appoint a principal designer for construction projects, as required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The appointed firm plans, manages and coordinates health and safety during the pre-construction phase, including design risk and pre-construction information. Clients often need this appointment early, before design progresses, which makes a quick direct selection attractive.
Scope of Services
Principal designer duties under CDM 2015 Pre-construction information coordination Design risk management Health and safety advice on projects
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits CDM consultancies and design practices that take on the principal designer role and hold appropriate accreditations. Applications for this framework are closed, so other firms must wait for the re-tender, likely around May 2028. Appointed firms win commissions through call-offs.
Buyer Benefits
The principal designer is a legal duty-holder under CDM 2015, so buyers need a competent appointment in place early in every project. A pre-vetted list reduces the risk of appointing a firm without the right competence, and direct selection avoids holding up design while a tender runs.
Next Steps
Appointed firms should be ready to evidence CDM competence and pre-construction records quickly when invited to a mini-competition. Other CDM consultancies should prepare for the replacement framework, expected before 19 May 2028, and follow the NFP framework page for the contract notice.
How Athena Can Help
CDM appointments are often won on demonstrated competence and a clear method. Athena's bid writing consultants help appointed principal designers present that evidence in mini-competitions, scored against the criteria and checked for compliance.
Firms targeting the next NFP framework can use our framework onboarding support to plan and write the application, and our public sector bid advice to find and qualify principal designer opportunities with other public clients, so your CDM track record keeps growing until then.
