Tax Advisory Framework
Framework Description
The National Framework Partnership (NFP) Tax Advisory Framework gives public sector buyers access to tax specialists through a ranked list of appointed suppliers. It runs from 15 November 2024 to 14 November 2028 and was procured under the Public Contracts Regulations. Clients use direct selection or mini-competition, and no new advisers are admitted during the term.
Context & Use Case
Public bodies use it for specialist advice on VAT, corporation tax, stamp duty, employment tax and the Construction Industry Scheme, areas where getting it wrong can mean penalties or lost recovery. Typical needs include advice on a specific transaction, help with compliance, and support adjusting to changes in tax legislation. The ranking gives clients a default choice for direct awards.
Scope of Services
VAT advice Corporation tax advice Stamp duty advice Employment tax advice Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Tax planning, compliance and legislative change
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits accountancy and tax advisory firms with public sector clients and expertise across VAT, employment tax and CIS. Applications for the ranked list are closed, so other firms cannot join until the re-tender, likely around November 2028.
Buyer Benefits
Public bodies often face complex VAT and employment tax positions, especially where they run trading companies or construction programmes. Buyers value fast access to specialists who already know these rules, and a ranked list makes a direct award simple to justify to auditors.
Next Steps
Appointed firms should make sure clients know their strengths across each tax area to win direct selections. Others should prepare for the re-tender before 14 November 2028: gather public sector tax case studies, partner CVs and rates, and watch the NFP framework page for the notice.
How Athena Can Help
On the current framework, ranking decides which firm is the default for direct awards, so tender scores matter. Athena's score modelling and tender writing approach estimates how your firm is likely to score and strengthens the answers that carry the most marks.
Our support for framework bids plans the 2028 re-tender and prepares your compliance documents, and our tax tender bidding help supports you on tax advisory work tendered directly by public bodies meanwhile, from bid/no-bid through to submission.
