Grounds Maintenance and Associated Services
Framework Description
Grounds Maintenance and Associated Services (SBS10501) is NHS Shared Business Services' framework for looking after the external estates of NHS and wider public sector organisations. Seven lots cover grounds maintenance, tree care, winter services, fencing, pest control, invasive weed control and hard landscaping. It runs from 14 November 2024 to 13 November 2028 and is a traditional framework, not a DPS.
Context & Use Case
NHS trusts and other public landlords manage large sites with car parks, gardens, trees and boundaries. They use the framework for routine grounds care, seasonal gritting, tree surgery and inspections, security fencing, pest control and treatment of invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed. Sustainability options include electric equipment and green waste recycling, and call-offs are by further competition or direct award.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Grounds maintenance services Lot 2: Tree care and inspections Lot 3: Winter services Lot 4: Fencing, including security fencing Lot 5: Pest control Lot 6: Invasive weed control Lot 7: Hard surface landscaping
Lots
Lot 1: Grounds maintenance services Lot 2: Tree care and inspections Lot 3: Winter services Lot 4: Fencing (including security fencing) Lot 5: Pest control Lot 6: Invasive weed control Lot 7: Hard surface landscaping
Who Can Apply
It suits grounds maintenance contractors, arborists, gritting and winter service providers, fencing contractors, pest control firms and landscapers. Suppliers were appointed in the initial procurement and new applications are not accepted, so others must wait for the re-tender, likely around 13 November 2028.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can cover every external service from one framework, using direct award for urgent work such as storm-damaged trees and further competition for multi-year contracts. Electric equipment and green waste recycling help public bodies report progress on carbon and environmental goals.
Next Steps
Appointed contractors should prepare for further competitions with site plans, seasonal resourcing and sustainability data. Others cannot join before 13 November 2028, so win direct contracts with trusts, councils and other public landlords now, build case studies by lot, and watch the SBS10501 page on the NHS SBS site for re-tender notices.
How Athena Can Help
For contractors on SBS10501, Athena's bid writing for contractors produces further competition responses with seasonal resourcing, sustainability and social value answers, and pricing that holds up across multi-year contracts.
If you are not on the framework, our public sector bidding know-how helps you win direct grounds tenders from public landlords now, and our framework positioning advice prepares your lot choices, case studies and accreditations for the 2028 re-tender so you are ready when NHS SBS goes to market.
