Public Sector Construction Works
Framework Description
PS-Works: Public Sector Construction Works is NHS Shared Business Services' construction framework, set up to improve and expand NHS estates and open to other public bodies. Five lots are set by contract value, from under £2.5m regionally to over £35m nationally, covering design, refurbishment, new build and enabling works. Applications for this framework are closed (it is not a DPS), and it ends on 16 December 2027.
Context & Use Case
Underinvestment, an ageing population and rising demand put pressure on NHS buildings. Trusts and other public sector clients use PS-Works for anything from minor refurbishments to major new builds, including planning applications and full architectural design, electrical and plumbing works, demolition and site preparation. Regional and national pricing helps buyers match a contractor to the project's size and location.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Public sector and healthcare, £0–£2.5m, 12 regions, up to 10 contractors per region Lot 2: Public sector and healthcare, £2.5m–£5m, 12 regions, up to 10 contractors per region Lot 3: Public sector, £5m–£15m, 12 regions, up to 10 contractors per region Lot 4: Public sector, £15m–£35m, national, 8 contractors Lot 5: Public sector, over £35m, national, 7 contractors
Lots
Lot 1: Public Sector and Healthcare This lot covers contracts valued between £0 million and £2.5 million across 12 regions, with a maximum of 10 contractors per region. Lot 2: Public Sector and Healthcare This lot covers contracts valued between £2.5 million and £5 million across 12 regions, with a maximum of 10 contractors per region. Lot 3: Public Sector This lot covers contracts valued between £5 million and £15 million across 12 regions, with a maximum of 10 contractors per region. Lot 4: Public Sector This lot covers contracts valued between £15 million and £35 million on a national level, with 8 contractors. Lot 5: Public Sector This lot covers contracts valued over £35 million on a national level, with 7 contractors.
Who Can Apply
The regional lots suit SME and mid-sized building contractors, while Lots 4 and 5 suit national main contractors. Places are capped per region and lot and were filled at award, so contractors not appointed must wait for the re-tender expected near 16 December 2027.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers get a small pool of contractors per region, sorted by project value, so competitions stay focused and local. The framework's eight principles cover social value, modern methods of construction, collaboration and an integrated supply chain, in line with government construction strategy, giving buyers a consistent basis for comparing contractors.
Next Steps
The term ends on 16 December 2027, so the re-tender could launch within the next year. Contractors aiming for a place should choose a region and value band, then gather NHS or public sector project case studies, social value results and evidence of modern methods of construction. Appointed contractors should log call-off delivery data. Watch the PS-Works page on the NHS SBS site for notices.
How Athena Can Help
Capped places per region and value band make the PS-Works re-tender competitive, so preparation needs to start well before 16 December 2027. Athena's framework application delivery prepares the selection questions, case studies and certificates for your chosen lot and region, and checks the submission for compliance.
For contractors already appointed, our mini-competition bid writing sets out social value and modern methods with evidence evaluators can score, and our tender pricing strategy helps price works packages so they win and protect margin.
