Soft Facilities Management DPS
Framework Description
Pagabo's Soft Facilities Management DPS, operated on behalf of Red Kite Learning Trust, gives UK public sector buyers a route to cleaning, catering, washroom and hygiene, pest control, security, waste and other soft FM services. It has more than 100 suppliers across 174 geographical regions, is open to new applicants throughout, and runs until 28 February 2029.
Context & Use Case
Councils, trusts, academies and blue-light bodies often buy soft FM in fragmented ways, with different services and site types. Under the DPS, buyers run further competitions tailored to a service and location, using the 174 regional segments. That suits buyers who want local SMEs in the mix and lets them add new suppliers over the term.
Scope of Services
Cleaning Catering Washroom and hygiene Pest control Security Waste management and recycling Other soft FM services
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Soft FM providers of any size, including regional SMEs offering a single service such as cleaning or pest control. Applications are accepted at any time, as long as you meet the qualification requirements for your service type and the regions you choose.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can tailor each competition to service and location, which helps them reach local providers and avoid one-size-fits-all contracts. Continuous entry means more choice over time, and Pagabo supports buyers on structuring further competitions, which makes it easier for smaller public bodies to run them well.
Next Steps
Apply via Pagabo's DPS supplier portal, reached from the Soft Facilities Management DPS page on Pagabo's site. Choose your services and regions realistically, since winning work you cannot mobilise is a risk. Prepare insurance, health and safety and service-specific accreditations, plus safeguarding evidence for schools work. Once admitted, monitor competitions in your regions and respond promptly.
How Athena Can Help
With 174 regions, choosing where to apply is half the battle. Athena can select the right services and regions, complete the application and compliance-check it through our support for DPS entry.
Once admitted, our FM bid writing covers mobilisation plans, staffing and social value for each further competition, and our guidance on pricing FM contracts keeps your rates competitive and profitable once wage costs, consumables and travel between sites are counted.
