SCAPE Defence and Complex Environments Framework
Framework Description
SCAPE's Defence and Complex Environments Framework is a new construction and services framework for UK defence estates and critical national infrastructure. Procured under the Procurement Act 2023, it has an estimated value of £8.5bn across two capacity lots, with up to three delivery partners in each. Mobilisation and launch are expected between October and December 2027.
Context & Use Case
The framework is designed for projects on Ministry of Defence estates, nuclear sites and other complex environments, and critical national infrastructure programmes. Such work demands construction capability combined with security clearance, specialist expertise and operational resilience. It takes on the defence lot originally proposed for SCAPE's Construction Works and Services Framework, which was separated out after market engagement.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Lower Capacity, projects £0 to £15m (£500m, up to 3 partners, £15m minimum annual turnover) Lot 2: Upper Capacity, projects £10m+ (£8bn, up to 3 partners, £150m minimum annual turnover) Construction and refurbishment on defence estates Works in nuclear and other complex environments Critical national infrastructure projects
Lots
Lot 1 - Lower Capacity, projects £0-£15m (£500m, up to 3 partners, £15m p/a min turnover); Lot 2 - Upper Capacity, projects £10m+ (£8bn, up to 3 partners, £150m p/a min turnover)
Who Can Apply
Established contractors with annual turnover of at least £15m for Lot 1 or £150m for Lot 2, able to meet security vetting and complex-environment requirements. Joint ventures are accepted. The framework is coming soon, so places will be won through SCAPE's competitive procurement rather than by application.
Buyer Benefits
Defence and critical infrastructure clients get pre-qualified partners that are already security-ready, avoiding the cost, time and risk of bespoke procurements for sensitive projects. The two capacity lots let a client match the contractor to the scale of the scheme, from a smaller estate refurbishment to a major multi-year programme.
Next Steps
Respond to SCAPE's preliminary market engagement (Find a Tender 078333-2026) if it is still open, and use it to understand lot requirements. Check your turnover against the lot thresholds, confirm your staff vetting position and gather evidence of defence estate, nuclear or critical infrastructure delivery. Line up joint venture partners now if you fall short on scale, and watch the SCAPE procurement page for the tender notice, scheduled for November 2026.
How Athena Can Help
Defence and complex environments bids need strong evidence on security, safety and resilience, and only three partners per lot will be appointed. Athena's end-to-end bid management plans the submission early, builds differentiators with our F.V.D. model and checks every answer for compliance.
Our public sector bidding experts help you weigh Lot 1 against Lot 2 and price competitively, and a framework pipeline review maps other defence and infrastructure frameworks so this is not your only route in.
