SCAPE Scotland Civil Engineering Framework
Framework Description
SCAPE Scotland's Civil Engineering Framework is a single-supplier framework with Balfour Beatty as the sole national delivery partner for civil engineering across Scotland. Awarded in late 2022 for four years and then extended by two, it runs to 21 November 2028. Work is split into three value bands: up to £7.5m, £7.5m to £75m, and £75m and above.
Context & Use Case
Scottish councils, Transport Scotland and other public bodies use the framework for highways, bridges, flood defence and rail infrastructure, with social value and local supply-chain commitments written into each project. A client signs SCAPE Scotland's Access Agreement and then engages Balfour Beatty directly. With only one delivery partner there is no mini-competition, which shortens the time from approval to mobilisation.
Scope of Services
Site investigation Highways and bridges Structures Flood defence and coastal protection Rail infrastructure Waste facilities Public space and car parks
Lots
Up to £7.5m; £7.5m to £75m; £75m and above
Who Can Apply
There is no route onto the framework itself: Balfour Beatty holds the only place until 21 November 2028. The opening for other firms is the supply chain. Scottish civil engineering subcontractors, specialist contractors and SMEs can win packages by joining Balfour Beatty's supply chain for SCAPE Scotland projects.
Buyer Benefits
Clients get a contractor already appointed through a compliant process, so a flood scheme or bridge replacement can start without a lengthy tender. The three value bands mean the same route covers small local works and major schemes above £75m, and reported local supply-chain spend and social value help councils show community benefit from their capital programmes.
Next Steps
Contact Balfour Beatty's Scotland SCAPE team and ask how it onboards subcontractors, which accreditations it expects and where its pipeline is busiest. Keep Scottish case studies, safety records and community benefit evidence ready. For direct public work, look at routes open to smaller firms, such as the Scottish Government's Civil Engineering DPS for projects up to £5 million, and watch for SCAPE Scotland's re-procurement before November 2028.
How Athena Can Help
Winning subcontract packages from a tier-one partner is still a competitive bid. Athena's help with tender responses covers capability statements, method statements and pricing for Balfour Beatty's supply chain enquiries, with social value commitments written to match what SCAPE Scotland clients report on.
For direct public work, a Scottish framework search finds the civil engineering frameworks and DPSs you can join now, and our support for public bids takes you from the bid/no-bid decision to submission on Scottish tenders.
