Asset & Development Consultancy Framework - Development Management Services
Framework Description
Development Management Services is one lot of South East Consortium's Asset & Development Consultancy framework, awarded on 21 January 2025 (reference 2024/S 000-016416). It supplies development consultants who take public sector schemes from feasibility and land acquisition through appraisal, planning, cost budgeting and contractor procurement to on-site project management. The lot runs until 20 January 2028, with an option to extend by 12 months.
Context & Use Case
Social landlords, local authorities and other public developers use it when they need a client-side team to run a scheme from site identification to handover, across RIBA stages 0 to 7. Part of the role overlaps with a traditional employer's agent. Buyers appoint through direct award or a mini-competition between the consultants on the lot.
Scope of Services
Land acquisition support Scheme viability and appraisal Pre-planning and planning application support Cost budgeting Contractor procurement On-site project management (RIBA stages 0 to 7)
Lots
Single lot (Development Management Services, within the Asset & Development Consultancy framework)
Who Can Apply
Suits development consultancies that manage housing and mixed-use schemes end to end for public sector clients. Places were awarded in January 2025 and applications for the lot are closed; firms not appointed can join only when SEC re-tenders it, likely around 20 January 2028, or a year later if the 12-month extension is used.
Buyer Benefits
One consultant handling acquisition, viability, planning and procurement keeps a scheme moving without the client managing several advisers. Pre-agreed terms and the option of direct award help housing teams act quickly when a site comes to market, which a full tender would make difficult.
Next Steps
Appointed consultants should make sure SEC members know their development track record, since direct awards depend on buyers choosing you. Others should prepare for the re-tender, expected around January 2028 or January 2029 if extended: assemble scheme case studies across the RIBA stages, CVs of development managers, and evidence of delivery for housing associations and councils.
How Athena Can Help
On a lot that allows direct award, visibility and evidence matter as much as price. Athena can help appointed consultants win mini-competitions, using bid management support to build win themes from your scheme outcomes and to model how you score against rival consultancies.
For the re-tender, our frameworks team can prepare your selection responses and case studies early, and our public sector bid strategy work covers fee pricing and which SEC consultancy lots to pursue.
