Principal Designer Framework

Principal Designer Framework

Principal Designer Framework

Overview

Our framework provides public sector clients with an efficient and compliant route to engage expert Principal Designers:

Expert Oversight for Project Safety:
Principal Designers play a critical role under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), ensuring health and safety is integrated into the design phase of construction projects. Our framework connects you with skilled professionals who will oversee risk management, ensuring compliance with UK regulations and delivering safer, more efficient projects.

Streamlined Health and Safety Management:
Principal Designers collaborate with project teams to identify and mitigate risks during the design and planning stages. Their involvement ensures compliance with CDM 2015, reduces hazards, and fosters a safe working environment throughout the project lifecycle.

PCR-Compliant Procurement Process:
Our framework is fully aligned with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015), ensuring transparent and fair procurement. Access pre-approved Principal Designers who meet rigorous standards, giving you confidence in their qualifications and expertise.

Review and Select Suppliers:
Our website provides detailed profiles of appointed Principal Designers, showcasing their experience, qualifications, and track record. Use these profiles to assess their suitability for your project and make informed decisions.

Flexible Supplier Selection:
Our simple 4-step process allows you to:

Directly select a preferred supplier.
Run a mini-competition to compare proposals.

Both options are designed to save time, reduce administrative burden, and ensure value for money.

We invite you to proceed down the page to review our pre-qualified suppliers. Take advantage of our user-friendly 4-step E-sign forms, allowing you to either directly select a supplier or run a mini competition. This streamlined process simplifies procurement and helps you find the most suitable Principle Design partner.

Summary

  • Contract Notice

    2023/S 000-027948

  • Award Notice

    2024/S 000-024973

  • Start Date

    20-05-2024

  • Expiry Date

    19-05-2028

  • Framework Capacity

    £2,000,000,000.00

  • NUTS Code

    UK

  • Direct Selection

    Yes

  • Cost/Quality Split

    60% Quality/40% Cost (10% +/- allowance)

  • Contract Type

    Client specified, JCT, TPC

  • Cost Model

    Schedule of Rates

  • Access Fee

    Projects up to £10m - £1,000, Projects £10m to £25m - £2,500, Projects £25m to £50m - £5,000, Projects £50m+ - £7,500

  • Insurance Levels

    Public Liability Insurance no less than £5,000,000 for each event, events unlimited. Employer’s Liability Insurance no less than £10,000,000 for each claim for all customary risks. Professional Indemnity Insurance no less than £2,000,000 for each claim.

  • CPV Codes

    71000000 : Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services
    71200000 : Architectural and related services
    71210000 : Advisory architectural services
    71220000 : Architectural design services
    71221000 : Architectural services for buildings
    71248000 : Supervision of project and documentation
    71251000 : Architectural and building-surveying services
    71312000 : Structural engineering consultancy services
    71313410 : Risk or hazard assessment for construction
    71313420 : Environmental standards for construction
    71315300 : Building surveying services
    71315400 : Building-inspection services
    71317100 : Fire and explosion protection and control consultancy services
    71317210 : Health and safety consultancy services
    71321000 : Engineering design services for mechanical and electrical installations for buildings
    71324000 : Quantity surveying services
    71334000 : Mechanical and electrical engineering services
    71520000 : Construction supervision services
    71521000 : Construction-site supervision services
    71530000 : Construction consultancy services
    71541000 : Construction project management services
    71600000 : Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services
    71631000 : Technical inspection services
    72224000 : Project management consultancy services
    73210000 : Research consultancy services
    75251110 : Fire-prevention services
    79415200 : Design consultancy services

Downloads

Framework Appointees

Ranking Order
Please consult the User Guide for further information.

  1. SME
    Baily Garner Llp

    Baily Garner Llp

  2. SME
    Bpm Project Management (quartet Homes) Limited

    Bpm Project Management (quartet Homes) Limited

  3. SME
    Arcus Consulting Llp

    Arcus Consulting Llp

  4. SME
    Bellrock Advisory Llp

    Bellrock Advisory Llp

  5. SME
    Calfordseaden Llp

    Calfordseaden Llp

  6. SME
    Prp Architecture Llp

    Prp Architecture Llp

  7. SME
    Pellings Llp

    Pellings Llp

  8. SME
    Philip Pank Partnership Llp

    Philip Pank Partnership Llp

  9. SME
    Hunter & Partners Limited

    Hunter & Partners Limited

  10. SME
    Airey Miller Limited

    Airey Miller Limited

  11. SME
    Silver Dcc Limited

    Silver Dcc Limited

  12. SME
    Rg+p Limited

    Rg+p Limited

  13. SME
    Frankham Consultancy Group Limited

    Frankham Consultancy Group Limited

  14. SME
    Martin Arnold Limited

    Martin Arnold Limited

  15. SME
    Potter Raper Ltd

    Potter Raper Ltd

  16. SME
    PIB Risk Management Ltd

    PIB Risk Management Ltd

  17. SME
    The Lawson Partnership Limited

    The Lawson Partnership Limited

  18. SME
    Playle & Partners Llp

    Playle & Partners Llp

  19. SME
    Faithorn Farrell Timms Llp

    Faithorn Farrell Timms Llp

Call-Off Process

How can I use this Framework?

Our simple step process allows for both Direct Selection or Mini-Competition. Further information can be found below. Please note that Clients may enter into a contract for any duration that best allows for the performance of the requirement to be achieved.

Direct Selection

With the Direct Selection method, you may select the contractor who is ranked number 1, or any other Contractor/Consultant on the following basis:

  • Where you have an existing relationship with the Contractor/Consultant.
  • Where the Call Off has substantial similarities to a previous project the Contractor/Consultant was involved with (under this Framework Agreement or not).
  • For reasons of urgency, where it is not reasonably practical to award the Call-Off Contract by way of a Mini-Competition.
  • Capability Criteria determining that only one framework appointee is capable of carrying out the Call-Off Contract.
  • Where you are able to determine which Contractor/Consultant will provide the most economically advantageous offer.
  • Where a Contractor/Consultant has introduced the site.
  • Rank based on filter categorisation by region and/or contract value, of which the supplier has pre-selected.

Mini Competition / Competitive Selection

Our Mini-Competition / Competitive Selection process lets you expand beyond the framework’s original specification to meet your specific requirements. The framework partners from the relevant lot are invited to tender (where capable). This process typically takes 2-4 weeks. The capability criteria can be defined by the following:

  • The contractors capability to carry out a project of the size and complexity of the proposed project.
  • The contractors capability to carry out works and services in the locality of the proposed project.
  • The contractors financial stability and standing.
  • The contractors health and safety record.
  • The contractors capacity, taking into account the value of Works and Services already awarded to it under the Framework Agreement.
Call-off Forms

Call-off Procedure (E-Sign)

NFP has simplified the Call-off process to steps allowing you access to our framework within minutes.

Confidentiality Agreement

Please note that this form is designed for Public Sector clients only. If you are an interested supplier, please use our live chat button.

The form below is designed to protect the commerciality of suppliers and the integrity of the Framework. Clients will need to complete the fields prompted within the form, to allow password-protected access for Steps 2, 3.

(If you’re unable to view our form, please click here to open it in a new window.)

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Using National Framework Partnership (Steps 1–4)

  • What is National Framework Partnership (NFP) and what does the “Step 1–4” process mean?

    NFP provides a compliant route to market through pre-procured frameworks and DPS solutions. Our Step 1–4 process is a simple, standard route from initial engagement through to awarding a call-off contract.

  • Do I need to follow Steps 1–4 in order?

    In most cases, yes. The process is designed to keep call-offs consistent, auditable, and aligned to the framework rules. If your requirement needs a tailored approach (e.g., urgent mobilisation), we’ll confirm the compliant route.

  • Is NFP compliant with UK procurement regulations?

    Yes. NFP frameworks are procured in accordance with the relevant UK regulations applicable at the time they were tendered (e.g., PCR 2015 for earlier frameworks and Procurement Act 2023 for newer ones). Each framework page or documentation set will confirm the applicable basis.

  • Who can use NFP frameworks?

    Typically: housing associations, local authorities, public bodies, contracting authorities, and other eligible organisations that are permitted to access the framework.

  • What is Step 1?

    Step 1 is a Confidentiality Agreement (NDA). It allows NFP to share additional information that may be commercially sensitive—such as supplier details, pricing structures, benchmarking, draft documentation, and procurement support materials.

  • Why do I need to sign a confidentiality agreement?

    Because some information we provide could prejudice suppliers commercially or compromise a live/anticipated procurement if shared more widely. The NDA ensures information is controlled, used appropriately, and only for the intended purpose.

  • Who needs to sign the confidentiality agreement?

    A person authorised by your organisation (e.g., procurement lead, finance director, asset director, head of service). If your internal governance requires it, your legal team may also review it first.

  • Is the confidentiality agreement mutual?

    Typically, yes—both parties commit to handling shared information appropriately. (If your version is one-way, you can swap this line accordingly.)

  • How long does the confidentiality obligation last?

    As stated in the NDA. Many NDAs specify a period (e.g., 2–5 years) and/or continuing obligations for truly confidential information.

  • What happens after the NDA is signed?

    We can share the next-stage pack (Step 2 materials), including call-off guidance, supplier shortlists by lot/region, templates, and any commercially sensitive supporting information required to progress.

  • I've Signed the Confidentiality Agreement, How long do I wait?

    We will respond to you within 30 minutes during working hours. If you haven’t heard, please check your spam filter or message us on live chat.

  • What is Step 3?

    Step 3 is the Cost Model. This is an indicative model showing the typical market rates available via the framework or DPS.

  • Is the cost model a fixed price list?

    No. It is indicative—intended to help you benchmark and understand market ranges. Final pricing will depend on your scope, volumes, locations, risk profile, and the call-off route used.

  • How should we use the cost model?

    Common uses include:

    • Budget planning and early-stage benchmarking

    • Informing your own pricing schedule for a mini-competition

    • Sense-checking supplier submissions (where applicable)

    • Supporting value-for-money discussions and approvals

  • Does every supplier charge exactly these rates?

    Not necessarily. Rates may vary between suppliers and may change over time. The model is provided to give a realistic indication of the market available through the framework/DPS.

  • What is Step 4?

    Step 4 is where you complete the call-off (Direct Selection / Automatic Award / Competitive Selection as applicable), make the award, and mobilise the supplier.

  • Do we use NFP call-off terms or our own contract?

    This depends on the framework/DPS rules. We will confirm the correct documentation and call-off approach for your requirement.