Scotland’s leading public sector framework provider has opened applications for its latest framework, valued at £900 million, which is set to support urgent and planned housing and building repairs.
The Refurbishment and Modernisation (RM4S) framework from the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) marks an important step forward in supporting Scotland’s response to increasing pressures on its existing housing and public building stock. The framework will provide a route to market for refurbishment, modernisation, maintenance and improvement works, helping public sector organisations enhance the condition, safety, quality and performance of their existing assets.
The updated framework represents a significant development from its predecessor, RM3, and includes five additional workstreams designed to improve the efficiency and scope of public sector projects.
These workstreams - damp and mould remediation, aids and adaptations, kitchen supply, stoneworks and reactive repairs, will help tackle critical infrastructure issues, particularly across Scotland’s ageing housing stock, and ensure timely interventions which meet the growing need for safe, modern living spaces.
Lesley Peaty, Regional Director for SPA, said:
“RM4 responds to market concerns, priorities and emerging government guidance for the public sector in Scotland. It supports both housing and building needs and has been shaped by feedback gathered through extensive market engagement to create a solution which forms part of a comprehensive asset management strategy.
“This framework ensures that the right solutions, delivered by qualified contractors, are in place to address the immediate and longer-term challenges facing Scotland’s housing and building assets.”
For this new framework, SPA is seeking contractors for general refurbishment works, including decorators, electricians and joiners. It is also looking to appoint specialist contractors to support the new workstreams, including stonemasons, damp and mould specialists, ground maintenance and external works providers.
In light of legislative changes and an increasing focus on health and safety, RM4 introduces specialist workstreams to address issues such as Scotland’s equivalent of Awaab’s Law, which focuses on the safety of tenants’ living conditions.
The new legislation introduces clear timescales for landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould and commence any required repairs, making the inclusion of dedicated damp and mould workstreams within RM4S particularly timely and relevant.
The RM4 framework’s offering will be particularly valuable to local authorities, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and public services, enabling a more responsive and flexible approach to public building projects.
The new framework also supports key housing needs by introducing aids and adaptations to support independent living, safeguarding Scotland’s heritage buildings through dedicated stonework services, and enabling rapid responses to emergency repairs.
As demand grows for conservation and repair work on Scotland’s traditional stone buildings, the framework will ensure that the necessary expertise is available to meet the specific requirements of these projects. Stonemasonry remains central to preserving Scotland’s architectural heritage, and the RM4 framework will play an important role in securing the skills needed to protect these buildings for future generations.
The RM4 framework will also streamline procurement processes for refurbishment and modernisation projects. With increased investment in damp and mould remediation, and greater support for the preservation of older buildings, the framework will help ensure that social housing is not only safe, but sustainable for the future.
Ultimately, it offers a flexible and inclusive approach that supports participation from businesses of different sizes to thrive in a competitive marketplace. The framework has allocated places within the lower value bands to small and micro businesses, allowing them to compete for a place appropriate to their scale and capacity.
“It is designed to level the playing field,”
Lesley added.
“By reserving a proportion of places for small businesses, we are fostering an environment in which innovation and opportunity can flourish, making a real difference to firms of all sizes across Scotland.”