A new opportunity is open for specialists in modular construction to supply the public sector.
- LHC Procurement Group seeks suppliers for its third-generation modular buildings framework (MB3).
- MB3 will span England, Wales, and Scotland, running from May 2025 to May 2029.
- Suppliers will offer a comprehensive solution, from design to handover, for various public sector projects.
- An emphasis is placed on efficiency, environmental benefits, and addressing urgent building needs.
The LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG) is actively seeking suppliers for its latest initiative, the third generation of the modular buildings framework, known as MB3. This framework is designed to encompass the design, supply, installation, and hire of modular buildings, whether permanent, temporary, or refurbished. It will serve the public sector across England, Wales, and Scotland through five regional business units, beginning in May 2025 and continuing until May 2029. The MB3 framework is poised to supersede the MB2, which has already facilitated nearly £76 million in public sector contracts.
Suppliers on the MB3 framework are expected to provide a full turnkey solution. This involves managing all facets of a project, starting from initial designs to the final handover, thereby ensuring a seamless and efficient delivery of modular buildings. The framework’s scope includes diverse projects such as educational facilities, healthcare establishments, emergency services, office spaces, community buildings, and mixed-use developments. This diverse application is indicative of the versatility and increasing demand for modular construction within the public sector.
Director of Product Innovation at LHCPG, Shona Snow, has articulated the strategic importance of the MB3 framework, especially in the current context where there is a significant demand for offsite construction solutions. According to Snow, the framework not only facilitates efficient project delivery but also aligns with environmental objectives. “Our MB3 framework will continue to address the demand we are seeing for offsite construction,” Snow stated. “It will make it easier for public sector clients to procure modular buildings that meet their specific needs across various sectors.”
The MB3 framework has been strategically divided into four distinct workstreams to cater to various public sector needs: Permanent modular buildings focusing on new constructions; healthcare facilities; temporary structures; and the refurbishment of existing modular units. The proposal assessment for inclusion in the framework will heavily weigh quality, accounting for 70% of the evaluation, with price considerations comprising the remaining 30%. Interested suppliers must submit their bids through the LHCPG Intend portal by the deadline on 31st October 2024.
An increased demand for the MB3 framework is anticipated due to current pressures on the public sector to meet critical building requirements swiftly, in the wake of the ongoing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis and evolving building safety regulations. Projects under this framework are expected to benefit from advanced construction methodologies, providing not only expedited construction timelines but also achieving superior environmental performance.
The renewal of the modular framework heralds a pivotal opportunity for the public sector to efficiently and sustainably address its building needs.
