The Association of North East Councils Trading as the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) is seeking to establish a multi-supplier, multi-lot Framework for Building Materials and Managed Stores. NEPO intends to publish an Invitation to Tender via the Open eTendering system. Suppliers wishing to be considered for this Framework Agreement must register their expression of interest and submit a tender through the NEPO eTendering system. If not already registered, candidates should register on the Open eTender system at: https://open-uk.org/ Tenders must be submitted using the link above. Tenders submitted via post or email methods will not be accepted. Guidance for how to create an account, search for opportunities and respond is included within the Supplier's hub. If you require further support please email [email protected]

Lot 1 covers the provision of integrated materials management solutions, managed stores, and associated materials management services to support the operational requirements of Contracting Authorities. The Lot is intended to provide Contracting Authorities with access to integrated materials management solutions and managed stores environments that improve the availability, control and distribution of materials, products and consumables required to support responsive repairs, planned maintenance, asset management, facilities management and construction activities. The primary service available under this Lot is an Integrated Materials Management Solution designed to support the efficient sourcing, control, distribution and management of materials, products and consumables. Suppliers shall be capable of delivering integrated materials management solutions designed to provide Contracting Authorities with efficient access to the materials, products and consumables required to support service delivery through one or more coordinated supply channels. Such solutions may incorporate multiple supply chain partners, manufacturers, merchants, distributors and specialist providers operating through a coordinated stores environment or other integrated materials management solution. Integrated materials management solutions may include: Consolidated materials supply arrangements; Multi-source inventory management; Coordinated replenishment services; Centralised issue and distribution points; Integrated ordering solutions; Supply chain coordination; Data analytics and management reporting; Consolidated reporting arrangements; and Demand planning and forecasting The Supplier may deliver these services independently or in collaboration with manufacturers, merchants, distributors, specialist providers or other supply chain organisations. Such arrangements may include the coordination of multiple merchants and specialist suppliers operating through a single managed store or integrated materials management solution where this provides operational or commercial benefit to the Contracting Authority. Integrated materials management solutions and managed stores solutions may be delivered from Contracting Authority premises, Supplier premises or other agreed locations and may include permanent, temporary or mobile facilities. The services available under this Lot include, but are not limited to: Managed stores operations; Customer-site stores; Merchant counter solutions; Satellite stores; Mobile and temporary stores; Inventory management services; Materials management services; Stock replenishment services; Vendor managed inventory solutions; Consignment stock arrangements; Van stock management services; Automated dispensing and vending solutions; Supply chain management services; Product standardisation and rationalisation; Electronic ordering and materials management platforms; Digital materials management solutions; Technical support services; and Management information and reporting services. Options: The framework includes an initial basket of commonly purchased goods for evaluation and pricing purposes. Contracting authorities may, during the term of the framework, procure any products falling within the scope of the relevant category/categories covered by the framework, including products not expressly listed within the initial basket, provided such products are consistent with the advertised scope, specification and CPV coverage of the framework.

Lot 2 covers the supply of general building, construction, maintenance and repair materials to support the delivery of responsive repairs, planned maintenance, asset management, facilities management, capital works, construction projects, highways maintenance and civil engineering activities. The Lot is intended to provide Contracting Authorities with access to a comprehensive range of building materials and associated products required for the construction, maintenance, repair, refurbishment and improvement of residential, commercial, industrial and public sector assets, together with highways, civil engineering and infrastructure projects. The products available under this Lot include, but are not limited to: Building materials; Bricks, blocks and masonry products; Cement, aggregates and associated products; Concrete and precast products; Timber and timber products; Sheet materials; Roofing materials and accessories; Insulation products; Drylining systems; Plaster and plasterboard products; Drainage products; Landscaping materials; Fencing products; Highways and civil engineering materials; Kerbs, channels, paving and block products, including alternative material products (e.g. rubber); Street works and infrastructure materials; Ducting and utility protection products Doors, windows and joinery products; Ironmongery and architectural hardware; Fixings, fasteners and adhesives; Sealants and building chemicals; Decorating materials; Hand tools; Workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE); Site safety products; Construction consumables; and Associated accessories and ancillary products. Products supplied under this Lot may be utilised across a broad range of maintenance, construction, highways, public realm, infrastructure and asset improvement projects. Where applicable, Suppliers should be capable of providing sustainable, recycled, low-carbon or environmentally preferable alternatives to standard products and should support Contracting Authorities in achieving their environmental and net zero objectives. Options: The framework includes an initial basket of commonly purchased goods for evaluation and pricing purposes. Contracting authorities may, during the term of the framework, procure any products falling within the scope of the relevant category/categories covered by the framework, including products not expressly listed within the initial basket, provided such products are consistent with the advertised scope, specification and CPV coverage of the framework.

Lot 3 covers the supply of plumbing, heating, gas, water management and building services products to support the delivery of responsive repairs, planned maintenance, asset management, facilities management, capital works, construction projects and mechanical building services installations. The Lot is intended to provide Contracting Authorities with access to a comprehensive range of domestic and commercial plumbing, heating and mechanical building services products required for the maintenance, repair, refurbishment, improvement and construction of residential, commercial, industrial and public sector assets. The products available under this Lot include, but are not limited to: Plumbing materials and components; Domestic and commercial heating products; Gas spares and associated equipment; Boilers and water heating systems; Heat pumps and renewable heating technologies; Cylinders and hot water storage solutions; Pumps and pumping equipment; Valves and flow control products; Pipework, fittings and associated accessories; Heating controls and building controls; Thermostats and smart heating systems; Radiators and emitters; Bathrooms and washroom products; Water management and water treatment products; Commercial plant room equipment; Metering and monitoring equipment; Mechanical building services products; Ventilation products associated with heating and plumbing installations; Maintenance, repair and replacement components; Fixings, consumables and ancillary products; and Associated accessories and ancillary items. Products supplied under this Lot may be utilised across a broad range of domestic, commercial and public sector maintenance, refurbishment, decarbonisation, compliance and construction projects. This Lot is intended to support both traditional heating and plumbing requirements and the transition to low-carbon technologies. Suppliers should therefore be capable of providing energy-efficient, low-carbon and renewable heating solutions where available, together with associated system components and technical support. Where applicable, Suppliers should be capable of providing sustainable, recycled, low-carbon or environmentally preferable alternatives to standard products and should support Contracting Authorities in achieving their environmental, decarbonisation and net zero objectives. Options: The framework includes an initial basket of commonly purchased goods for evaluation and pricing purposes. Contracting authorities may, during the term of the framework, procure any products falling within the scope of the relevant category/categories covered by the framework, including products not expressly listed within the initial basket, provided such products are consistent with the advertised scope, specification and CPV coverage of the framework.

Lot 4 covers the supply of electrical products, components and associated accessories to support the delivery of responsive repairs, planned maintenance, asset management, facilities management, capital works, construction projects and electrical installations. The Lot is intended to provide Contracting Authorities with access to a comprehensive range of electrical products required for the maintenance, repair, refurbishment, improvement and construction of residential, commercial, industrial and public sector assets. The products available under this Lot include, but are not limited to: Electrical cables and wiring products; Cable management and containment systems; Distribution equipment and switchgear; Circuit protection devices; Consumer units and distribution boards; Wiring accessories; Lighting products and associated controls; Emergency lighting systems; Lamps and luminaires; Fire detection and alarm products; Security and access control products; CCTV and surveillance equipment; Data, communications and network infrastructure products; Testing and monitoring equipment; Metering and energy management products; Batteries and power supplies; Electric vehicle charging infrastructure and associated components; Renewable energy electrical components; Electrical maintenance, repair and replacement components; Fixings, consumables and ancillary products; and Associated accessories and ancillary items. Products supplied under this Lot may be utilised across a broad range of domestic, commercial and public sector maintenance, refurbishment, compliance, decarbonisation and construction projects. This Lot is intended to support both traditional electrical installations and emerging technologies. Suppliers should therefore be capable of providing energy-efficient and low-carbon solutions where available, including products which support electrification, renewable energy generation, energy management and electric vehicle infrastructure. Where applicable, Suppliers should be capable of providing sustainable, energy-efficient or environmentally preferable alternatives to standard products and should support Contracting Authorities in achieving their environmental, decarbonisation and net zero objectives. Options: The framework includes an initial basket of commonly purchased goods for evaluation and pricing purposes. Contracting authorities may, during the term of the framework, procure any products falling within the scope of the relevant category/categories covered by the framework, including products not expressly listed within the initial basket, provided such products are consistent with the advertised scope, specification and CPV coverage of the framework.

Lot 5 covers the supply of kitchens, kitchen components, associated appliances and related products to support the delivery of responsive repairs, planned maintenance, asset management, refurbishment programmes, void property works, capital investment programmes, new build projects and facilities management activities. The Lot is intended to provide Contracting Authorities with access to a comprehensive range of kitchen products suitable for residential, commercial and public sector environments, including social housing, educational establishments, healthcare facilities, offices and other public buildings. The products and services available under this Lot include, but are not limited to: Complete kitchen solutions; Kitchen units and cabinets; Kitchen doors and drawer fronts; Kitchen carcases; Kitchen fittings and hardware; Worktops and kitchen surfaces; Splashbacks and wall panels; Sinks, taps and associated fittings; Integrated and freestanding appliances; Cooker hoods and extraction products; Kitchen storage solutions; Accessible and adapted kitchens; Replacement doors, panels and components; Bespoke and made-to-measure kitchen products; Kitchen design and planning services; Survey and measuring services; Delivery, assembly and installation services where required; and Associated accessories and ancillary products. Products supplied under this Lot may be utilised across a broad range of kitchen replacement, refurbishment, maintenance and construction projects. This Lot is intended to support both complete kitchen replacement programmes and the supply of individual components required for repairs, maintenance and planned improvement works. Suppliers should be capable of providing a range of kitchen styles, specifications and budget options, including products suitable for social housing, residential, commercial and public sector applications. Where reasonably practicable, Suppliers should support the ongoing availability of replacement doors, drawer fronts, panels, fittings and other kitchen components to facilitate repairs, maintenance and partial refurbishment works throughout the lifecycle of installed kitchens. Where applicable, Suppliers should be capable of providing sustainable, responsibly sourced or environmentally preferable products and should support Contracting Authorities in achieving their environmental, circular economy and net zero objectives. Options: The framework includes an initial basket of commonly purchased goods for evaluation and pricing purposes. Contracting authorities may, during the term of the framework, procure any products falling within the scope of the relevant category/categories covered by the framework, including products not expressly listed within the initial basket, provided such products are consistent with the advertised scope, specification and CPV coverage of the framework.

Lot 6 covers the supply of modular, portable and temporary building solutions to support the operational, accommodation and estates requirements of Contracting Authorities. The Lot is intended to provide Contracting Authorities with access to a range of modular building solutions suitable for temporary, semi-permanent and permanent use across education, office, welfare, operational and public sector environments. The products and services available under this Lot include, but are not limited to: Modular buildings; Portable buildings; Temporary accommodation units; Temporary classrooms; Education facilities; Office accommodation; Welfare facilities; Meeting and training facilities; Site and project offices; Storage facilities; Modular extensions; Relocatable buildings; Modular healthcare facilities; Modular community facilities; Delivery and installation services where required; and Associated accessories and ancillary products. Products and services supplied under this Lot may be utilised across a broad range of education, local authority, housing, healthcare, infrastructure and public sector projects requiring temporary, additional or replacement accommodation. This Lot is intended to support both short and long-term accommodation requirements where a modular or offsite manufactured solution provides an efficient alternative to traditional construction methods. Where applicable, Suppliers should be capable of providing sustainable, low-carbon and environmentally preferable solutions and should support Contracting Authorities in achieving their environmental, decarbonisation and net zero objectives. Options: The framework includes an initial basket of commonly purchased goods for evaluation and pricing purposes. Contracting authorities may, during the term of the framework, procure any products falling within the scope of the relevant category/categories covered by the framework, including products not expressly listed within the initial basket, provided such products are consistent with the advertised scope, specification and CPV coverage of the framework.

Procurement Act 2023

Open procedure

The successful Tenderer will enter into a Framework Agreement (NEPO219 - Building Materials and Managed Stores) with NEPO & TPPL. This Framework will be made accessible to the Member Authorities and the Associate Members of NEPO and TPPL via Call-Off contracts. NEPO will establish overarching terms and conditions that define the core principles of the Framework. Pricing will be determined through the tender process and evaluated against predefined award criteria and associated weightings. All tenderers will be assessed accordingly. Pricing submitted as part of this Framework will apply to requirements nationally. Contracting Authorities may establish Call-Off contracts through either Direct Award or Mini/Further Competition. A Direct Award may be used where the Contracting Authority objectively determine that there are benefits and rationale, this rationale may include but is not limited to: necessity for urgency relating to timescales, the complexity of the project or continuity of works. This is subject to the Contracting Authority's internal procurement and legal guidelines permitting a Direct Award. A basket of goods for each lot will be evaluated at framework level. This does not limit Contracting Authorities from accessing this lot of the Framework to purchase goods not covered by the pricing schedule. Contracting Authorities may utilise one or more pricing methodologies available under the Framework, including fixed pricing arrangements, basket pricing models, schedule of rates, project-specific pricing, Open Book arrangements and Return on Sales (ROS) commercial models. All suppliers awarded to the Framework may be invited to participate in Further Competitions. The evaluation criteria for any Further Competitions will be specified by the Contracting Authority and included in the competition documentation. Suppliers will be required to submit pricing based on the specific project requirements. NEPO and TPPL may, during the term of the Framework Agreement, make available digital tools, applications or technology solutions designed to assist Contracting Authorities in identifying Supplier locations, product availability and other operational information. Suppliers should cooperate with reasonable requests to support such initiatives where they are capable of doing so. Participation in such initiatives shall not be mandatory unless otherwise agreed between the parties.

NEPO intends to publish an Invitation to Tender via the Open eTendering system. Suppliers wishing to be considered for this Framework must register their expression of interest and submit a tender through the Open eTendering system at https://open-uk.org/ Tenders must be submitted via the link above. Submissions via email or post will not be accepted. Guidance for how to create an account, search for opportunities and respond is included within the Suppliers Hub. If you require further support please email [email protected]

Bidders can view the opportunity by accessing the e-tendering platform open-uk.org. All associated tender documents can be found on the e-tendering platform. Bidders are required to create an account on Open. If any issues are encountered, please contact [email protected]: https://www.open-uk.org/