EEM New Build Development Framework – All You Need to Know

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By Lisa Reece, Director & Senior Bid Consultant

If you are a contractor delivering residential development work and you’ve not yet seen the Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) New Build Development Framework, now is your opportunity!

Published on 5 March 2026 as a pipeline notice on Find a Tender, reference EEM0083, this opportunity is a significant procurement exercise that will influence how housing delivery is commissioned across the East and West Midlands for the next four years.

The framework is not yet open for tender submissions, but the pipeline notice gives potential contractors a valuable window to prepare. This article sets out what we know so far, what the opportunity means for different types of contractors, and how to start preparing your bid.

What the Framework Covers

EEM is looking to establish a framework for new build development works covering both traditional construction and modern methods of construction (MMC). The scope is broad and includes everything from small infill and garage site developments through to medium and large estate-level projects, all aimed at helping public sector organisations tackle the ongoing housing shortage.

The framework is classified under CPV code 45210000, which covers building construction work, and the estimated contract dates run from 5 April 2027 to 4 April 2031 – a four-year term, which is consistent with the standard maximum duration for a closed framework under the Procurement Act 2023.

Geographically, the framework covers the East Midlands (UKF) and West Midlands (UKG), though EEM frameworks are typically available to a wider funded organisations across England and Wales. EEM currently supports over 340 member organisations including local authorities, housing associations, ALMOs, NHS trusts, educational providers and emergency services.

Why This Framework is Worth Watching

EEM frameworks are key in the social housing and public sector construction market – they offer member organisations a ready-made procurement route, which means contractors appointed to the framework gain access to a pipeline of call-off contracts without having to compete through individual procurement exercises each time.

For new build work specifically, the demand is high; Local authorities and housing associations across the Midlands are under sustained pressure to increase housing supply, improve existing stock, and deliver against Decent Homes commitments. A framework that covers the full spectrum will therefore generate a high volume of call-off activity over its four-year term.

The inclusion of MMC alongside traditional build is also worth noting. It reflects the growing expectation among public sector clients that contractors can offer alternatives to conventional masonry, whether that means volumetric modular, panelised systems or other offsite approaches.

The Procurement Route

The notice confirms that EEM will use the open procedure to procure this framework. Under the Procurement Act 2023, the open procedure is a single-stage process. Any interested supplier can submit a tender and the contracting authority evaluates all submissions against its published criteria. There is no pre-qualification or shortlisting stage.

Because there is no selection questionnaire to filter out weaker applications early, your tender submission needs to be strong. Every section, from your technical responses to your pricing, will be assessed together and there will be no second chance to refine your position.

The framework value sits above the procurement threshold, which means full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 is required. Contractors should expect the tender documentation to include requirements around financial standing, technical capacity, health and safety, equality and diversity, environmental management and social value, all of which are standard for frameworks of this nature.

Getting Your Bid Ready

Although the tender itself has not yet been released, the pipeline notice gives contractors enough information to begin meaningful preparation. There are several areas where early action will pay off:

Review Your Track Record

EEM frameworks tend to place emphasis on similar experience. You will almost certainly be asked to provide case studies showing that you have delivered comparable new build projects for public sector clients.

This is an early opportunity to start identifying your best examples. Think about projects that show range, from smaller infill schemes through to larger estate developments, and consider how each one demonstrates your ability to deliver on time, to budget and to the required quality standards.

If your experience sits predominantly in one end of the scale, say garage sites and small schemes but not larger estate work, that is worth acknowledging now – it may influence which lots or sub-lots you bid for when the full tender documentation is published.

Consider Your MMC Position

The framework description references modern methods of construction alongside traditional build. If you have MMC capability, make sure you can articulate it well. That means being able to describe your approach, the systems you use, the pre-manufactured value (PMV) and the benefits you have delivered on previous projects. If you do not currently offer MMC, consider whether a partnership or subcontracting arrangement might strengthen your position on the framework.

Prepare Your Policies and Accreditations

Public sector frameworks require a range of supporting documentation. At a minimum, you should expect to provide evidence of your health and safety management policy and system, alongside quality management, environmental, equality and diversity policy, insurance certificates and financial accounts. If any of these are out of date or need refreshing, it’s a good time to review and update them now.

Accreditations such as Constructionline, CHAS, SafeContractor or equivalent are often referenced as minimum requirements or as evidence of competence. Check what you hold and whether anything is due for renewal.

Think About Social Value Early

Social value is a significant evaluation criterion in most public sector frameworks, and EEM has a strong track record in this area, including its community donation programme and Building Communities Awards. Your tender response will need to demonstrate what social value volumes and outcomes you can deliver, such as local employment, apprenticeships, supply chain spend with SMEs, community engagement and environmental improvements are all common themes. And you may be asked to demonstrate past delivery achievements. Having measurable commitments and evidence ready will help build a convincing response.

What Happens Next

As a pipeline notice, this publication is intended to give the market advance warning. It is not a live tender – EEM has not yet published the full tender documentation, and the notice does not include a submission deadline. However, given that the framework is intended to go live in April 2027, the tender itself is likely to be published in the coming months.

Contractors who want to stay notified should register on the Delta eSourcing portal, which EEM uses for its procurement exercises, and ‘watch’ the notice on Find a Tender to receive updates when the formal tender is published.

If you are considering bidding for a place on this framework and want support with your tender response, BWL Group can help. Our team has many years’ experience in preparing bids for public sector construction frameworks, and we understand what evaluation panels are looking for. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your submission.

Interested in Working With BWL?

Whether you need expert support with an upcoming tender or want to find out more about our professional bid services, we would be pleased to hear from you. Get in touch with the team at enquiries@bwlgroup.co.uk, call us on 01325 792 744, or visit our services page to find out how we can support your next bid.