Framework Agreement for the Execution of General Building Works (Housing) - Lots 1 & 2
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about what a framework really means
This isn't a contract to start building on day one.
It's a competition to get on the list of trusted suppliers for Swansea Council.
The work will include planned maintenance for both void and occupied properties across the city.
Most of it will be in vacant homes — around 90% — with the trickier 10% in tenanted ones.
Winning a place here means you're ready for two types of work.
Don't just focus on the price
Swansea Council is looking at more than just cost.
They're clear that the total framework value is £11.4 million.
But they aren't obliged to accept the lowest price.
Quality matters here.
If I were evaluating, I'd want to see how you balance cost with the quality of your work.
Think about value for money, not just the cheapest option.
Pay attention to what they say
The council is asking for "established and competent Contractors".
That tells me they're looking for experience.
Prove you know the ropes.
They also mention both void and occupied properties.
That means you need to show you can handle both — especially the challenges of working in occupied homes.
Show how you'll manage the mix of properties
I'd focus on how you plan to work in both empty and tenanted properties.
For voids, speed and efficiency matter.
For occupied homes, it's about respect and communication.
I'd want to see plans for:
- Scheduling work to minimise disruption
- Keeping tenants informed and involved
- Handling any issues that arise promptly
- Maintaining high standards in all properties
Remember, this is a mini-competition
Getting onto the framework is its own competition.
Your submission should demonstrate why you deserve a spot.
It’s not just about filling out forms.
It's about showing you're ready to deliver for years.
Evidence always beats promises
Saying you can do the job isn’t enough.
What have you done before?
Evidence always carries more weight than promises.
I'd include:
- Case studies of similar projects
- Customer testimonials
- Performance metrics from past contracts
- Qualifications and certifications
Think long-term and consistent delivery
Frameworks run for years.
Consistent delivery is crucial.
You need a plan for keeping standards high for the entire term.
I'd cover:
- Staff retention and training
- Managing absences and annual leave
- Regular performance reviews
- How you handle changes in demand
Direct award and further competition
Winning a place on this framework opens two doors.
First, direct award — being the go-to contractor without further competition.
That means being visible and reliable.
Second, further competition — mini-competitions for specific jobs.
These require quick, tailored responses.
Be ready for both.
Know your lot strategy
The framework is split into lots.
You should only bid for the ones you can genuinely deliver.
Overreaching might mean failing to deliver and losing your place.
Focus on where you excel.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on cost without addressing quality
- Lack evidence of past performance
- Ignore the challenges of working in occupied properties
- Overextend your capabilities across too many lots
- Fail to demonstrate a clear understanding of framework dynamics
- Don't address long-term delivery strategies
My Final Thoughts
Swansea Council is looking for partners they can trust over several years.
They need contractors who can manage a mix of vacant and tenanted properties.
The framework is valued at £11.4 million, running from January 2027, with possible extension to 2030.
Quality holds weight here.
That's what I'd focus on in your submission.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?
View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.
View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →About our "How to Win This Contract" guides
Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.