Group of 23 HAs launches £2bn national construction framework

The framework is open to any manufacturer wanting to supply category 1 and/or category 2 solutions to registered social housing providers or local authorities. Once accepted onto the framework, OSHA clients can call on suppliers between 2022 and 2026.

“We’re delighted to see the launch of the OSHA framework, which has been scoped following extensive feedback from our alliance partners and existing suppliers,” said Matthew Harrison, chief executive of Great Places.

“Great Places alone has an ambition to deliver 9,000 new homes by 2028, and the OSHA framework will ensure that a significant proportion of these new homes are built off-site, driving better quality, value for money and decarbonisation through partnerships and aggregation of volume.

“We look forward to hearing from potential framework suppliers and manufacturing partners who want to work with us to realise our development ambitions of delivering much-needed affordable homes.”

Nick Atkin, chief executive of Yorkshire Housing, a member of the alliance, said: “The launch of the OSHA framework is a significant milestone for the alliance as we look to build long-term partnerships with the MMC supply chain.

“This will enable us to develop a joined-up development process from factory gate to end of defects, harnessing the benefits of factory construction methods to realise members’ development aspirations.”

The OSHA framework will provide ongoing expert support to clients through a focused MMC project management office (PMO).

The OSHA said this was to drive continuous improvement and supply-chain partnerships, as well as assist framework clients to navigate and derisk this largely new industry. The PMO service will be the subject of a separate but concurrent procurement exercise.

The framework and PMO will be supported by the use of OSHA’s own design-pattern book, zero-carbon specification and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly process tools.

Clients will select suppliers from the available lots via direct award or a mini-competition. The whole process will be managed electronically via an e-tendering portal.

Bidders can register their interest online now. The deadline for submission of tenders is 12 October, with the framework expected to go live in December.