TEPAS Framework
A construction framework for technical and engineering professional advisory services.
Definition
TEPAS (Technical and Engineering Professional Advisory Services) is a construction-related framework covering technical and engineering professional advisory services: civil and structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, building services design, project management, quantity surveying, building information modelling (BIM), and related professional services for construction projects. TEPAS frameworks exist in multiple flavours operated by different consortia and central government bodies, all serving the same broad market: public sector buyers needing professional advisory services for construction programmes.
How it works in practice
Public sector construction is one of the largest UK procurement categories: schools, hospitals, prisons, housing, civic infrastructure. Each project requires professional services across the lifecycle: feasibility, design, planning, procurement, construction supervision, handover, defect management. TEPAS-style frameworks aggregate that demand into structured supplier panels organised by discipline and project value. Lots typically cover specific disciplines (civil engineering, structural engineering, building services), value bands (small projects under £5M; medium £5M-£25M; large above £25M), and (sometimes) geographic regions. Call-offs run by mini-competition for project-specific engagements. Strong responses evidence recent comparable project experience, named team CVs at the relevant grade, BIM capability where required, and professional indemnity insurance at adequate cover. Pricing is usually rate-card based with day-rate caps per grade and total-cost caps per engagement category. Bidders should be familiar with the relevant construction client environment (NHS, education, defence, housing) and adapt their bid library accordingly: corporate-sector case studies often need public-sector-specific context to score well. The KimonBids construction framework module tracks active and upcoming construction frameworks across UK consortia.
Common questions
Are TEPAS frameworks lot-based?
Yes, typically structured by discipline (civil, structural, building services, project management, QS), value band, and sometimes geography. Suppliers can apply to multiple lots if they have capability across disciplines. The framework documentation states the lot structure.
How are TEPAS call-offs priced?
Usually rate-card based with day-rate caps per grade (graduate, senior engineer, associate, principal) and total-cost caps per engagement category. Day rates are constrained by the framework; quality of team and proposal usually decides. Some frameworks allow modest price flexibility below rate card for competitive call-offs.
Do I need to be on multiple TEPAS-style frameworks?
Depends on geographic and sector focus. For UK-wide coverage typically yes: CCS, NHS SBS construction frameworks, the regional consortium frameworks (YPO, ESPO, NEPO, KCS) for local government, and sector-specific frameworks (defence, prisons, social housing). For regional or sector-specialist firms the targeted set of frameworks is usually smaller.