YORhub now has the client‑selected direct award option across our full suite of frameworks, as YORbuild3 joins YORconsult3 and YORcivil3 in offering this call-off method.   This comes as a result of us listening to client feedback, extending choice and remaining aligned with procurement best practice. 

Full details of the direct award routes are available from your framework manager. Suitability will depend on your authority and project‑specific requirements, but in general two key criteria are considered. These are outlined below, although the examples provided are not exhaustive. 

Criterion 1 – Where the proposed call off has substantial similarities to a previous project/scheme in which the framework supplier was involved (whether such project was the subject of a call off contract awarded under this framework agreement or not). 

For example, where the authority wishes to buy additional or to partly replace existing services which are the same or compatible with existing provisions (both those already supplied or that are contracted to be supplied). In this case, a direct award may be made where a change of supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving services that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing services, and that difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance. 

Another example that may fit this circumstance would be where a supplier is already working on a site and there are genuine health & safety concerns over having multiple Principal Contractors working on the same site. 

Criterion 2 – Where the framework supplier has already performed services relating to the call off and the client requires continuity of service in respect of such a subsequent phase or stage of work. 

An example of this could be where the supplier has been appointed undertaken feasibility or outline design of a project, making decisions as a principal designer or designer under the Building Safety Act, and the contracting authority wishes to continue with the same supplier who has already been making and recording design decisions in line with BSA. 

For clients interested in this route or with any other questions around the use of YORhub and construction delivery, our Client Engagement Lead, Mike Raven, and Client Engagement Advisor, Caroline Key, are available to talk with you at your convenience – feel free to reach out to them at [email protected] and [email protected]