The defence construction framework could create a major procurement route for secure infrastructure across the United Kingdom. SCAPE has launched its first dedicated framework for defence and complex-environment construction projects. The four-year arrangement will support highly secure work across defence estates and critical national infrastructure.
Moreover, SCAPE created the framework after extensive engagement with contractors, clients and wider industry stakeholders. That engagement identified strong demand for specialist defence procurement arrangements.
The move also arrives as Britain expands defence investment and modernizes military infrastructure. The Government’s Defence Investment Plan commits £298 billion over the next four years.
Defence Construction Framework Creates Two Delivery Lots
The framework will operate through two separate procurement lots. Together, they will cover projects requiring enhanced security and specialist construction expertise.
Lot 1 will cover smaller projects valued at up to £15 million. SCAPE has assigned this category a total value of £500 million. Meanwhile, Lot 2 will target larger projects exceeding £15 million. This category carries a substantial £8 billion value, making it the framework’s dominant component.
Each lot will appoint up to three delivery partners. Therefore, the framework could provide public-sector clients with greater contractor choice and supply-chain resilience.
Both lots will support projects demanding high security clearance and enhanced personnel vetting. They will also require robust digital security arrangements throughout project delivery.
SCAPE designed dedicated contract templates and commercial models for defence and complex-environment requirements. Consequently, clients can access procurement arrangements tailored to sensitive construction program.
The framework will comply with the Procurement Act 2023. It will also provide public-sector organizations with a specialist route to market.
Defence Construction Framework Supports UK Military Expansion
The defence construction framework aligns with Britain’s rapidly expanding defence investment program. The Government published its Defence Investment Plan in June 2026.
The plan includes an additional £15 billion for defence between 2026-27 and 2029-30. It also increases annual defence spending toward almost £80 billion by 2029.
Therefore, demand for supporting infrastructure could increase alongside investment in military capabilities. Defence construction could include estate upgrades, specialist facilities and critical infrastructure.
The Government also expects the wider defence investment program to create nearly 60,000 additional direct and indirect UK industry jobs.
SCAPE’s framework could consequently create opportunities for major contractors and specialist supply-chain companies. However, security requirements will impose additional compliance and workforce obligations.
The framework will operate nationwide across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It will therefore provide coverage across Britain’s principal defence and complex-environment construction markets.
SCAPE expects the framework to run for four years, with an option to extend it for another year. This creates a potential five-year procurement window for eligible construction programs.
Importantly, the framework does not represent £8.5 billion of construction already awarded. Instead, it establishes a procurement route through which future projects can be commissioned.
That distinction makes the framework significant for the construction market. It provides a structured pipeline while allowing individual public-sector projects to progress through future call-offs.
The framework also arrives as major UK construction programmes continue to reshape regional economies and infrastructure demand. The proposed defence pipeline adds another layer to this expanding market, alongside large-scale commercial and transport developments. One example is the £3.9 billion Arden Cross scheme, which combines residential, commercial and transport-led development around the HS2 Interchange.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: SCAPE Defence and Complex Environments Framework.
Type: National construction procurement framework.
Primary focus: Defence and complex-environment construction.
Total framework value: £8.5 billion.
Framework duration: Four years.
Extension option: One additional year.
Geographic coverage: England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Number of lots: Two.
- Lot 1: Defence and Complex Environments, covering projects up to £15m.
- Lot 1 category value: £500 million.
- Lot 2: Defence and Complex Environments, covering larger projects.
- Lot 2 category value: £8 billion.
Delivery partners: Up to three contractors per lot.
Security requirements: High security clearance, personnel vetting and digital security.
Procurement legislation: Procurement Act 2023.
Procurement purpose: Specialist route to market for secure construction projects.
Potential applications: Defence estates and critical national infrastructure.
Framework model: Public-sector construction procurement and project call-offs.
Procurement development: SCAPE developed the framework following market engagement.
Wider market context: UK Defence Investment Plan worth £298bn over four years.
Project Team
Framework authority: SCAPE, the public-sector procurement organisation.
Framework leadership: SCAPE’s frameworks team manages development and procurement.
Delivery partners: Up to six contractors across the two framework lots.
Regulatory framework: Procurement Act 2023 governs the procurement arrangement.
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