The Authority intends to establish a multi-supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of research and technical services across seven lots. The Framework Agreement will be available for use by Scottish Government, Building Standards Division only and will enable the procurement of specialist support in the following areas: Lot 1: Fire Lot 2: Safety/Accessibility Lot 3: Energy (Software, Tools and Methodology) Lot 4: Energy (Policy and Research) Lot 5: Environment and Sustainability Lot 6: Structure Lot 7: Non-technical Economic operators may bid for one, several, or all lots. No guarantee is given as to the volume or value of services that may be awarded under the Framework Agreement. Call-off contracts will be awarded in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement. The estimated maximum framework value is GBP 4,000,000. Call-off contracts under the Framework Agreement may be awarded by either direct award or mini-competition in accordance with the framework terms and conditions. The Authority reserves the right to use either method as appropriate to the specific requirement.

Fire

Lot 1 covers the provision of research, analysis, and technical advisory services to support the development, review, and amendment of fire safety standards and associated technical guidance within the Scottish building standards system, particularly Section 2 (Fire) of the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks.

Safety/Accessibility

Lot 2 covers the intended research and outputs to support the development standards and guidance contained under Section 3 ‘Environment’ and Section 4 ‘Safety’ in relation to the accessibility and safety of new domestic and non-domestic buildings. Services will support the regulatory development, options appraisal, and cost impact modelling and assessment of the above themes. Outputs will inform the production of policy and consultation materials as well as amendments to regulations and updated technical handbook guidance.

Energy (Software, Tools and Methodology)

Lot 3 covers the provision of technical services relating to energy related software, tools, and methodologies supporting compliance, modelling, and assessment within the Scottish building standards system.

Energy (Policy and Research)

Lot 4 covers policy focused research and analytical services relating to energy use, decarbonisation, and energy performance of buildings. This lot focuses on Section 6 of the of the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks. Outputs may inform amendments to regulations, updates to Technical Handbooks, supporting guidance, related policy, and consultation material.

Environment and Sustainability

Lot 5 covers consultancy and research services relating to environmental performance and sustainability of buildings and the built environment. This lot focuses on Section 3 and Section 7 of the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks. Outputs may inform amendments to regulations, updates to Technical Handbooks, supporting guidance, and related policy and consultation material.

Structure

Lot 6 covers structural engineering and structural safety consultancy services supporting building standards, technical guidance, and regulatory compliance. This lot focuses on Section 1 of the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks. Outputs may inform amendments to regulations, updates to Technical Handbooks, supporting guidance, and related policy and consultation material. Research within this lot will support the development of guidance and policy in relation to matters relating to building safety and structural integrity.

Non-technical

Lot 7 covers the provision of overarching business and policy support services for Lots 1 to 6 to enable informed decision‑making and effective policy development. The scope includes the delivery of detailed options appraisals to assess the feasibility of approaches against strategic objectives, alongside robust cost impact and benefit analysis to evaluate the financial, economic, and value‑for‑money implications of policy and technical proposals. 1.2. The Lot also encompasses stakeholder survey design, delivery, and engagement activities to gather evidence, insights, and feedback in support of policy development and refinement for Lots 1 to 6. In addition, suppliers will support the development and authoring of clear, accessible draft guidance and supporting materials, ensuring outputs are well‑structured, evidence‑based, and suitable for consultation, approval, and implementation within relevant organisational or regulatory contexts.