Reduce text sizeIncrease text sizeDefault coloursImproved contrastHigh contrastThere are various opportunities for small firms to work with the HCA including as part of our panels, but we do not directly build houses. Suppliers are advised to target house builders directly.
Our procurement activity relates to supplies, services and works. We also run competitive processes for creating joint ventures and for disposing of land.
The primary purpose of our procurement activity is to meet business requirements whilst recognising the need to ensure that, where possible, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are able to access and compete for procurement opportunities as they arise, as explained in our full procurement policy.
To help create jobs and develop skills the HCA often specifies local labour clauses in its contracts with developers. We are also currently looking at ways to develop apprenticeships and other training opportunities in conjunction with partners. For further information, please refer to our Job Creation page.
We do not directly build houses. We suggest that product suppliers, such as window manufacturers, target firms who specify products, or house builders directly.
The HCA generally takes advantage of collaborative purchasing agreements and national frameworks. For more information please refer to the Government Procurement Service website, where you can find out about tendering opportunities.
HCA land is normally disposed of through a competitive process, although specific circumstance may lead to a negotiated disposal without competition.
The HCA land interests vary in size and complexity and therefore there is a commitment to encouraging interest from a wide range of developer providers and encourage new entrants. The HCA’s delivery partner panel, established in January 2010, provides a route for certain development opportunities to be progressed via competition within this panel. This panel was established by an open competitive process and when renewed will be subject to new open competitive process which will allow interested parties of various sizes to compete on their own or in partnership with others.
The HCA has a range of consultants' panels and term consultants to deliver our regeneration and development programmes.
These panels are regularly re-procured and can be used by our partner organisations. Being on the HCA framework provides access not only to potential HCA commissions but also to those of over 100 local authorities, regional development agencies and urban regeneration companies that have signed up to use the HCA panels.
The panels are a mixture of individuals, small to medium-sized firms, partnerships, large firms and PLCs. However, many of our projects require the skills base and professional indemnity protection that only a large firm can provide.
Re-tendering of panels will be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) or appropriate trade journals. Prospective tenderers are advised to use the search facility via the OJEU Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) website or subscribe to a tender search company specialising in this field.
If small firms find their size restrictive in terms of meeting bid criteria they may wish to consider widening their opportunities by forming consortia with larger complementary firms.
The HCA provides funding for affordable housing through prequalified partners (usually Registered Providers and Developers). As major recipients of Government funds Registered Providers are required to comply with EU procurement rules and public contract regulations. Some Registered Providers have framework panels in place and others will procure services on an as needed basis, so small firms may wish to build relationships locally with Registered Providers in receipt of HCA funding. Our regional investment statements and scheme lists give information about where funding is targeted.
