P&MS Scheme standard commercial framework - guidance for buyers
The framework ensures better commercial outcomes
The standard commercial framework ensures better commercial outcomes using:
- engagement types
- resource types
- capped resource rates
- discount structure
- capped expenses
- resource mix guide.
Access the framework
The standard commercial framework is commercial-in-confidence and not available publicly.
To download the framework, log in with your registered buyer or supplier account and:
- if you're a buyer, go to your buyer dashboard
- if you're a supplier, modify your scheme application to download the framework.
If you don’t have a registered account, it's quick to sign up. You just need to enter your email address and create a password.
The framework applies to the P&MS Scheme
The standard commercial framework applies to engagement types 1 to 12 of the Performance and Management Services Scheme (P&MS Scheme).
The framework is mandated by PBD-2023-06 Engagement of professional services suppliers through the P&MS Scheme.
A separate commercial framework is recommended as guidance for buyers only for engagement type 15 by PBD-2022-02 Engagement of infrastructure advisory services suppliers. More information on this framework is available on the infrastructure advisory services category page.
Engaging compliant suppliers is simpler
It is easier to engage suppliers that have accepted the standard commercial framework.
Suppliers that haven’t accepted the standard commercial framework are listed in PBD-2023-06.
Other things you should know
The day rates use 8 hours per day. Any hours over this should be included within the day rate. If a supplier does less than 8 hours, they should pro-rata their rate accordingly.
When evaluating quotes for engagement types 1 to 12, buyers must check that the fees align with the capped rates.
You can use the 'supplier engagement compliance checklist' in your request for quote. The checklist ensures suppliers' responses are compliant with the framework.
Suppliers need pre-approval from the customer to claim disbursements. This is set out in the disbursement policy.
The discount structure is mandatory. Discounts are applicable to the total value of an engagement (including flow-on and variations, if any), not on an individual resource.
- for engagements 'on assignment', we use tier-based discounts
- for engagements 'on secondment', we use a flat 10% discount.
The resource mix guide isn't mandatory. It's there to help buyers understand the general trend across engagements.