A range of procurement options are considered for development and asset management programmes, with external expertise brought in as required, to maximise value for money.  These may include:

• The use of procurement consortia
• The use of framework agreements whereby the organisation can select a firm from a list of approved contractors to undertake a particular job
• Formal partnerships with contractors or other housing associations.  

For larger contracts, the organisation has considered issuing a pre-market engagement notice to help ascertain the level of interest in the market before commencing the formal tender process.  The procurement process includes appropriate vetting arrangements to ensure that the contractor is competent to complete the programme on time.  The terms of the contract enable the organisation to take appropriate action in the event of non-compliance, including bringing in an alternative supplier.