Orbit has launched a procurement programme worth up to £1.6bn to appoint long-term delivery partners for investment, building safety and compliance works across its housing portfolio in the Midlands, East and South of England.
The housing association published two contract notices through the UK Government’s Find a Tender service on 4 August, covering planned property improvements and specialist compliance services as part of its long-term asset investment strategy.
The larger of the two procurements is valued at up to £1.44bn, including VAT, over a maximum 15-year period. It will appoint contractors across five regional lots to deliver a wide range of planned maintenance, refurbishment and remediation projects.
The scope includes replacement of kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors and compliance equipment, alongside fire safety improvements, structural remediation, decarbonisation measures and major planned maintenance schemes. Contractors will also undertake investigative, design and construction work to address fire safety issues, structural defects and other building-related concerns.
Major projects combining planned investment with remediation works also form part of the programme. Contracts will initially run for five years, with the option to extend twice for a further five years, creating partnerships that could last up to 15 years.
The five regional lots cover Stratford and the South Midlands, Central and East Midlands, East Anglia, Erith and North Kent, and the South Coast. Estimated contract values range from approximately £198.8m for the East Anglia region to £401.3m for the Central and East Midlands package.
Alongside the investment programme, Orbit is seeking specialist contractors through a separate procurement worth between £150m and £200m over 10 years. This framework will cover statutory compliance services including fire safety, asbestos management, electrical inspection and testing, water hygiene, and the maintenance of lifts and lifting equipment.
Scott Rutherford, Orbit’s chief property and regeneration officer, said the procurement marked a significant milestone in the organisation’s long-term investment plans.
He said: “This is one of the most significant investment programmes Orbit has undertaken and reflects our long-term commitment to providing customers with safe, well-maintained and energy-efficient homes.
“We’re looking for ambitious partners who want to build genuine long-term relationships and share our focus on quality and customer experience.”
Orbit said replacing shorter-term contracts with longer-term regional partnerships is intended to provide greater certainty for suppliers while supporting sustained investment, innovation and improved outcomes for customers across its housing stock.
The procurement forms part of the housing association’s wider 2030 strategy and long-term financial plans. It will be delivered using the competitive flexible procedure introduced under the Procurement Act 2023.
Up to seven bidders will be shortlisted for each regional lot before progressing through dialogue, negotiation and final tender stages. Tenders will be assessed on a 60:40 quality-to-price ratio.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 3 September, with contract awards expected by July 2027. The new long-term contracts are scheduled to commence in April 2028.
