The move follows Government’s commitment in the last Budget to favour modern methods of construction for public infrastructure schemes from 2019.

Procurement chiefs now aim to deliver up to 100 new school projects a year by 2023, making it the largest offsite framework so far.

DfE is seeking views on the development of the new framework using design for manufacture and assembly and other offsite methods at a major briefing event on 22 January at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.

It will rank as the largest DfMA framework yet from Government and will use the greatest amount of componentised design for efficiency and savings.

After soar-away cost inflation on previous schools frameworks, a key aim is for bidders to match or come in below DfE funding targets with progressive cost reductions by volume during the life of the framework.

In preparation for this procurement, the DfE is developing the GEN 5 standardised design solution for schools.

At its heart will be a BIM model that includes a 3D design and specification that will promote standard components suitable for efficient manufacture.

GEN 5 is a development of primary school design concepts but the intention is that the principles will be developed and applied to secondary schools and other school types.

The GEN 5 solution pack is currently under development and the concepts will be shared at the market engagement day.

It is intended that the proposed framework will supplement the existing DfE Construction Framework and will be used for the delivery of suitable projects from DfE’s direct and funded capital programmes.

Suppliers should register their interest by via the Bravo Solutions website , ref. pqq 29019.