Building materials and equipment – response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

This guide is in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) related enquiries regarding the availability of our suppliers and their products, branch opening times and contact details of building materials and equipment suppliers. 

It provides high-level detail about how to use our framework and the key details for suppliers.

Our Buildings Materials and Equipment (RM3837) framework provides public sector organisations (NHS, emergency services, central government departments, charities and wider public sector) with a range of building materials and equipment.

This guidance covers how to buy products under lots 1-8 of this framework**. This includes plumbing and heating, electrical, timber and joinery, workshop, industrial and electrical tools, paints and solvents, flooring, and small tools and plant hire.

Both direct award and further competition for lots 1-8 is available.

As per Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 01/20, there is functionality under the Public Contract Regulations (Reg32 (2)(c)) to direct award in circumstances calling for extreme urgency due to threat to life. Please refer to this PPN for full details.

There is extremely high demand for building materials due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Please be assured, we are working closely with our suppliers to manage the supply chain and reduce disruption.

**Lot 9 refers to Personal Protection Equipment. This is currently being handled separately due to high demand. In the first instance, any non-health sector enquiries and requests for PPE should be directed through to info@crowncommercial.gov.uk as per the guidance below.

For any NHS/Health sector enquiries, The Department of Health and Social Care has asked us to refer you to the information on the NHS supply chain website for advice about how this can be done and links to the National Supply Disruption Response Team.

Products and supplier availability

This document provides a breakdown of all the suppliers on RM3837 lots 1-8, their product type, opening times and contact details.

For more information please contact the suppliers directly, after registering on the framework (see below). 

How to use the framework

Full guidance is available here and further details can be accessed on our webpage. 

Please send your initial queries to info@crowncommercial.gov.uk with the subject COVID-19 URGENT PROCUREMENT and indicating the type of assistance you will require from CCS throughout this procurement so we can best help you meet your needs and respond appropriately.  

Once we’ve discussed your requirement we’ll invite you to register on the frameworks and fill out a Customer User Agreement and return to info@crowncommercial.gov.uk and cc cpcm@crowncommercial.gov.uk. This will enable you to engage with our suppliers to directly award works via the framework.