Team at exhibition about modern methods of construction

Procurement Routes

In the past, social housing providers have been put off by lengthy, complex tender exercises and uncertainty over how best to approach MMC procurement.
We have addressed these challenges by creating compliant, streamlined procurement routes. Our direct call-off framework and flexible DPS give housing providers speedy access to approved manufacturers and a readymade marketplace.

Building Better and Procurement for Housing have assessed the MMC market and narrowed the field:

  • We’ve appointed three MMC manufacturers who can offer the very best in quality and cost to the MMC Category 1 framework

  • We’ve appointed a range of approved MMC manufacturers to our MMC Category 2 Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).
  • Our MMC Category 1 framework is flexible, allowing housing providers to procure MMC as supply only or as a full turnkey solution.

  • Our MMC Category 2 DPS allows manufacturers to join at any point until 2026, giving housing providers access the latest solutions and suppliers. 


To filter this marketplace for each housing provider, a ‘decision tree’ of guidance asks about their needs and refines their options, minimising the number of bidders involved in each call-off.

  • On our framework, Ilke Homes, Impact Modular and TopHat have been appointed on a direct award basis, so housing providers don’t need to go through an additional tender process.

  • On our DPS, once manufacturers have been approved, they can bid via a streamlined call-off process. Housing providers receive a tender template pack and hands-on support from PfH. 
  • Via our framework, all three manufacturers provide high quality, safe and sustainable Category 1 homes with a customisable finish, adaptable for varying planning requirements.

  • Through our DPS, housing providers can procure Category 2 systems that are manufactured to their own designs. These bespoke solutions are often used for sites that already have planning in place.

All procured homes will take a ‘fabric-first’ approach, adhere to nationally described space standards and can be wheelchair accessible.

Building Better homes will be certified by the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) or assessed by building warranty provider the National House Building Council (NHBC) and must aim to meet the Future Homes Standard.

MMC Category 1 Framework

This framework covers pre-manufactured, three-dimensional buildings that are factory-produced and delivered to site.

Lot 1:

LOW RISE HOUSING AND LOW AND MEDIUM RISE APARTMENTS

Lot 2:

LOW RISE HOUSING

Lot 3:

LOW AND MEDIUM RISE APARTMENTS

MMC Category 2 DPS

This dynamic purchasing system (DPS) covers 2D panelised systems that are factory-produced and assembled on-site.

Lot 1:

FULL TURNKEY PROVISION

Lot 2:

SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION

Membership of Building Better is open to any housing association or local authority housing provider in England and Wales.