UK public sector organisations now have access to more accredited management consultancy providers through the newly launched Management Consultancy Framework Four (MCF4)
Delivered under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, MCF4 enables cost-effective procurement of consultancy services from a mix of suppliers, ranging from SMEs to large multinationals all across ten specialist lots.
Customer launch events in September
To help organisations understand and begin using the framework, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will host two customer-only launch events in September 2025:
- Wednesday 3 September, 11am–12pm
- Tuesday 9 September, 2pm–3pm
The events will be held on Microsoft Teams, and are open exclusively to those registering with a public sector email address via Eventbrite. Participants will receive joining instructions and a calendar invite upon successful registration.
These sessions will provide key information on:
- How to use the agreement
- Available support and documentation
- Accessing supplier specialisms
What is included in MC4
MCF4 is a two-year agreement offering consultancy services through ten specialist lots:
- Business – 71 suppliers
- Strategy and Policy – 56 suppliers
- Complex and Transformation – 36 suppliers
- Finance – 36 suppliers
- HR – 32 suppliers
- Procurement and Supply Chain – 37 suppliers
- Health, Social Care and Community – 46 suppliers
- Infrastructure – 45 suppliers
- Environment and Sustainability – 43 suppliers
- Restructuring and Insolvency – 15 suppliers
All suppliers have been Cyber Essentials accredited and are subject to standard terms and conditions. Support materials which include templates and buyer guides, are provided to streamline the process.
Flexible procurement options
The framework allows for two procurement routes:
- Further Competition (standard approach)
- Direct Award (under specific circumstances, with legal justification)
Customers should consult Framework Schedule 7 for award procedures and get legal advice before opting for direct award. The framework supports a variety of pricing models, including:
- Time and Materials (T&M)
- Fixed Price
- Risk and Reward
CCS provides a step-by-step process for buyers running a further competition. Key actions include defining needs via the Statement of Requirements template, selecting the appropriate lot, and using the digital filtering tool to shortlist suppliers.
Buyers can choose to run competitions through their own eSourcing platform or via the CCS eSourcing portal.
Call off and contract management
Buyers can award contracts using either:
- Framework schedule 6: Call-Off order form – for requirements over £5 million or where the PSC needs amending
- Framework schedule 6a: Short order form – for simpler requirements under £5 million
Detailed guides are available to help buyers complete the relevant documents.
CCS has also provided access to supplier pricing via the digital filtering tool, enabling transparency and ease of comparison.
Focus on carbon reduction
Sustainability remains a core aspect of MCF4. All suppliers are required to comply with Procurement Policy Note 006, ensuring carbon reduction plans are considered for major government contracts. Where applicable, these plans are available on each supplier’s detail page.
Before using MCF4, buyers are advised to read the buyer’s guide and explore the resources available to ensure they select the most suitable approach for their organisation’s needs.
For further information, or to register for a launch event, visit Eventbrite with a verified public sector email address.
