In November 2025, RSUA met with Damian McCarroll, the Education Authority’s (EA) Head of Construction Procurement.
Damian opened the session with a short presentation overviewing EA’s procurement of design services, some details of which are set out below.
EA divides its procurement for these services into below-threshold projects, delivered through a Dynamic Shortlisting System for Managed Services, and above-threshold projects, delivered through Integrated Consultancy Teams (ICTs).
Dynamic Shortlisting System for Managed Services
Established in 2020, the Dynamic Shortlisting System for Managed Services (Architect Led Design Teams) was set up with the aim of establishing a pool of consultant teams capable of providing managed services across a wide range of below-threshold projects.
Project values currently range from around £30,000 to £103,000. There are presently 31 active teams, although the shortlist remains permanently open and continues to accept applications.
Above-Threshold ICTs
Under the Procurement Act 2023, since 1 January 2026, the UK threshold for services is set at £135,018 (inclusive of VAT).
For ICTs appointed to above-threshold projects, the average overall fee value is 6.65%, with this percentage generally being lower for higher value projects.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tender submissions
EA has introduced a new tender requirement asking applicants to confirm if they have used AI to draft any part of their response. Where AI has been used, applicants must confirm that the response has been verified for accuracy.
For more information, EA’s full presentation can be accessed here.
If you have any questions or comments about this update, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
