Matrix Milestone has been appointed as the exclusive delivery partner for the new NEUTAPS framework, supporting public sector buyers to access a governed supplier pool through a neutral vendor managed service model.

Ardal has launched NEUTAPS, a new Neutral Vendor Managed Service Framework for Technical and Professional Services, giving public sector organisations across the UK a compliant, transparent and efficient route to specialist expertise. Matrix Milestone has been appointed as the exclusive delivery partner for the framework, supporting public sector buyers to access a governed supplier pool through a neutral vendor managed service model.

At a time when public sector organisations are under pressure to deliver complex projects quickly, transparently and with tighter control over spend, NEUTAPS has been designed to make access to specialist expertise simpler, more accountable and easier to manage. From urgent consultancy requirements to complex outcome-based projects, the framework gives buyers a structured route to market with clear governance, supplier accountability and delivery oversight.

NEUTAPS has been developed by Ardal, the collaborative procurement partnership between Cardiff Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Torfaen County Borough Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. It succeeds SEWTAPS Lot 11, building on its established foundations to create a dedicated framework for technical and professional services that supports compliant procurement, supplier access and wider social value.

A compliant route to specialist technical and professional services

Public sector organisations need to move quickly, but speed cannot come at the expense of transparency, governance or value for money.

NEUTAPS has been designed to support that balance. The framework gives eligible public sector organisations a compliant route to procure technical and professional services across a wide range of categories, including consultancy, organisational transformation, construction, digital, social care, public health, transport, sustainability, facilities management, legal services and other professional disciplines.

The framework is particularly suited to statement of work and outcome-based project delivery, where buyers need clear deliverables, stronger supplier accountability, milestone-based progress and tighter spend control.

Delivery through Matrix Milestone is supported by Matrix Prism, giving buyers clearer visibility of requirements, supplier engagement, milestones, project progress, approvals and reporting. This helps public sector teams manage specialist services with greater control, while maintaining transparency throughout the procurement and delivery process.

Through Matrix Milestone, public sector buyers can access support across two delivery routes:

Option A is designed for known requirements, named suppliers or straightforward direct award activity, where the buyer has a clearly defined need and requires a fast, compliant route to mobilisation.

Option B provides a more supported route to market for complex requirements, where the buyer may need help with scoping, market engagement, supplier evaluation and delivery oversight. This route helps buyers shape the requirement, engage the right suppliers, evaluate responses and manage delivery through clear outcomes, milestones and governance.

This gives buyers the flexibility to choose the right procurement route for the nature of the requirement, while maintaining control throughout the call-off process.

Creating fairer access for suppliers and SMEs

NEUTAPS also creates greater opportunity for suppliers across Wales and the wider UK. Through Matrix Milestone, suppliers can access a fair, neutral and transparent route to public sector opportunities, with support throughout onboarding, engagement and access to relevant requirements.

The supplier network is open to new entrants, helping to reduce traditional barriers to public sector work and enabling more SMEs, local suppliers and specialist providers to bring their expertise into important public sector projects.

Matrix Milestone’s role as exclusive delivery partner

NEUTAPS has been designed in line with the Procurement Act 2023 and the Wales Procurement Policy Statement, supporting transparent procurement, value for money, ethical employment, SME participation and wider social value.

For public sector buyers, the framework offers a structured route to specialist suppliers without adding unnecessary complexity. Through Matrix Milestone, buyers gain access to a governed supplier pool, with support across requirement scoping, supplier engagement, evaluation, work order creation, approvals, delivery tracking and reporting.

The framework is particularly relevant for organisations looking to procure specialist project-based services, consultancy, transformation support and professional expertise through a compliant managed route.

By combining rapid access to market with clearer governance and stronger delivery control, NEUTAPS helps public sector organisations respond to urgent and complex project needs while maintaining transparency, accountability and value for money.

As the exclusive delivery partner for NEUTAPS, Matrix Milestone will support Ardal and eligible public sector organisations with the practical delivery of the framework.

That includes helping buyers access the right supplier expertise, supporting compliant procurement processes, managing supplier engagement and helping ensure social value and transparency are embedded throughout delivery.

Shaun Toner, Head of Business Development at Matrix Milestone, said:

“NEUTAPS is an important opportunity to connect public sector organisations with the specialist suppliers they need, while creating a more open, transparent and accessible route to market for suppliers across Wales and the wider UK.

“Through Matrix Milestone, we are proud to support Ardal in delivering a framework that combines compliant procurement with practical delivery, supplier engagement and measurable social value. This is about helping public sector buyers access the right expertise faster, while giving capable suppliers a fairer way to bring their skills into important public sector projects.”

The supplier network is open to new entrants, helping to reduce traditional barriers to public sector work and enabling more SMEs, local suppliers and specialist providers to bring their expertise into important public sector projects.

Helping public sector procurement work better

NEUTAPS reflects the changing needs of public sector procurement, where buyers need faster access to specialist expertise, stronger governance, clearer routes to supplier markets and better control over project delivery.

By combining Ardal’s collaborative procurement expertise with Matrix Milestone’s managed procurement delivery model, the framework supports better access, clearer processes and greater opportunity for suppliers.

For public sector organisations, NEUTAPS offers a compliant route to the expertise needed to deliver projects and services. While for suppliers, it creates a more accessible way to engage with public sector opportunities.

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about NEUTAPS, supplier opportunities and framework support, visit the NEUTAPS website or Ardal Procurement website.