Ardal Launches NEUTAPS Framework to Transform Public Sector Access to Specialist Expertise

15 Jul 2026 | Cardiff

New neutral vendor framework, strengthens Ardal's growing portfolio of collaborative procurement solutions and sees Matrix Milestone appointed exclusive delivery partner

Ardal, the collaborative procurement partnership between Cardiff, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan Local Authorities, has announced the launch of NEUTAPS (Neutral Vendor Managed Service Framework for Technical and Professional Services), providing public sector organisations across the UK with a compliant, transparent and efficient route to access specialist technical and professional expertise.

Delivered in partnership with Matrix Milestone, appointed exclusive delivery partner for the framework, NEUTAPS is the latest framework to sit under the Ardal umbrella, further strengthening its portfolio of collaborative procurement solutions that are helping public sector organisations respond to an increasingly complex procurement landscape.

Ardal was formed to harness the collective procurement expertise of its four partner authorities, providing strategic procurement solutions that align with Welsh Government legislation, including the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023. Increasingly recognised as a centre of procurement excellence, Ardal is supporting organisations across Wales while extending its expertise and innovative procurement solutions throughout the UK.

NEUTAPS joins Ardal's established family of regional frameworks, including SEWSCAP, SEWH and SEWTAPS, offering public sector organisations access to specialist services across consultancy, organisational transformation, construction, digital, social care, public health, transport, sustainability, facilities management, legal services and many other professional disciplines.

The framework has evolved from SEWTAPS Lot 11, creating a dedicated successor framework that gives eligible public sector organisations across the UK access to a fully vetted supplier network through a neutral vendor managed service model. Customers benefit from streamlined procurement, direct award capability where appropriate and clear governance throughout the call-off process.

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 the delivery of wider social value.

As a single supplier framework, Public sector organisations can compliantly access the framework and appoint Matrix Milestone without further competition (direct award). Matrix Milestone will fully support customers through two delivery model options. Option A provides a rapid, transactional service for clearly defined requirements requiring swift mobilisation, while Option B offers a fully managed competitive process for more complex, specialist or higher-risk projects requiring enhanced market engagement and delivery support. Through NEUTAPS, customers can access a comprehensive range of service providers from a supply chain that is constantly open to new entrants, removing traditional barriers of procurement.

The framework has also been developed to create greater opportunities for suppliers of all sizes across Wales and the wider UK, driving the increase in local supply base for Public Sector Organisations. Through Matrix Milestone, suppliers benefit from a fair, neutral and transparent route to market, with support throughout onboarding, engagement and access to relevant public sector opportunities.

Jemma Downes, Ardal Category Manager – Frameworks said:

"The launch of NEUTAPS demonstrates Ardal's commitment to developing innovative procurement solutions that meet the changing needs of the public sector. By combining the collective expertise of our partner authorities with a robust neutral vendor model, we are providing public sector organisations with a compliant, efficient and transparent way to access specialist technical and professional services.

"As procurement continues to evolve, our ambition is not only to support organisations across Wales but to share procurement expertise, best practice and collaborative solutions across the UK. NEUTAPS strengthens our growing portfolio of frameworks and reflects our commitment to delivering socially responsible procurement - better value, greater efficiency and improved outcomes for the communities we serve."

Shaun Toner, Commercial Business Partner 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."

By supporting SME participation, local supply chains, ethical employment, sustainable procurement and wider community benefits, NEUTAPS has been designed to help public sector organisations achieve outcomes that extend beyond procurement compliance and deliver lasting social value.

For further information about NEUTAPS, supplier opportunities and framework support, visit https://neutaps.co.uk and https://ardal-procurement.gov.wales or contact the Framework team at [email protected]

For more information about Matrix Milestone, please visit https://teammatrix.com/matrix-milestone/ or contact the team at [email protected]