CIF bid writing and project support for academies
Condition evidence, outline design, cost plan and programme. We write the application with you.
On a £250,000 roof replacement the bid fee is £2,500, because 1% of the project value is more than the £1,750 minimum.
- Bid fee
- £2,500
- Minimum bid fee
- £1,750
What goes into the bid
- Condition evidence and survey summary
- Outline design and scope
- Cost plan and programme
- Application text ready to submit
- Design, tender, contract administration and handover too, as one appointment, if you want them
From eligibility to submission
Eligibility check
Size, phase and project value against this round's rules.
Fee agreed
For the bid, and for the full appointment if you want it.
Evidence and design
Condition survey, dated photographs and an outline design.
Cost plan and programme
Then the application, which we write with you.
Submitted
Before 12 noon on 15 December 2026.
Guidance and standards
- CIF 2027 to 2028 guidance
- Bids prepared to DfE's published guidance for the round. DfE makes the final decision.
- BB101
- Ventilation and thermal comfort designed to BB101 and checked by a building services engineer (CEng MCIBSE).
- NEC4 or JCT Minor Works
- Contracts administered as NEC Project Manager or JCT contract administrator.
- CDM 2015
- Designer duties met, and the health and safety file handed over at the end.
CIF questions
How do the fees fit with CIF?
CIF lets you spend up to 10% of the project cost on professional fees. We quote the whole appointment as a percentage inside that. The bid on its own is £1,750, or 1% of project value if higher.
When is the deadline?
For the 2027 to 2028 round, bids close at 12 noon on 15 December 2026. New applicants must register by 12 noon on 30 November 2026.
Is my school eligible?
It depends on your school type and the size of your trust. Book the free eligibility check and we'll tell you.
Can we appoint you for the bid only?
Yes. Appoint us for the bid, then decide on the later stages if it wins.
Sample pages
Pages from a sample bid and a school project pack. Ask for either in full.
Cover 
Bid summary CIF bid summary
Condition evidence, scope, cost plan and programme as submitted.
Request the full sample
Cover 
Inspection and test plan, drain renewal 
Bill of quantities extract School project pack
One school project from the CIF bid through tender, bill of quantities, the inspection and test plan for the drain renewal and NEC administration to handover.
Request the full sample
The samples use made-up projects, so the names and figures aren't real.
Thinking about a CIF bid?
Send the condition survey and any photos. We check eligibility first, so you know whether a bid is worth making.