Official UK procurement notice
FA08-31 Commercial Services · UK public procurement notice
Authority: NORTHUMBRIAN WATER LIMITED (Public body)
What is being bought6 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionNWL is seeking to set up a framework for the provision of commercial services relating predominantly to the capital investment on both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects and programmes.
The services are required to support AMP8 and AMP9 delivery to deliver commercial services across both Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water operating regions, including supporting our range of enterprise and in-house delivery models, and major projects.
The scope may include (but not limited to) NEC contract management, cost and value management, commercial assurance, risk management, programme support, specialist advisory support and cost intelligence support.
NWL's approach to the Commercial Services framework is based on a multi-lot structure. The lots are organised by services, organisation size and/or region. The proposed lot structure and associated services are set out in this Tender Notice and the associated tender documents.
Suppliers are expected to offer flexible, scalable resourcing solutions that can support both strategic and project-level delivery to meet programme demands across both regions.
NWL welcomes interest from organisations of all sizes, including suppliers who may not currently operate within the water sector or who do not have large established delivery teams.
- How the procedure runs: Stage 1: Invitation to Participate & Conditions of Participation (COP) This stage begins with the issuing of a Tender Notice. Suppliers who have expressed interest will be invited to complete a Conditions of Participation questionnaire and submit their tenders. The assessment of these responses will identify the top scoring 6 number of suppliers in each Lot (Lots A-E) to be invited to participate in Stage 2. Stage 2: Invitation to Submit Initial Tenders Suppliers who were shortlisted at Stage 1 will be invited to Stage 2 to submit their tenders. All tenders must be submitted in line with the Procurement Timetable and instructions contained in this document and any supplementary information provided. After the tender deadline, NWL will assess all submissions using the process and award criteria outlined in the tender documents. The assessment of these responses will identify the top scoring 4 number of suppliers in each Lot (Lots A-E) to be invited to participate in Stage 3. Stage 3: Supplier Interviews and Invitation to submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) Suppliers who were shortlisted at Stage 2 will be invited to Stage 3 to participate in supplier interviews. After each supplier interview has been conducted, NWL will assess the interviews using the process and award criteria outlined in the tender documents. Best and Final Offers (BAFO) must also be submitted at this stage in accordance with the Procurement Timetable and instructions set out in the tender documents. NWL will also consider whether any supplier (or associated entities relied upon to meet participation conditions) is an excluded or excludable supplier under the Act. If a supplier is excludable solely due to an associated supplier or subcontractor, NWL will notify them and provide a reasonable opportunity to replace that entity. If NWL subsequently disregards a tender due to exclusion, or an associated entity is replaced, NWL will notify the Procurement Review Unit (PRU) within 30 days. NWL will identify the most advantageous tender(s) in line with the stated methodology and disregard any tender from suppliers not meeting the Conditions of Participation. This assessment will identify the supplier(s) successful in each Lot. Following this assessment, NWL will provide an assessment summary to all suppliers who submitted a tender including: • whether they have been awarded a framework agreement, • an explanation of how their tender was assessed against the award criteria, and • information about the most advantageous tender where this differs from their own. A Contract Award Notice will then be published on the Central Digital Platform to commence the mandatory standstill period. Once the standstill period concludes, NWL will enter the preferred supplier stage with the selected supplier(s). Stage 5: Preferred Supplier Stage The highest scoring supplier(s) will be invited to engage with NWL within the limitations of the Act. This stage concludes with NWL entering into the contract with the preferred supplier(s).
CPV: Construction consultancy services · Consultative engineering and construction services
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework
- Call-offs
- call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
- Places
- up to 12 suppliers
- Framework period
- 3 yrs · up to 8 yrs from 1 Jun 2027
Published description of the framework
The pricing and selection process will be as per tender documents.
Lots and requirements (6)Procurement structure
6 lots · all with a published value · same conditions of participation on every lot · same evaluation weights on every lotEvery one of these 2 lots carries the same published figure, £6,000,000: it is the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each lot's own budget, and no share per lot is published. The cards below say ceiling above rather than repeat it.
Lot #1Commercial Services (North & South)Renewal North East, East of EnglandPublished value£72,000,000
The Consultant shall provide commercial services across the Client's infrastructure and non-infrastructure investment programmes within both the Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water operating regions. Services shall support both contract-level delivery (Core) and project/programme-level delivery (Enhanced)
Core commercial services will be for the provision of the Consultant to provide contract-level support, where services will typically comprise standard, repeatable commercial activities required for contract delivery, undertaken at works order level through streamlined processes. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Commercial administration and assurance
- NEC Contract management
- Project management support
- Target cost validation and assurance
- Estimating and Planning
Enhanced commercial services will be the provision of commercial services at portfolio, programme or project level, with the Consultant acting as the principal commercial advisor to the Client's Project Manager throughout the project lifecycle. Enhanced commercial services will support asset investment at project level and shall include, but are not limited to:
- Commercial leadership and governance
- Cost and financial management including budget forecasting and business financial updates
- Procurement and contracting strategy
- Risk and change management
- Strategic project/contract management
- Reporting and performance management
- Stakeholder and programme support
The Consultant may be requested to provided administration support for the Clients contract management system.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Selection criteria will be detailed in the tender documents
Lot #2Major Projects and Advisory Services (North & South)Renewal North East, East of EnglandPublished value£24,000,000
The Client requires the provision of specialist commercial services to support the development and delivery of the Client's Major infrastructure programmes and projects within both the Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water operating regions. The Consultant shall act as an integrated extension of the Client's commercial team and other directorates within NWL, providing but not limited to, commercial leadership, risk management, NEC contract administration, procurement support, cost assurance and governance services to support the successful delivery of complex capital projects.
The services shall support projects from initial concept and business case development through procurement, delivery, commissioning and close-out, ensuring effective commercial control, value optimisation and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
The Consultant shall provide, but not limited to, the following services:
- Commercial leadership and strategy advice
- Procurement and contract management
- Cost planning and cost control
- Commercial governance and assurance
- Risk, change and opportunity management
- Supplier and stakeholder management
- Reporting and management information
- Data insight
- Estimating, Planning and Integrated Project Controls
- End to end managed service provision (optional scope)
The Consultant shall provide strategic commercial and regulatory advice and value-add services to support the Client's investment programme, major projects and broader business objectives. These services shall include the development and review of business cases, investment submissions and supporting commercial justifications to enable informed decision-making and support with securing internal governance approvals.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Selection criteria will be detailed in the tender documents
Lot #3Commercial Services (SMEs, North)Renewal North EastPublished value£8,400,000
The Consultant shall provide commercial services across the Client's infrastructure and non-infrastructure investment programmes within the Northumbrian Water operating region only. Services shall support both contract-level delivery (Core) and project/programme-level delivery (Enhanced).
This lot is for SMEs only. An SME is defined by The Procurement Act 2023 as: "Fewer than 250 staff, and either turnover less than £44 million or balance sheet total less than £38 million."
Core commercial services will be for the provision of the Consultant to provide contract-level support, where services will typically comprise standard, repeatable commercial activities required for contract delivery, undertaken at works order level through streamlined processes. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Commercial administration and assurance
- NEC Contract management
- Project management support
- Target cost validation and assurance
Enhanced commercial services will be the provision of commercial services at project or programme level, with the Consultant acting as the principal commercial advisor to the Client's Project Manager throughout the project lifecycle. Enhanced commercial services will support asset investment at project level and shall include, but are not limited to:
- Commercial leadership and governance
- Cost and financial management including budget forecasting and business financial updates
- Procurement and contracting strategy
- Risk and change management
- Strategic contract management
- Reporting and performance management
- Stakeholder and programme support
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Selection criteria will be detailed in the tender documents
Lot #4Commercial Services (SMEs, South)Renewal East of EnglandPublished value£3,600,000
The Consultant shall provide commercial services across the Client's infrastructure and non-infrastructure investment programmes within the Essex & Suffolk Water operating region only. Services shall support both contract-level delivery (Core) and project/programme-level delivery (Enhanced).
This lot is for SMEs only. An SME is defined by The Procurement Act 2023 as: "Fewer than 250 staff, and either turnover less than £44 million or balance sheet total less than £38 million."
Core commercial services will be for the provision of the Consultant to provide contract-level support, where services will typically comprise standard, repeatable commercial activities required for contract delivery, undertaken at works order level through streamlined processes. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Commercial administration and assurance
- NEC Contract management
- Project management support
- Target cost validation and assurance
Enhanced commercial services will be the provision of commercial services at project or programme level, with the Consultant acting as the principal commercial advisor to the Client's Project Manager throughout the project lifecycle. Enhanced commercial services will support asset investment at project level and shall include, but are not limited to:
- Commercial leadership and governance
- Cost and financial management, including budget forecasting and business financial updates
- Procurement and contracting strategy
- Risk and change management
- Strategic contract management
- Reporting and performance management
- Stakeholder and programme support
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Selection criteria will be detailed in the tender documents
Lot #5Major Projects and Advisory Services (SMEs, North & South)Renewal North East, East of Englandceiling above
The Client requires the provision of specialist commercial services to support the development and delivery of the Clients Major infrastructure programmes and projects within both the Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water operating regions.
This lot is for SMEs only. An SME is defined by The Procurement Act 2023 as: "Fewer than 250 staff, and either turnover less than £44 million or balance sheet total less than £38 million." Successful Consultants must be able to operate in both the Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk operating areas.
The Consultant shall act as an integrated extension of the Client's commercial team and other directorates within NWL, providing but not limited to, commercial leadership, risk management, NEC contract administration, procurement support, cost assurance and governance services to support the successful delivery of complex capital projects.
The services shall support projects from initial concept and business case development through procurement, delivery, commissioning and close-out, ensuring effective commercial control, value optimisation and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
The Consultant shall provide, but not limited to, the following services:
- Commercial leadership and strategy
- Procurement and contract management
- Cost planning and cost control
- Commercial governance and assurance
- Risk, change and opportunity management
- Supplier and stakeholder management
- Reporting and management information
- Data insight
The Consultant shall provide strategic commercial advisory and value-add services to support the Client's investment programme, major projects and broader business objectives. These services shall include the development and review of business cases, investment submissions and supporting commercial justifications to enable informed decision-making and support with securing internal governance approvals.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Selection criteria will be detailed in the tender documents
Lot #6Cost Intelligence (North & South)Renewal North East, East of Englandceiling above
The Consultant shall provide independent Cost Intelligence services across both the Client's Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water operating regions. The services shall support the planning, development, procurement, delivery and close-out of AMP8 and AMP9 investment, including the Living Water Enterprise, Integrated Delivery Services, Major Projects and other strategic investments.
The Consultant shall provide an integrated, evidence-based cost capability that connects scope, quantities, specifications, assumptions and supporting evidence to the relevant cost position. The services shall support robust business cases, affordability assessments, investment submissions, target-cost development, programme forecasting and informed investment decision-making. These works will require the Consultant to work in an embedded and collaborative way with the Client's teams specifically but not limited to, Engineering and Regulatory teams.
The Consultant shall provide, but not be limited to, the following services:
- preparation, review and assurance of cost estimates throughout the project lifecycle;
- independent review and validation of supplier estimates, target costs, quotations, forecasts and outturn costs;
- cost benchmarking using relevant internal and external cost information;
- development and maintenance of benchmark rates, cost models, cost curves and estimating tools;
- market intelligence and analysis of relevant supply-chain, labour, commodity, inflation and delivery conditions;
- affordability assessments, option appraisals and strategic investment planning;
- analysis of quantities, rates, allowances, risk, assumptions and cost drivers;
- comparison of cost positions across projects, programmes and successive project iterations;
- reconciliation of delivered scope and outturn cost against estimates, target costs and earlier cost positions;
- identification and evidence-based explanation of material cost movements;
- data analysis, reporting and management information;
- support for business cases, regulatory submissions, investment submissions and governance approvals; and
- provision of specialist estimating, benchmarking, data analysis and Cost Intelligence resources through individual call-off contracts.
The Consultant shall work in accordance with the Client's standards, processes, systems and governance requirements. This shall include applying agreed cost classifications, scope definitions, yardsticks, measurement rules, project attributes and version controls to ensure cost information remains traceable, comparable and suitable for reuse.
The Consultant shall provide suitably qualified and experienced personnel with relevant construction, infrastructure and water-industry capability. The proposed resources shall collectively demonstrate competence in cost estimating, cost assurance, benchmarking, market analysis, data analytics, affordability assessment and strategic investment planning.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Selection criteria will be detailed in the tender documents
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published award criteria (2)
- Price
- Quality
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Selection criteria will be detailed in the tender documents
- Price carries 50 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 5 points. This one is won on the number: sharpen the price before polishing the prose.
- “FA08-31 Commercial Services” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, up to 12 suppliers, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Competition analysis · published record, not a forecast of who will bid
How NORTHUMBRIAN WATER LIMITED buys Consultative engineering and construction services (CPV 7131), and who usually turns up
NORTHUMBRIAN WATER LIMITED’s own published record, next to the published market for the same work. This notice is a framework or DPS, so only frameworks and DPS are compared. Whole-market view: Consultative engineering and construction services (CPV 7131) →
How the contest usually goes
Winner shares use published awards; bid and price charts use contested lots.
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How often small and medium firms win.
Share of awards where the winner’s size is known.
The counts under this question show how many awards have a known supplier size.
No supplier sizes published for this authority.
i
How often local firms win similar work.
Winners with a registered address in the delivery region, out of awards with a known address.
A local branch does not count if the registered address is elsewhere.
No winner locations published for this authority. Local means a registered address in the delivery region.
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How long buyers here take to decide after bids close.
Middle value in days from the deadline to the first award notice, on competitions that published both dates.
Only decided tenders count, so slow ones still waiting are not in.
Half of these awards were announced within 81 days of the bid deadline.
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How often work is awarded with no recorded rival.
Direct awards and tenders where every published lot count shows one bid.
Thin markets produce this too; it is not proof of a tailored specification.
Awards are recorded, but published direct routes and bid counts do not establish this buyer’s share.
Assess each lot i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
Open a lot for its forecast, this buyer’s previous supplier and possible competitors, from published award history, not a bid list
Lot #1Commercial Services (North & South)CPV 71310000Published estimate£72m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–34%
4–659%
7+36%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
| Supplier | This buyer’s earlier contract | Lot | Award value | Why listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capita Property & Infrastructure LtdWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
| SUMMERS-INMAN CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS LLPWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
| Sanderson Weatherall LLPWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
WSP UK LimitedLarge | £487m117 awards in 36m · last this month | 43 live · £410m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=18 |
Turner & TownsendLarge | £348m57 awards in 36m · last this month | 9 live · £32m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 12% below n=4 |
AECOM LIMITEDLarge | £90m148 awards in 36m · last this month | 39 live · £66m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=33 |
Mott MacDonaldLarge | £73m86 awards in 36m · last this month | 16 live · £41m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=20 |
| £59m130 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 29 live · £18m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=27 |
Lot #2Major Projects and Advisory Services (North & South)CPV 71310000Published estimate£24m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–35%
4–656%
7+39%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
| Supplier | This buyer’s earlier contract | Lot | Award value | Why listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capita Property & Infrastructure LtdWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
| Sanderson Weatherall LLPWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
| SUMMERS-INMAN CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS LLPWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
WSP UK LimitedLarge | £487m117 awards in 36m · last this month | 43 live · £410m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=18 |
Turner & TownsendLarge | £348m57 awards in 36m · last this month | 9 live · £32m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 12% below n=4 |
AtkinsRéalis UK LtdLarge | £139m94 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 31 live · £189m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=15 |
Mott MacDonaldLarge | £73m86 awards in 36m · last this month | 16 live · £41m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=20 |
| £59m130 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 29 live · £18m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=27 |
Lot #3Commercial Services (SMEs, North)CPV 71310000Published estimate£8.4m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–35%
4–664%
7+30%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
| Supplier | This buyer’s earlier contract | Lot | Award value | Why listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capita Property & Infrastructure LtdWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
| SUMMERS-INMAN CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS LLPWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
| Sanderson Weatherall LLPWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
WSP UK LimitedLarge | £487m117 awards in 36m · last this month | 43 live · £410m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=18 |
AECOM LIMITEDLarge | £90m148 awards in 36m · last this month | 39 live · £66m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=33 |
AtkinsRéalis UK LtdLarge | £139m94 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 31 live · £189m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=15 |
Mott MacDonaldLarge | £73m86 awards in 36m · last this month | 16 live · £41m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=20 |
| £910k32 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 15 live · £33m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 31% below n=1 |
Lot #4Commercial Services (SMEs, South)CPV 71310000Published estimate£3.6m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–37%
4–665%
7+26%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
WSP UK LimitedLarge | £487m117 awards in 36m · last this month | 43 live · £410m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=18 |
AECOM LIMITEDLarge | £90m148 awards in 36m · last this month | 39 live · £66m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=33 |
Mott MacDonaldLarge | £73m86 awards in 36m · last this month | 16 live · £41m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=20 |
| £59m130 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 29 live · £18m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=27 | |
| £1.7m37 awards in 36m · last this month | 14 live · £1.1m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 13% below n=3 |
Lot #5Major Projects and Advisory Services (SMEs, North & South)CPV 71310000Published estimate£6.0m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–36%
4–659%
7+34%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
| Supplier | This buyer’s earlier contract | Lot | Award value | Why listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capita Property & Infrastructure LtdWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
| SUMMERS-INMAN CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS LLPWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
| Sanderson Weatherall LLPWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
WSP UK LimitedLarge | £487m117 awards in 36m · last this month | 43 live · £410m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=18 |
AECOM LIMITEDLarge | £90m148 awards in 36m · last this month | 39 live · £66m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=33 |
Mott MacDonaldLarge | £73m86 awards in 36m · last this month | 16 live · £41m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=20 |
| £59m130 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 29 live · £18m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=27 | |
| £1.3m15 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 7 live · £3.1m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 44% below n=1 |
Lot #6Cost Intelligence (North & South)CPV 71310000Published estimate£6.0m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–38%
4–668%
7+24%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
| Supplier | This buyer’s earlier contract | Lot | Award value | Why listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capita Property & Infrastructure LtdWorked for this buyer | Building and Condition Surveysnotice published Mar 2023 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
WSP UK LimitedLarge | £487m117 awards in 36m · last this month | 43 live · £410m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=18 |
AECOM LIMITEDLarge | £90m148 awards in 36m · last this month | 39 live · £66m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=33 |
AtkinsRéalis UK LtdLarge | £139m94 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 31 live · £189m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=15 |
Mott MacDonaldLarge | £73m86 awards in 36m · last this month | 16 live · £41m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 9% below n=20 |
| £706k22 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 9 live · £41m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 37% below n=2 |
About this data
- Source. Official UK public procurement notices (Find a Tender), reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. New notices arrive through the day; the figures are rebuilt nightly.
- Two views, kept apart. The authority’s own track record and the wider market for the same kind of work sit side by side and are never mixed. Where the local picture is too thin, a figure widens to a broader market and says which one it used.
- Forecasts are labelled. The price forecast and its range, possible competitors and the earlier-work matches are our estimates from past awards: not published facts, not win chances and not price advice. Official notices do not say who is bidding.
- Every figure shows what it rests on. Not every notice publishes a bid count, a value or a delivery region, so each figure carries the number of records behind it, and one built on few records is marked as such. The on a figure explains it; the counting rules are in the methodology. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Open admission
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Utilities
- Commercial structure
- Framework agreement
- Who may use this agreement
- Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Unspecified in notice
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 19 Aug 2026, 09:35 BST
- Last source update
- 8 Oct 2026, 09:03 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 1 May 2027
- Authority reference
FA08-31- FTS notice number
2026/S 000-095006- Latest notice
- Tender notice (UK4)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-06e71bFind a Tender
- How it runs
Stage 1: Invitation to Participate & Conditions of Participation (COP)
This stage begins with the issuing of a Tender Notice. Suppliers who have expressed interest will be invited to complete a Conditions of Participation questionnaire and submit their tenders.
The assessment of these responses will identify the top scoring 6 number of suppliers in each Lot (Lots A-E) to be invited to participate in Stage 2.
Stage 2: Invitation to Submit Initial Tenders
Suppliers who were shortlisted at Stage 1 will be invited to Stage 2 to submit their tenders.
All tenders must be submitted in line with the Procurement Timetable and instructions contained in this document and any supplementary information provided.
After the tender deadline, NWL will assess all submissions using the process and award criteria outlined in the tender documents.
The assessment of these responses will identify the top scoring 4 number of suppliers in each Lot (Lots A-E) to be invited to participate in Stage 3.
Stage 3: Supplier Interviews and Invitation to submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO)
Suppliers who were shortlisted at Stage 2 will be invited to Stage 3 to participate in supplier interviews.
After each supplier interview has been conducted, NWL will assess the interviews using the process and award criteria outlined in the tender documents.
Best and Final Offers (BAFO) must also be submitted at this stage in accordance with the Procurement Timetable and instructions set out in the tender documents.
NWL will also consider whether any supplier (or associated entities relied upon to meet participation conditions) is an excluded or excludable supplier under the Act. If a supplier is excludable solely due to an associated supplier or subcontractor, NWL will notify them and provide a reasonable opportunity to replace that entity.
If NWL subsequently disregards a tender due to exclusion, or an associated entity is replaced, NWL will notify the Procurement Review Unit (PRU) within 30 days.
NWL will identify the most advantageous tender(s) in line with the stated methodology and disregard any tender from suppliers not meeting the Conditions of Participation. This assessment will identify the supplier(s) successful in each Lot.
Following this assessment, NWL will provide an assessment summary to all suppliers who submitted a tender including:
- whether they have been awarded a framework agreement,
- an explanation of how their tender was assessed against the award criteria, and
- information about the most advantageous tender where this differs from their own.
A Contract Award Notice will then be published on the Central Digital Platform to commence the mandatory standstill period.
Once the standstill period concludes, NWL will enter the preferred supplier stage with the selected supplier(s).
Stage 5: Preferred Supplier Stage
The highest scoring supplier(s) will be invited to engage with NWL within the limitations of the Act.
This stage concludes with NWL entering into the contract with the preferred supplier(s).
How to participate & submission route
Official notice Apply via SAP Ariba- Requests to participate (first stage)
- 3 Nov 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Appointment period ends
- 3 Nov 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- —
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Applicants are asked to note that this procurement process will be conducted electronically with all documents and communication being managed through the Northumbrian Water eSourcing Spend Management portal called 'Ariba' (s1.ariba.com ↗).
Expressions of interest from this notice must be sent to the e-mail address [email protected] before the deadline date of 3rd November 2026 at Midday. Once expression of interest has been received that contains the details below, applicants will be given access to the Ariba portal within 48 hours from request. This portal will contain all the tender documents associated with this procurement that are available at the time. An email link will also be provided to the email address you provide to access the portal. When sending expression of interest, applicants must provide the following information:
- Full company name
- Main contact details of the person who will be given access to the Ariba portal - Name, job title, E mail address and telephone number.
(The deadline for return of the completed Conditions of Participation is 6th November 2026 at Midday)
Timeline
19 Aug 2026 → 1 Jun 2027 · 6 dates- Planning notice published62 days ago19 Aug 2026, 09:35 BST
- Market engagement55 days ago25 Aug 2026, 23:59 BST
General Information:
- It is mandatory for any interested suppliers to register on the new CENTRAL DIGITAL PLATFORM which is part of the enhanced Find a Tender Service (Procurement Act 2023).
- NWG welcomes interest from all suitable suppliers
- Suppliers may have expertise in any of the described scope areas
Aims of Market Engagement:
- Understand current market conditions and appetite for providing services of this nature
- Understand supplier's capability and capacity to provide services of this nature
- Understand and develop the framework/procurement strategy. This may include extending existing framework with current partners, or open market competition, or both
- Reviewing how work could be allocated within framework to deliver best value
- Seeking feedback from the market to understand how NWG can be an attractive client, ensuring the procurement process is proportionate to the size and complexity of the services required
Market Engagement Process:
- Initial Conditions of Participation to exclude any suppliers who are on Debarment List or are not registered on Central Digital Platform
- Completion of supplier questionnaire via Microsoft Forms requesting information on supplier capabilities, previous experience of a similar nature, how suppliers can add value to the market engagement process
- NWG will review questionnaire returns and incorporate feedback into framework / procurement strategy. NWG reserve the right to select suitable suppliers for further engagement sessions if required.
- Upon completion of market engagement, the Client will develop a strategy for the Commercial Services framework. If this results in an open market competition, any material shared during the engagement process will be included within the tender documents
Call to Action:
Expressions of interest to complete the questionnaire must be sent to the e-mail address [email protected] before the deadline date of 25/08/2026 at Midday. Once the expression of interest window has closed, a link to the questionnaire will be sent to the email address you provided.
The deadline for completing the questionnaire is 04/09/2026 at 5pm.
When sending expression of interest, applicants must provide the following information:
- Full company name,
- Key contact (name, email address to receive the questionnaire link, mobile number)
- Tender notice published12 days ago8 Oct 2026, 09:03 BST
- Today20 Oct 2026
- Admission / appointment period endsin 14 days · period end, not a bid countdown3 Nov 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Award decision expected byin 194 days1 May 2027, 23:59 BST
- Contract startsin 224 days1 Jun 2027, 00:00 BST
Notice history
5 events · 2 releases on Find a Tender · since 19 Aug 2026- Preliminary market engagement notice published19 Aug 2026, 09:35 BSTUK2
- Tender notice published8 Oct 2026, 09:03 BSTUK4
- Published value updated to £120,000,0008 Oct 2026, 09:03 BSTwas £100,000,000
- Status changed to active8 Oct 2026, 09:03 BST
- Procurement method changed8 Oct 2026, 09:03 BST
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Nothing awarded yet- Awards (0)
- No award published
- Contracts (0)
- No contract published
- Bid statistics
- No aggregate bid statistics published
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Official documents & specifications (3)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
- Bidding documents and specificationsAccess: This procurement process will be conducted electronically with all documents and communication being managed through the Northumbrian Water eSourcing Spend Management portal called 'Ariba' (https://s1.ariba.com).
Notices published for this procedure
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender