What is being bought2 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

The Utilities requirement is for the provision of a multi lot Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works Framework for the delivery of works as Build Only and Design & Build across the Utilities regions.

The Lots are detailed below.

B = Build Only, D&B = Design & Build

1 B Pipe Ramming

1 D&B Pipe Ramming

2 B Thrust Boring

2 D&B Thrust Boring

3 B Horizontal Directional Drilling (25-630)

3 D&B Horizontal Directional Drilling (25-630)

4 B Horizontal Directional Drilling (630-1200)

4 D&B Horizontal Directional Drilling (630-1200)

5 B Horizontal Directional Drilling - Rock Drilling (50-500)

5 D&B Horizontal Directional Drilling - Rock Drilling (50-500)

6 B Timber Heading

6 D&B Timber Heading

7 B Micro Tunnelling

7 D&B Micro Tunnelling

8 B Auger Boring

8 D&B Auger Boring

9 B Direct Pipe

9 D&B Direct Pipe

10 B Pipe Jacking

10 D&B Pipe Jacking

11 B Segmental Tunnelling

11 D&B Segmental Tunnelling

12 B Under Pinning (Free Air)

12 D&B Under Pinning (Free Air)

13 B Under Pinning (Compressed Air)

13 D&B Under Pinning (Compressed Air)

14 B Open Caisson Wet

14 D&B Open Caisson Wet

15 B Open Caisson Dry

15 D&B Open Caisson Dry

16 B Sheet Piled Pits

16 D&B Sheet Piled Pits

17 B Timber Shafts

17 D&B Timber Shafts

Interested parties are to note;

the Utilities requirements will be predominantly Design & Build.
participants can not bid for a shaft lot in isolation (lots 12-17) they must have drilling/ tunnelling capability.
during tendering bidders will be evaluated and subsequently awarded Lots where bidders have demonstrated the required competency.

The Utilities intend to call of works via mini competition or direct allocation where direct allocation allows.

Further detail is provided in the PQQ and RFP Briefings and tender documents

How the procedure runs: Stage 1 - PQQ - Pre-qualification Post PQQ technical evaluations Bidders will be shortlisted down in accordance with the PQQ Briefing Pack. Successful, shortlisted Bidders will be invited to the RFP stage. Stage 2 - RFP - Request for Proposal Bidders technical and commercial responses will be evaluated and shortlisted down in accordance with the RFP Briefing Pack. Successful Bidders will be appointed to the Framework. It is the Utilities intention to call off works under the Framework using mini competition and direct allocation, where direct allocation is permitted.

CPV: Construction work · Public utilities · Services related to the oil and gas industry

How this framework works

From the published notice

Type: Closed framework
Call-offs: call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
Framework period: 12 yrs · up to 14 yrs 6 mo from 30 Sept 2026

Published description of the framework

The Utilities intention is to call off works under the Framework via mini competition or direct allocation, where direct allocation is permitted.

Call off works will be assessed and evaluated using a combination of Technical and Price assessment.

The approach to calling off works under the Framework is detailed in the tender documents.

Lots and requirements (2)Procurement structure

2 lots · all with a published value · same evaluation weights on every lot

Lot #1Build Only - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft WorksRenewal 12 yrsSMEPublished value£300,000,000

The Lots ending "B" require the contractor to deliver the works as Principal Contractor only.

Interested parties will have the opportunity to select the specific Lots they want to undertake when invited to tender following expression of interest in this opportunity.

TUNNELLING & DRILLING WORKS

Lot 1B - PIPE RAMMING

Pipe ramming is a trenchless method for horizontally installing steel pipes or casings under obstacles like roads, railways, and rivers by using a pneumatic hammer to drive an open-ended pipe into the ground, displacing soil outwards. This technique is typically used to cross under embankments, road, rail and river links.

Lot 2B - THRUST BORING

Thrust boring is a trenchless method for installing pipes and conduits (like for utilities) underground without open digging, using a rotating auger inside a steel casing to excavate soil while hydraulic jacks push the casing forward, ideal for going under roads, railways, or buildings. It's a cost-effective, dependable technique for short to medium distances, creating a bore for the final pipe or cable installation, and minimizing surface disruption.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25 -1000

Lot 3B - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (25-630)

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25-630

Lot 4B - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (630-1200)

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 630-1200

Lot 5B - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING ROCK DRILLING (50-500)

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-500

Lot 6B - TIMBER HEADING

A timber heading is a traditional, hand-dug tunnelling method using timber supports (sets, headboards, sideboards) to create a safe, short tunnel for installing pipes or cables, especially under busy roads or structures, avoiding major disruption by building around existing underground services. Headings are generally temporary structures where it is not required or economic to provide a more substantial structure.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1000-1500

Lot 7B - MICRO TUNNELLING

Micro Tunnelling is a trenchless construction method for installing non man-entry size pipelines that uses a remotely operated, small-diameter tunnel boring machine (MTBM) to excavate underground while simultaneously jacking pipes into place, allowing for precise installation of utility tunnels (like sewers, cables, and conduits) without disturbing the surface above. It's ideal for crossings under railways, roads, and rivers, as it minimizes disruption.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 250-1200

Lot 8B - AUGER BORING

Auger Boring is a trenchless construction method that installs pipes or conduits underground by using a rotating helical screw (auger) inside a steel casing to excavate soil, pushing the casing forward and pulling spoil back to a launch pit. It's used to create stable, horizontal tunnels under obstacles like roads, railways, or rivers, minimizing surface disruption and traffic interruption, often called "dry boring" because it doesn't use liquid slurry.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-1500

Lot 9B - DIRECT PIPE

Direct Pipe is a trenchless technology that combines micro tunnelling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install pipelines in a single step. It allows for the direct installation of pre-fabricated pipelines without the need for separate pilot hole drilling or pipe stringing, as is common in HDD.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 90-710

Lot 10B - PIPE JACKING

Pipe Jacking is a technique for installing man-entry size pipelines using a steerable tunnelling shield (similar to micro tunnelling, which is for non man-entry sized pipes). Typically the pipes are jacked from a drive shaft or pit behind a suitable shield. The pipes are installed using hydraulically powered rams which push off a jacking wall constructed within the drive shaft.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1200-3000

Lot 11B - SEGMENTAL TUNNELLING

Segmental Tunnelling is the technique of forming an underground excavation using individual segments or rings by hand or mechanical means and providing a suitable supporting structure such that the excavation forms a permanent, stable and secure opening for the tunnel.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1500-14000

SHAFT WORKS

For Lots 12B to 17B

Interested parties are to note Bidders cannot bid for a Shaft Lot in isolation, Bidders must have capability to undertake associated tunnelling and or drilling works.

See Tunnelling & Drilling Lots 1B to 11B.

All Shafts are concrete
Shaft Diameter Range (nominal internal diameter ms) = 2.44 to 25.
Shaft Depth Range (ms) = 5 to 25.

Lot 12B - UNDER PINNING (FREE AIR)

Lot 13B - UNDER PINNING COMPRESSED AIR)

Lot 14B…

Contract period: 30 Sept 2026 – 30 Sept 2038 (12 yrs) · up to 30 Mar 2041 with extensionsValue: £300,000,000 exc. VAT · £360,000,000 inc. VAT

Delivery: North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, WalesEligibility: SME eligible

Extensions: Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1) · Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)Second stage: 5–7 candidates invited to tender

45000000 Construction work 65000000 Public utilities 76000000 Services related to the oil and gas industry

Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)1

Condition of participation
Post Advert the tender process will consist of;
A PQQ (Prequalification Questionnaire) - Technical Assessment only.
The PQQ stage is designed to help the Utilities identify and shortlist bidders who meet the minimum capability and compliance requirements for the scope outlined.
Bidder's responses will be scored out of an aggregate score of 74 not 100. 26 being reserved for assessment where the bidder selects to undertake works as Principal Designer & Contractor.
Shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit an RFP (Request for Proposal).
An RFP (Request for Proposal) - Technical/Commercial/Price Assessment.
Shortlisted bidders from the PQQ stage will be invited to submit detailed proposals on how they will deliver the requirement(s).
These proposals will be evaluated and scored to determine the bidder(s) offering the best overall value for the contract and subsequent appointment to the framework.
Bidders responses will be scored out of an aggregate score of 100. Split by;
70% Technical
30% Price
The approach to evaluation and shortlisting is described in the Tender Briefing Packs.
shortlisting

Lot #2Design & Build - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft WorksRenewal 12 yrsSMEPublished value£900,000,000

Design & Build - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works

The Lots ending "DB" require the contractor to deliver the works as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor.

Interested parties will have the opportunity to select the specific Lots they want to undertake when invited to tender following expression of interest in this opportunity.

TUNNELLING & DRILLING WORKS

Lot 1DB - PIPE RAMMING

Pipe ramming is a trenchless method for horizontally installing steel pipes or casings under obstacles like roads, railways, and rivers by using a pneumatic hammer to drive an open-ended pipe into the ground, displacing soil outwards. This technique is typically used to cross under embankments, road, rail and river links.

Lot 2DB - THRUST BORING

Thrust boring is a trenchless method for installing pipes and conduits (like for utilities) underground without open digging, using a rotating auger inside a steel casing to excavate soil while hydraulic jacks push the casing forward, ideal for going under roads, railways, or buildings. It's a cost-effective, dependable technique for short to medium distances, creating a bore for the final pipe or cable installation, and minimizing surface disruption.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25 -1000

Lot 3DB - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (25-630)

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25-630

Lot 4DB - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (630-1200)

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 630-1200

Lot 5DB - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING ROCK DRILLING (50-500)

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-500

Lot 6DB - TIMBER HEADING

A timber heading is a traditional, hand-dug tunnelling method using timber supports (sets, headboards, sideboards) to create a safe, short tunnel for installing pipes or cables, especially under busy roads or structures, avoiding major disruption by building around existing underground services. Headings are generally temporary structures where it is not required or economic to provide a more substantial structure.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1000-1500

Lot 7DB - MICRO TUNNELLING

Micro Tunnelling is a trenchless construction method for installing non man-entry size pipelines that uses a remotely operated, small-diameter tunnel boring machine (MTBM) to excavate underground while simultaneously jacking pipes into place, allowing for precise installation of utility tunnels (like sewers, cables, and conduits) without disturbing the surface above. It's ideal for crossings under railways, roads, and rivers, as it minimizes disruption.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 250-1200

Lot 8DB - AUGER BORING

Auger Boring is a trenchless construction method that installs pipes or conduits underground by using a rotating helical screw (auger) inside a steel casing to excavate soil, pushing the casing forward and pulling spoil back to a launch pit. It's used to create stable, horizontal tunnels under obstacles like roads, railways, or rivers, minimizing surface disruption and traffic interruption, often called "dry boring" because it doesn't use liquid slurry.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-1500

Lot 9DB - DIRECT PIPE

Direct Pipe is a trenchless technology that combines micro tunnelling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install pipelines in a single step. It allows for the direct installation of pre-fabricated pipelines without the need for separate pilot hole drilling or pipe stringing, as is common in HDD.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 90-710

Lot 10DB - PIPE JACKING

Pipe Jacking is a technique for installing man-entry size pipelines using a steerable tunnelling shield (similar to micro tunnelling, which is for non man-entry sized pipes). Typically the pipes are jacked from a drive shaft or pit behind a suitable shield. The pipes are installed using hydraulically powered rams which push off a jacking wall constructed within the drive shaft.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1200-3000

Lot 11DB - SEGMENTAL TUNNELLING

Segmental Tunnelling is the technique of forming an underground excavation using individual segments or rings by hand or mechanical means and providing a suitable supporting structure such that the excavation forms a permanent, stable and secure opening for the tunnel.

Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1500-14000

SHAFT WORKS

For Lots 12DB to 17DB

Interested parties are to note Bidders cannot bid for a Shaft Lot in isolation, Bidders must have capability to undertake associated tunnelling and or drilling works.

See Tunnelling & Drilling Lots 1DB to 11DB.

All Shafts are concrete
Shaft Diameter Range (nominal internal diameter ms) = 2.44 to 25.
Shaft Depth Range (ms) = 5 to …

Contract period: 30 Sept 2026 – 30 Sept 2038 (12 yrs) · up to 30 Mar 2041 with extensionsValue: £900,000,000 exc. VAT · £1,080,000,000 inc. VAT

Delivery: North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, WalesEligibility: SME eligible

Extensions: Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1) · Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)Second stage: 5–7 candidates invited to tender

45000000 Construction work 65000000 Public utilities 76000000 Services related to the oil and gas industry

Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)1

Condition of participation
Post Advert the tender process will consist of;
A PQQ (Prequalification Questionnaire) - Technical Assessment only.
The PQQ stage is designed to help the Utilities identify and shortlist bidders who meet the minimum capability and compliance requirements for the scope outlined.
Bidder's responses will be scored out of an aggregate score of 100.
Shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit an RFP (Request for Proposal).
An RFP (Request for Proposal) - Technical/Commercial/Price Assessment.
Shortlisted bidders from the PQQ stage will be invited to submit detailed proposals on how they will deliver the requirement(s).
These proposals will be evaluated and scored to determine the bidder(s) offering the best overall value for the contract and subsequent appointment to the framework.
Bidders responses will be scored out of an aggregate score of 100. Split by;
70% Technical
30% Price
Calling Works Off Under the Framework
Works will be called off under the framework via mini competition. A breakdown of the award criteria being; Technical 60% - Price - 40%.
The approach to evaluation and shortlisting is described in the Tender Briefing Packs.
shortlisting

What it takes to win
i
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 more

How bids were scored · same split on all 2 lots

Quality: 100%

Published award criteria (1)

Quality

Lot distribution rule: Interested parties will have the opportunity to select the specific Lots they want to undertake when invited to tender following expression of interest in this opportunity. Bidders can select one or multiple lots for either Build and or Design & Build works.

What this means for your bid

“Framework for the provision of a Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works…” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record

Procedure method: Competitive flexible procedure
Legal basis: UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category: Works
Notice status: Closed
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: 2 Apr 2026, 14:57 BST
Last source update: 23 Apr 2026, 13:09 BST
Award evaluation window: Submission end – 30 Sept 2026
Authority reference: Doc3039598058
FTS notice number: 2026/S 000-031005
Latest notice: Tender notice (UK4)
Classification (CPV): Construction workPublic utilitiesServices related to the oil and gas industry
Delivery area: North East (UKC)North West (UKD)Yorkshire & Humber (UKE)East Midlands (UKF)West Midlands (UKG)East of England (UKH)London (UKI)South East (UKJ)
+2 more
South West (UKK)Wales (UKL)
Official registry OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-067c05 Find a Tender

How it runs: Stage 1 - PQQ - Pre-qualification
Post PQQ technical evaluations Bidders will be shortlisted down in accordance with the PQQ Briefing Pack. Successful, shortlisted Bidders will be invited to the RFP stage.
Stage 2 - RFP - Request for Proposal
Bidders technical and commercial responses will be evaluated and shortlisted down in accordance with the RFP Briefing Pack. Successful Bidders will be appointed to the Framework.
It is the Utilities intention to call off works under the Framework using mini competition and direct allocation, where direct allocation is permitted.

How it was run

Official notice

Run through: SAP Ariba · Who buys & how to bid on SAP Ariba

Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN

Access & registration note: Free buyer-specific invitations

Requests to participate (first stage): 28 Apr 2026, 23:59 BST
Appointment period ends: 28 Apr 2026, 23:59 BST
Clarification deadline: 15 Apr 2026, 23:59 BST
Submission channel: Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission: Allowed
Accepted languages: en

Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Posting ID: 1110008752

Sourcing ID: Doc3039598058

Response Deadline: 28/04/2026 14:00

Preview Link:

portal.us.bn.cloud.ariba.com/dashboard/public/app… ↗

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

2 public bodies on the notice

SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED

Contracting authorityPrivate utility GB-COH: 02366686 · GB-PPON: PQQN-5222-QDXR Severn Trent Centre, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 2LZContact name, email

Consortium members and other public bodies

HAFREN DYFRDWY CYFYNGEDIGContracting authorityPrivate utilityWelsh devolved regulations applyGB-COH: 03527628GB-PPON: PWGQ-2543-XWCR Wrexham, WalesContact name, email

Official documents & specifications (2)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Notices published for this procedure

Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender23 Apr 2026, 13:09 BST
Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender2 Apr 2026, 14:57 BST

Framework for the provision of a Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works for Build Only and Design & Build

What is being bought2 lots · detail below

How this framework works

Lots and requirements (2)Procurement structure

What it takes to win
i
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).

Procedure terms & legal framework

How it was run

Timeline

Notice history

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Official documents & specifications (2)

What is being bought2 lots · detail below

How this framework works

Lots and requirements (2)Procurement structure

What it takes to winiHow 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).

Procedure terms & legal framework

How it was run

Timeline

Notice history

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Official documents & specifications (2)

What it takes to win
i
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).