The Environment Agency is developing Asset Operation Maintenance and Response Framework 2 (AOMR2), a major new framework for maintaining and operating flood defence assets across England.
The framework has an estimated value of £1 billion excluding VAT / £1.2 billion including VAT and is expected to cover flood defence maintenance alongside vegetation management, habitat creation and incident response. The current timetable anticipates a four-year framework beginning in January 2028.
The Environment Agency is currently engaging with the market before finalising the procurement. If your business is considering AOMR2, contact Thornton & Lowe for an objective view of the opportunity and support preparing for the tender.
What could AOMR2 cover?
The published scope is deliberately broad. Relevant works and services include flood prevention, sea and coastal defences, river walls, reservoirs, weirs, culverts, pumps and mechanical and electrical engineering.
The procurement classifications also point to a substantial environmental and land-management element, including:
- vegetation and tree management;
- grounds and landscape maintenance;
- habitat and wildlife services;
- environmental monitoring;
- riverbank and embankment works;
- fencing;
- reservoir maintenance; and
- environmental improvement works.
This creates potential opportunities for major infrastructure contractors as well as specialist environmental, mechanical, electrical, landscaping and asset-maintenance suppliers.
Our guide to highways and civil engineering tenders provides wider guidance for infrastructure contractors bidding into the public sector.
Why the market engagement matters
The Environment Agency is holding an in-person pre-market engagement event in Birmingham on 14 September 2026, with supplier registration closing on 9 September.
The purpose is to provide suppliers with more information while gathering feedback that can influence the final framework design. A briefing pack is due to be shared with attendees ahead of the session.
For suppliers, this is useful preparation time. Areas worth considering now include:
- which parts of the proposed scope genuinely match your experience;
- where specialist partners or subcontractors may be required;
- geographic delivery capacity;
- mobilisation and emergency-response capability;
- environmental and biodiversity outcomes;
- asset inspection and maintenance evidence;
- health, safety and operational resilience; and
- measurable social value.
The notice specifically identifies SMEs and VCSEs as suitable, which is encouraging for specialist providers considering the opportunity.
Quick facts
- Buyer: Environment Agency
- Framework: Asset Operation Maintenance and Response Framework 2
- Estimated value: £1bn excluding VAT / £1.2bn including VAT
- Expected term: Four years
- Expected start: 17 January 2028
- Coverage: Multiple regions across England
- SME suitability: Yes
- Market engagement registration deadline: 9 September 2026
- Estimated tender notice: 11 May 2027
- View the official Find a Tender notice
Start building your AOMR2 position early
There is still significant detail to be confirmed, including the final lotting strategy and procurement requirements. That makes this a useful point for contractors to assess the opportunity without committing major bid resource too early.
Map your strongest capabilities against the proposed scope, identify gaps in your evidence and decide where partnerships could strengthen your position. Once the formal structure becomes clearer, you can then make a better-informed bid/no-bid decision.
Thornton & Lowe can support this preparation as well as the later tender stage, from bid strategy and evidence planning through to writing and review. Contact our bid team to discuss AOMR2.
