Yorkshire Water Services Limited has launched a substantial early market engagement for its future CM3470 - DPC Programme Advisory framework. Valued at up to £160 million including VAT over eight years, this is one of the most significant consultancy framework opportunities in the UK water sector for the coming years. If your organisation specialises in consultancy, programme advice, or strategic support, this preliminary market exercise is a crucial gateway to help shape how Yorkshire Water procures advisory services for high-value, customer-focused projects.
What is the CM3470 - DPC Programme Advisory Framework?
This market engagement signals Yorkshire Water’s intention to establish a long-term, multi-supplier framework agreement, focused on programme advisory and consultancy services within its Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programmes. The purpose is to help Yorkshire Water develop and implement outstanding sourcing strategies and ensure customer benefits are maximised through effective third-party delivery. Rather than a live tender, this stage invites supplier feedback and insights, laying the groundwork for the final procurement route and structure of the framework.
Why Engage Early? Benefits and Bidding Considerations
Engaging during this preliminary stage offers suppliers a rare opportunity to shape the final strategy, lot structure, and delivery mechanisms. Here are key considerations specific to this opportunity:
- Influence on Specification: Your feedback may directly affect requirements, performance metrics, and innovation. Yorkshire Water is actively seeking views on delivery models and sourcing strategies.
- Long-Term Value: At £160 million over eight years, this is a chance to secure sustained pipeline visibility and relationship-building with a core UK utilities client.
- Sector-Specific Scope: The opportunity specifically targets management and consultancy services supporting DPC procurement. Understanding Ofwat’s regulatory framework and working with water companies is likely to be advantageous.
- Framework Structure: As the notice refers to a "Programme Advisory Framework", the final opportunity may include multiple lots or specialist workstreams. Early input may influence how the framework is split, ensuring suppliers of varying sizes and expertise can contribute.
Bidders should carefully review the published CM3470 - DPC Programme Advisory notice to ensure any feedback or expression of interest aligns with the buyer’s strategic ambitions.
Quick facts: CM3470 - DPC Programme Advisory
- Authority: Yorkshire Water Services Limited
- Framework value: Up to £160,000,000 (including VAT)
- Duration: 8 years
- Procurement stage: Preliminary Market Engagement (not a live tender yet)
- Sectors focused: Consultancy support for DPC programmes in the water sector
Key Dates
- Market engagement closes: 30 April 2026
- Review full details online
Preparing for Success: How to Stand Out
- Align with water sector objectives: Tailor your feedback and expressions of interest to Yorkshire Water’s DPC ambitions, focusing on outcomes that benefit customers and reflect sector regulatory drivers.
- Shape the framework: Participate fully in engagement activities. Provide practical suggestions for framework structuring or lotting that would allow your organisation to add unique value.
- Evidence of delivery in regulated environments: Demonstrate capability and track record in supporting large, regulated clients with advisory or procurement solutions.
This is a significant window for consultancy providers to engage with one of the UK’s key utilities ahead of a high-value, long-term framework. By delivering considered feedback and shaping the sourcing strategy, you position your organisation for future success when the tender is formally released.
If you are considering responding to the CM3470 - DPC Programme Advisory early engagement, Thornton & Lowe is here to support. Our public sector bid experts can help you review the documentation, prepare compelling feedback, and position your consultancy to maximise success when the formal competition begins. Get in touch for tailored advice on framework bidding in the utilities sector.
