The Environment Agency’s Collaborative Delivery Framework 2, often referred to as CDF2, is shaping up to be one of the more significant framework opportunities in the current market for construction, engineering and consultancy suppliers. The notice sets out a major programme covering appraisal, design, technical support and construction works across the Environment Agency’s asset base, including flood and coastal risk management, navigation, water, land and biodiversity assets. It is expected to support projects ranging from £1 million to £150 million, with a total estimated framework value of £5 billion excluding VAT.
For suppliers already working in major works, engineering design, environmental infrastructure or public sector construction, this is the sort of opportunity that deserves early attention. The framework is not simply about delivering traditional capital works. The notice makes clear that it will support both nature-based solutions and more traditional hard engineering approaches, which gives it a broader strategic feel than many construction frameworks.
What the framework covers
CDF2 will be organised into three technical lots and three geographic hubs, giving suppliers more than one route into the opportunity depending on their strengths, project scale and delivery model. The lots are:
-
Lot 1: strategy, appraisal and design services
-
Lot 2: detailed design services and construction works for projects under approximately £5 million
-
Lot 3: detailed design services and construction works for projects from approximately £5 million to £150 million
The framework’s geographic hubs are:
-
North Hub
-
Midlands and Southwest Hub
-
East and Southeast Hub
That combination of technical lots and regional hubs means bidders will need to think carefully about how they position themselves. Some suppliers will be best placed to target a specific region or project value band. Others may be able to show stronger coverage across multiple areas. Either way, this is unlikely to be a framework where a generic response is enough.
Key dates
The current notice gives suppliers some useful visibility on timing:
-
Tender process to commence: 16 March 2026
-
Participation deadline: 27 April 2026
-
Estimated framework term: 15 February 2027 to 14 February 2035
The framework is also expected to allow a maximum of 16 suppliers, which is enough to make it open and competitive, but still selective enough that positioning and response quality will matter a great deal.
Why this opportunity matters
There are several reasons CDF2 stands out. First, the scale is significant. A framework with this level of value and duration has the potential to become a key route to market for successful suppliers over a number of years. Second, the scope is varied. It is not limited to one narrow service line, which means it could appeal to contractors, consultants and multi-disciplinary teams that want to grow their public sector pipeline.
Third, the subject matter is important. Frameworks linked to flood resilience, environmental assets and major infrastructure are often looking for more than technical competence alone. Buyers want confidence in delivery planning, collaboration, sustainability, stakeholder management, health and safety, supply chain control and long-term value. Thornton & Lowe’s experience supporting clients with construction tenders is especially relevant in opportunities like this, where quality responses often carry real weight alongside commercial considerations.
How Thornton & Lowe can support your bid
A framework of this size can be difficult to approach without a clear strategy. Suppliers need to decide which lots and hubs are the right fit, how to evidence comparable experience, and how to present a delivery model that feels credible at framework level rather than just project level.
Thornton & Lowe can support businesses bidding for Collaborative Delivery Framework 2 by helping with:
-
framework fit and bid or no-bid decisions
-
lot and regional positioning
-
response planning and win themes
-
drafting and reviewing quality submissions
-
strengthening evidence, case studies and social value responses
-
broader framework strategy and post-award planning
Our work supporting suppliers on construction frameworks is particularly useful where submissions need to balance technical depth, compliance and a clear commercial narrative. We also help clients think beyond framework entry alone, since winning a place is only part of the picture. Once appointed, suppliers still need a plan for converting framework access into real contract wins. That is something we discuss in our wider guidance on framework agreements.
Final thoughts
Collaborative Delivery Framework 2 looks like a major opportunity for suppliers involved in environmental infrastructure, engineering and public sector construction. With a high-value pipeline, a long framework term and a wide-ranging scope, it is likely to attract serious competition.
For the right suppliers, early preparation will be important. That means identifying the right route in, sharpening evidence and building a submission strategy well before the deadline approaches. For businesses that want to compete effectively on high-value frameworks, this is the kind of opportunity that rewards a well-planned approach.
