Trafford Council is establishing an 8-year Open Framework Agreement for Heat Network Consultancy Services, with an estimated value of £1.7bn excluding VAT, or £2.04bn including VAT. The framework is designed to give public sector bodies access to pre-qualified heat network consultants across technical, commercial, financial, legal and operational disciplines.
The framework runs from 2 November 2026 to 31 October 2034 and is available across the UK. Suppliers can review the Find a Tender notice for the full procurement detail. Our framework agreement support can help you decide how to position your evidence and lot strategy.
Who the framework is aimed at
This is not just a design consultancy opportunity. The framework is structured to cover the full heat network lifecycle, from strategy, zoning and feasibility through to technical design, construction oversight, commissioning, optimisation, asset condition assessment, consumer protection and project delivery.
That means it may be relevant to heat network consultants, engineering design practices, commercial advisers, legal advisers, financial modelling specialists, programme managers, technical assurance providers, consumer protection specialists and organisations with district heating delivery experience.
Lot structure
The framework is split into two lots. Lot 1 covers non-technical services, including heat network strategy, zoning and local authority readiness, feasibility, investment due diligence, commercial and legal advisory, procurement support, tariff setting, resident engagement, billing and consumer compliance, contract review, independent verification and training.
Lot 2 covers technical services, including developed design, detailed design, construction design, site supervision, commissioning, testing, operation and maintenance advice, performance optimisation, building readiness, customer connection support, data and smart network services, decarbonisation and asset condition work.
Why suppliers should look closely
The framework is non-ranked, periodically refreshed and designed to remain open to new entrants through biannual reopening. That should make it attractive to both established heat network consultancies and specialist SMEs that can evidence credible expertise in defined sub-categories.
Call-offs may be made by direct award or mini competition, using submitted day rates. Suppliers should therefore think carefully about how their pricing, experience and delivery model will stand up both at framework entry stage and later call-off stage. Our guide to winning framework agreements explains how to avoid treating a framework bid as a generic capability statement.
Key dates and evaluation
- Enquiry deadline: 8 July 2026 at 12:00pm
- Tender submission deadline: 13 July 2026 at 12:00pm
- Submission route: The Chest
- Estimated award decision date: 15 October 2026
- Award criteria: 65% quality, including social value, and 35% price
Bid preparation priorities
Strong bidders should be ready to demonstrate more than technical competence. This procurement places clear emphasis on commercially viable delivery, governance, transparency, performance monitoring, consumer protection standards, innovation, SME participation and social value. Your response should show how your team can support public bodies through the practical realities of heat network development, not just provide isolated advice.
