Leicestershire County Council has published a pipeline notice for its upcoming Civils Resources 2026 framework. The framework will provide the Council with access to suitably trained and experienced highway maintenance resources, including operatives supplied with vehicles and equipment, to supplement its directly employed workforce on an ad-hoc basis.
The framework is expected to run for four years, from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030, with the tender notice estimated to be published on 1 May 2026.
Who Is the Buyer?
Leicestershire County Council is responsible for maintaining the local highway network across Leicestershire and Rutland. Like many local authorities, the Council uses external frameworks to provide additional capacity and flexibility, particularly during periods of peak demand, planned programmes or emergency response.
This framework is designed to support operational delivery rather than replace the Council’s in-house workforce.
What Is the Civils Resources 2026 Framework?
The Civils Resources 2026 framework will establish a compliant route to market for the temporary supply of highway maintenance resources, including:
- Skilled and experienced highway maintenance operatives
- Operatives supplied with appropriate vehicles and equipment
- Support provided on an ad-hoc and call-off basis
The framework will be used to supplement the Council’s own teams, providing additional resilience and flexibility across highway maintenance activities.
Who Should Consider Bidding?
This opportunity is particularly relevant to:
- Highway maintenance contractors
- Civils and infrastructure service providers
- Labour and resource providers with highway experience
- SMEs with local or regional delivery capability
Suppliers will need to demonstrate that operatives are appropriately trained, competent and compliant, and that vehicles and equipment meet required standards.
Procurement Timeline: Key Dates to Note
Although the estimated total contract value has not been stated, the pipeline notice provides clear visibility of the expected timetable.
Indicative Procurement Timeline
Stage | Estimated timing | Supplier focus |
Pipeline notice published | 16 December 2025 | Early opportunity assessment |
Tender notice published | 1 May 2026 (estimated) | Final bid decision and mobilisation |
Framework start date | 1 July 2026 | Begin providing resources |
Framework term | 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030 | Ongoing call-off delivery |
With a relatively short gap between tender publication and framework start, early preparation will be important.
What the Council Is Likely to Look For
While full evaluation criteria will be confirmed at tender stage, suppliers should expect emphasis on:
- Relevant highway maintenance experience
- Availability and responsiveness of resources
- Competence, training and qualifications of operatives
- Compliance with health and safety requirements
- Reliability of vehicles and equipment
- Value for money and flexible resourcing
Clear evidence of previous delivery in similar local authority environments will be important.
How Thornton & Lowe Can Support Civils Resources Framework Bids
Thornton & Lowe supports highway, civils and infrastructure suppliers bidding for local authority frameworks and contracts.
Framework and Bid Strategy
We help suppliers assess suitability, position their offer and prepare for framework bidding.
Bid Writing and Tender Support
Our bid writing team supports suppliers through selection and award stages, ensuring responses are compliant, clear and evidence-led.
SME-Focused Support
For SMEs and regional providers, we offer proportionate support that strengthens governance, evidence and delivery models without unnecessary complexity.
Tender Pipeline Monitoring
Through Tender Pipeline, suppliers can track updates to this framework and similar highway maintenance opportunities.
Bid Training and Capability Building
We also support internal teams through bid writing training and mentoring to improve long-term bid confidence.
Final Thoughts
The Civils Resources 2026 framework provides a clear opportunity for highway maintenance and civils providers to support Leicestershire County Council’s operational delivery over the next four years.
Suppliers that prepare early, demonstrate competence and show flexibility in resourcing will be best placed to succeed once the tender is published.
If you are considering bidding and want support with strategy, bid preparation or submission, Thornton & Lowe can support you from early planning through to framework award.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Civils Resources 2026 framework for?
To supply trained highway maintenance operatives with vehicles and equipment on an ad-hoc basis.
When is the tender expected to be published?
The estimated publication date is 1 May 2026.
How long will the framework run?
Four years, from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030.
Who should bid?
Highway maintenance, civils and resource providers with suitable experience.
