Thames Water is procuring a framework for sewer rehabilitation, CCTV inspection and cleaning works across London and the South East. The estimated value is £189.7 million excluding VAT, or approximately £227.6 million including VAT.
The procurement is at the request-to-participate stage, with submissions due by 12pm on 17 August 2026. It uses a competitive flexible procedure, so successful applicants will progress from the initial selection stage to a more detailed invitation to negotiate.
Scope of the framework
The framework covers gravity and rising mains throughout the Thames Water region. The scope includes structural lining, pipe replacement, patch repairs, leak-tight lining, pipe bursting, manhole sealing, CCTV inspection and cleaning.
Associated activities may include minor civil works, street works, inspection reporting and waste disposal. Some projects could involve work on or near railway infrastructure, which will require the relevant accreditations and insurance.
Two lots based on value and complexity
Thames Water has divided the procurement into two lots:
- Lot 1: below approximately £3 million and/or non-complex work. The estimated value is £89.6 million excluding VAT. Call-offs are expected to use the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Short Contract.
- Lot 2: above approximately £3 million and/or complex work. The estimated value is £100.1 million excluding VAT. Call-offs may use the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract, including Option B or Option D.
Suppliers may apply for one or both lots. The authority has indicated that preference may be given during evaluation to organisations capable of supplying a greater proportion of the overall requirement.
Framework operation
Up to six suppliers may be appointed to each lot, creating a maximum of 12 framework places. Call-off contracts may be awarded through further competition or directly on a proportional allocation basis.
At framework award stage, suppliers will submit labour, plant, equipment, daywork and fee rates. These will provide the baseline and maximum permitted rates for later call-offs, although project-specific pricing will still be established through requests for proposal.
The framework is expected to begin on 26 April 2027. It has an initial three-year term and may be extended to a maximum of eight years.
Participation requirements and evaluation
The notice states a minimum annual turnover requirement of £6 million for both lots, alongside financial stability and insurance checks. Technical ability requirements are contained in the procurement-specific questionnaire.
The proposed evaluation is:
- Delivery and technical: 40%.
- Commercial: 40%.
- Safety and environmental: 20%.
Up to ten suppliers per lot may progress from the questionnaire stage to the invitation to negotiate, with up to six eventually appointed to each lot.
What a strong response will need
The procurement combines specialist technical capability with substantial operational and commercial requirements. Applicants should be ready to provide evidence of:
- comparable sewer rehabilitation and cleaning programmes;
- delivery on live wastewater assets and in constrained urban environments;
- method selection, design assurance and inspection quality;
- rail, street works and utility interface management where relevant;
- workforce competence, specialist plant and supply chain capacity;
- health, safety and environmental controls;
- waste management and accurate reporting;
- NEC4 contract management and early warning processes; and
- commercial governance for rates, target costs and programme changes.
Our utilities tender specialists support infrastructure contractors with qualification responses, technical submissions and coordinated reviews.
Key dates
- Enquiry deadline: 3 August 2026 at 5pm.
- Deadline for requests to participate: 17 August 2026 at 12pm.
- Estimated award decision: 8 March 2027.
- Estimated framework start: 26 April 2027.
Read the official Thames Water notice and complete the participation form identified in the submission section.
Prepare for the selection stage
Thornton & Lowe can help applicants assess the two lots, organise evidence and produce a clear, compliant response within the available timetable.
Talk to our bid team about support for the questionnaire or the later invitation-to-negotiate stage.
