Yorkshire Water has launched its End User Computing (EUC) framework, a major procurement opportunity covering IT equipment, rugged devices, networking hardware and technology lifecycle services. The agreement has an estimated value of £361.44 million including VAT and is being established through a collaborative buying-club approach that may allow other participating utilities to use the framework.
The procurement is structured around four core lots and an optional fifth lot for mobile devices. It uses a competitive flexible procedure, with suppliers initially required to demonstrate that they meet the conditions of participation.
The deadline for requests to participate is 6pm on 28 November 2026. For technology suppliers considering the framework, lot selection, relevant delivery experience and the ability to demonstrate reliable service and supply chain arrangements will be central to a strong application.
Yorkshire Water End User Computing framework overview
Yorkshire Water is seeking suppliers capable of providing equipment and associated services to support its end-user technology requirements. The framework is intended to help participating organisations standardise technology, improve procurement efficiency, strengthen supply chain resilience and manage equipment throughout its operational lifecycle.
Key procurement details include:
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Contracting authority | Yorkshire Water Services Limited |
Reference | CM3550 |
Estimated value | £301.2m excluding VAT / £361.44m including VAT |
Framework structure | Four core lots and one optional lot |
Procurement procedure | Competitive flexible procedure |
Initial framework term | 1 May 2027 to 30 April 2032 |
Potential extension | Up to 30 April 2035 |
Enquiry deadline | 17 November 2026, 6pm |
Participation deadline | 28 November 2026, 6pm |
The framework's estimated value covers potential expenditure across the arrangement rather than a guaranteed contract value for each supplier. Yorkshire Water's own estimated requirement accounts for £50.2 million excluding VAT of the wider framework estimate.
What are the five framework lots?
Lot 1: Standard devices and peripherals
Lot 1 covers the supply of standard workplace technology and associated accessories. The proposed scope includes laptops, desktop computers, monitors, tablets, mobile devices, docking stations, keyboards, mice, headsets, cables and other peripherals. Suppliers will need to consider their ability to provide approved product configurations, reliable fulfilment, warranty support and the service levels required by the purchasing organisations.
Lot 2: Rugged devices
Lot 2 focuses on technology designed for operational and field environments. This principally includes rugged laptops and associated accessories, with the notice identifying devices such as Panasonic Toughbook models as examples. Relevant suppliers may need to demonstrate experience providing durable equipment to operational teams, alongside suitable maintenance, warranty and support arrangements.
Lot 3: Network hardware
Lot 3 covers networking equipment and associated infrastructure. The scope may include routers, network components, cabling and other hardware required to support the organisation's technology estate. Suppliers should review the detailed specification to confirm whether installation, configuration, licensing or ongoing support services are included in their particular requirements.
Lot 4: Lifecycle management and asset recovery
Lot 4 focuses on the management of technology assets as they approach or reach the end of their operational life. Services may include equipment collection, asset tracking, assessment, preparation for reuse, refurbishment, remarketing, recycling and secure disposal. The scope also includes reporting on asset outcomes and recovered value, making transparent processes, reliable records and environmental performance important considerations.
Lot 5: Mobile devices (optional)
The fifth lot covers mobile phones, tablets and associated accessories. It is identified as optional, and Yorkshire Water reserves the right not to award it. Suppliers interested in this lot should confirm its final scope and status through the procurement documents. They should not assume that mobile connectivity or airtime services are included unless specifically required.
How will the framework operate?
Yorkshire Water intends to use the framework as part of a collaborative purchasing model. Other utilities may participate, subject to the framework's rules and relevant eligibility requirements. This could create access to a wider group of buyers, although participation and expenditure are not guaranteed.
Framework call-offs may be awarded through direct award or mini-competition, depending on the requirements and applicable award mechanisms. For suppliers, this means success will involve both securing a place on the framework and remaining competitive when individual purchasing opportunities arise.
The procurement does not specify a fixed maximum number of suppliers at framework level in the published notice, but applicants must still meet the relevant conditions and progress through the competitive procedure.
How will suppliers be assessed?
The published award criteria allocate:
- 60% to quality
- 40% to commercial factors
The procurement uses a competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, with an initial assessment of supplier eligibility and capability before subsequent tender stages.
Stage 1: Conditions of participation
The first stage examines whether applicants satisfy the published conditions of participation. These address areas such as legal and financial capacity, technical ability and applicable exclusion requirements.
Suppliers must complete the relevant questionnaire and provide the supporting information requested in the procurement documentation. Applicants that satisfy the requirements may progress to the invitation to tender stages.
Stage 2: Capability and contractual responses
Suppliers progressing beyond the initial stage may be invited to provide more detailed information about their technical capabilities, proposed delivery arrangements and contractual position. Yorkshire Water reserves the right to carry out further assessments and limit the number of bidders progressing, in accordance with the published criteria.
Stage 3: Clarification and negotiation
The procedure allows for clarification and potential negotiation with bidders who progress. These discussions may cover technical solutions, service delivery, implementation, commercial arrangements and other contractual matters specified in the documents.
Stage 4: Final tender and commercial assessment
Remaining bidders may then be invited to submit final technical and commercial proposals. The final submissions will be assessed against the published evaluation methodology, with Yorkshire Water making award decisions for the relevant lots.
Suppliers should review the procurement documents carefully because detailed requirements and submission instructions may differ between lots.
What should technology suppliers prepare?
Choose lots that match your delivery strengths
The five lots cover different aspects of technology supply and management. A device distributor may have strong evidence for standard equipment supply but less experience in asset recovery or network infrastructure. Suppliers should prioritise the lots for which they can demonstrate the most relevant capability.
Demonstrate supply chain resilience
Reliable product availability and fulfilment will be important for equipment supply lots. Applicants should prepare evidence of supplier relationships, stock management, demand forecasting, lead-time management and arrangements for responding to disruption. Where relevant, explain how your organisation manages product substitutions, warranty claims and supply chain risks.
Show how service performance is managed
Strong applications should explain how orders are processed, delivered and monitored against contractual commitments. Relevant evidence could include order accuracy, fulfilment times, service availability, customer support performance and issue resolution. Use measurable results from previous contracts wherever possible.
Address lifecycle and sustainability requirements
The framework includes a distinct lot for lifecycle management and asset recovery, while broader sustainability objectives also form part of the proposed purchasing approach. Suppliers should consider how they can demonstrate effective asset management, equipment reuse, refurbishment, responsible disposal and accurate reporting. The evidence should be directly relevant to the lot rather than relying on general environmental commitments.
Prepare a sustainable commercial proposition
Commercial factors account for 40% of the evaluation. Pricing should reflect the full cost of providing the required products and services, including fulfilment, support, warranties and any lifecycle obligations. Where a framework involves multiple purchasing organisations, suppliers should assess how their pricing and delivery model will remain viable across different volumes and locations.
How to express interest
Yorkshire Water is managing the procurement through SAP Ariba. Interested suppliers are instructed to email miguel.garcia@yorkshirewater.co.uk and pooja.patel@yorkshirewater.co.uk to request an invitation to the procurement event. Applicants should then register or access their existing SAP Ariba account, review the documentation and complete the required conditions of participation response.
The relevant deadlines are:
- 17 November 2026, 6pm: Enquiry deadline
- 28 November 2026, 6pm: Deadline for requests to participate
All formal procurement submissions and clarifications must be handled through SAP Ariba. Email is used to request access, not to submit completed tenders. The official procurement is available through Find a Tender notice 105006-2026.
Bid writing support for technology suppliers
Yorkshire Water's End User Computing framework offers a substantial opportunity for businesses involved in IT equipment, network hardware and technology lifecycle services. Its multi-stage procurement procedure places importance on early preparation. Suppliers will need to demonstrate their eligibility and capabilities before progressing to the detailed technical and commercial stages.
Thornton & Lowe provides bid writing and bid management services for technology companies bidding for major frameworks and public sector contracts. If you're considering the CM3550 framework, contact our team to discuss your lot selection, participation response and wider tender strategy.
