S30117 Decarbonising concrete by validating the use of lower carbon cement blends for incorporation in the standards - Phase 2

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

07 Jul 2026 at 15:06

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the contract titled "S30117 Decarbonising concrete by validating the use of lower carbon cement blends for incorporation in the standards - Phase 2" has reached its award stage. The buying organisation is National Highways Limited, located in Birmingham, England. This tender falls within the industry category of Development Consultancy Services (CPV code 73220000) and encompasses delivery locations including the British Oversea Territories, Channel Islands, Europe, Isle of Man, Rest of the World, and the United Kingdom. The project aims to investigate the use of lower-carbon cement blends and its contract started on 7th July 2026 and will run until 31st March 2028, with a total awarded value of £339,914.45. The procurement method was selective, specifically a call-off from a framework agreement.

This tender provides numerous opportunities for growth within the construction and sustainability sectors. Businesses involved in innovative construction materials, particularly those focusing on sustainable practices and lower carbon solutions, would find this contract highly suitable. Companies, especially SMEs, with capabilities in experimental research and testing of cementitious materials are well-positioned to benefit from participation, as the project aims to set new standards for concrete used in infrastructure, potentially opening further opportunities in updating standards and supply chains across the construction industry.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

S30117 Decarbonising concrete by validating the use of lower carbon cement blends for incorporation in the standards - Phase 2

Notice Description

This project (Phase 2 of a two-phase programme) specifically aims to investigate and validate the expanded use of lower-carbon binary and ternary blended cements by increasing the proportion of PC replacement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as calcined clays, limestone, and other viable alternatives, through a staged laboratory experimental research and testing programme. The research will explore blend combinations and replacement levels that exceed those currently allowed under UK standards, including BS 8500:2023, the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW), and the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). By reducing reliance on traditional SCMs such as Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and Fly Ash (FA), which both are subject to supply limitations, this project aims to support the wider adoption of more sustainable and readily available alternatives, including calcined clays and limestone. The project will also provide the technical evidence required to inform future updates to UK concrete standards, supported by the results of an experimental research programme. This work will build on the literature review, feasibility study, and detailed testing specification developed as part of the deliverables from the successfully completed Phase 1 of the project. This will enable the deployment of lower-carbon cement blends at scale while ensuring the durability, performance, and long-term resilience of the UK's concrete infrastructure is maintained.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-08dee023-e566-49e2-b4c6-b04bb5d8219f
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/653506d0-db01-4fcd-a08a-6eff461fef2d
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a framework agreement
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73220000 - Development consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£340,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£339,914 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
25 Jun 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
6 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
6 Jul 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BIRMINGHAM
Postcode
B4 6GA
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG31 Birmingham
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Birmingham
Electoral Ward
Ladywood
Westminster Constituency
Birmingham Ladywood

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

OVE ARUP

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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