Planning

Major Civil Engineering Works Framework

DFI TRANSPORT AND ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT (TRAM)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

07 May 2025 at 20:38

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Transport and Road Asset Management (TRAM) is preparing to launch a procurement exercise for a Major Civil Engineering Works Framework, primarily focusing on delivering civil engineering projects across Northern Ireland. The procurement is currently at the planning stage, with a pre-market engagement set to conclude by 21st May 2025. This initiative falls under the construction and civil engineering industry category and is designed to be a multi-lot and multi-supplier framework, potentially extending up to 8 years. The opportunity involves traditional client-designed projects, design and build, early contractor involvement, and construction of highway improvements and major structures. The framework aims to facilitate projects with diverse lot values ranging from £5 million to over £80 million, with the expected start date for contracts being 1st June 2026.

Businesses in the civil engineering sector can find substantial opportunities for growth through participation in this framework. The framework's flexible and value-driven approach is particularly advantageous for small to medium enterprises (SMEs), which are encouraged to compete for the lots tailored to various project value ranges. Companies with expertise in site preparation work, construction, and civil engineering are well-positioned to leverage this framework for strategic project engagement and business expansion across Northern Ireland. The framework also anticipates creating an efficient partnership model for long-term infrastructure development, thereby fostering an environment conducive for sustained business collaborations.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Major Civil Engineering Works Framework

Notice Description

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is preparing to launch a procurement exercise for a new Major Civil Engineering Works Framework (works with an estimated value above PS5million). The framework will aim to provide a flexible, efficient, and value-driven mechanism for delivering civil engineering related projects across Northern Ireland. The framework is anticipated to be multi-lot and multi-supplier, with a potential duration of up to 8 years. The framework is to facilitate, but is not limited to, the following proposed scope: * Traditional Client Design project. * Design & Build. * Early Contractor Involvement (ECI). * Construction of highway improvements. * Major capital renewal schemes. * Construction of major structures including grade separated junctions, bridges and retaining walls. It is currently intended to establish 4 lots based on project value ranges as outlined below: * Lot 1 will cover works ranging from PS5m - PS15m. * Lot 2 will cover works ranging from PS15m - PS40m. * Lot 3 will cover works ranging from PS40m - PS80m. * Lot 4 will cover works in excess of PS80m.

Planning Information

DfI seeks to engage with the market at this early stage to help shape the scope, structure, and approach of the new Major Civil Engineering Works Framework. The purpose of this exercise is to: • Gauge interest from the market. • Understand capacity and capability. • Test assumptions around framework structure and lotting strategy, supplier numbers, framework operation, contract structure, workshare approach, key performance indicators (KPIs) and delivery models. • Identify potential challenges or opportunities ahead of formal procurement. If you wish to participate, a questionnaire for completion and return is available via eTendersNI under ID 5943521. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted via the CfT messaging facility on eTendersNI by the engagement deadline date and time stated. Respondents are advised that the procurement description, estimated contract start and end date, estimated date of publication or estimated contract value should not be taken as a final "version" of DfI's requirements. The Pre-Market Engagement pertains to a future contract opportunity which will be advertised in its own right in due course. This notice is not a call for competition to procure any works or services. Interested parties will not be prejudiced by any response, or lack thereof, to this notice. Nor shall a response to this notice guarantee an opportunity to participate in this market engagement exercise or any future procurement process that DfI may conduct. DfI is not liable for any costs, fees or expenses incurred by any party responding to this notice or any party who may participate in the market engagement exercise.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-050e45
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019532-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45100000 - Site preparation work

45200000 - Works for complete or part construction and civil engineering work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 May 20259 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
21 May 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 31 May 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DFI TRANSPORT AND ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT (TRAM)
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
tramprocurement@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BELFAST
Postcode
BT7 2JA
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Belfast South and Mid Down

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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