Planning

Minor Works Framework

ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

08 Sep 2025 at 14:40

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Associated British Ports (ABP), based in London, is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process titled "Minor Works Framework." This process, which falls under the industry category of construction work, is designed to facilitate small to mid-scale civil and engineering projects across ABP's port estates in Humber, Southampton, South Wales, and East Anglia. The framework aims to provide a flexible route for various works, divided into lots by geographic region and contract value. A Preliminary Market Engagement Notice was published on 8th September 2025, and interested suppliers are invited to engage in the market consultation exercise by expressing their interest by 13th October 2025. The procurement process is conducted under the legal framework of the Procurement Act 2023 and seeks to develop a procurement strategy following this initial consultation phase.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses in the construction industry, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) equipped to handle civil engineering and maintenance projects. By participating, businesses can potentially secure work across multiple UK regions through a structured framework that promises efficient access to various projects needing competitive capabilities in excavation, paving, building fabric works, surfacing, and small to intermediate civil engineering works. The procurement strategy emphasises creating a diverse supplier base and optimising market engagement, which could prove advantageous for businesses prepared to offer competitive and innovative solutions within the outlined contract lots. The framework’s design to accommodate multiple suppliers through its lot structure offers a strategic entry point for companies aiming to establish or expand their presence in the utilities and infrastructure sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Minor Works Framework

Notice Description

Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK's largest ports group with 21 ports across the UK, providing essential gateways for trade and enabling the green infrastructure essential for the UK's energy transition. ABP directly employs over 2,000 individuals across the UK and handle approximately a quarter of the country's seaborne trade. ABP intend to procure a new Minor Works Framework to support the delivery of small to mid-scale civil & engineering works across its Humber, Southampton, South Wales and East Anglia port estates. The framework will provide a flexible and efficient route to market for a range of civils activities, supporting both planned and reactive works. ABP Operate 21 ports across the UK. ABP are actively considering extending the framework to additional sites, feedback from market engagement stage will inform this decision. The objectives of the framework are to provide ABP with best value whilst supporting Project Engineers/Project Managers with access to a quick and flexible procurement vehicle. The framework will be structured into multiple lots, segmented by both geographic region and contract value. This lotting approach is designed to ensure appropriate market coverage, encourage SME participation, and align supplier capabilities with the scale and complexity of works across ABP's Humber, Southampton, and South Wales operations. Scope of works will include: Reactive Maintenance (PS0-PS50k) & Minor Works (PS0-250k) * Excavating trenches for others (i.e. for electrical works, water leaks etc.) * Simple Ground Investigation (I.e. CBR's, WAC tests etc.) * Paving Repairs - I.e. reconstruction of paving crushed by HGV's or other * Minor Shed Repairs - I.e. Concrete repairs * General enabling works for repairs by others * Building Fabric Works * Minor Earthworks * Procurement and management of required specialist subcontractors associated with the works * May include Contractor Designed portions Surfacing Works * Planing of existing surfacing * Removal of blockwork * Regulating layers * Base course * Wearing Course * Block paving * Minor alterations to kerbing, chamber lids etc. * Traffic Management Small (PS250k-PS1.5M) & Intermediate (PS1.5M-PS4M) Works * Container terminal paving * All other types of paving and hardstandings * Drainage, Lighting, and Mechanical and Electrical Services * Shed Refurbishments: With work including concrete works, cladding and roofing repair * New Small Sheds and Extensions, Canopy Construction or Infills * Earthworks * Retaining Wall installation * Other Civil Engineering projects * Procurement and management of required specialist subcontractors associated with the works * May require Contractor Design Following the market engagement exercise ABP will consider the outcomes. If a decision is to proceed with procurement of a new framework, a procurement strategy will be developed in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, and a compliant procedure will be undertaken to appoint suitably qualified suppliers to the Framework.

Planning Information

The purpose of this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (UK2) is to invite expressions of interest from suppliers to participate in the market consultation exercise. The purpose of the market engagement is to inform potential suppliers of ABP’s upcoming Minor Works Framework opportunity, gather feedback on the proposed lotting structure and scope, and assess market capacity and capability across the Humber, Southampton, and South Wales regions and other ABP Ports. It also aims to encourage participation from a diverse supplier base, including SMEs. Insights and feedback gathered from the early engagement will inform the final procurement strategy. We are particularly interested in the following scope of supply: - Feedback on the proposed lotting structure by region and value band. - Insights into supplier capacity and capability across Humber, Southampton, South Wales and East Anglia. - Understanding any barriers to participation, especially for SMEs. - Suggestions on how to optimise the scope, delivery model, or procurement approach to improve market engagement and value for money. The market engagement exercise will be carried out in phases, each with a different focus. Overview of phases and anticipated timescales: • Phase 1 - Expressions of interest and feedback via questionnaire. • Phase 2 Strategy Testing - this phase will test and seek market feedback on the procurement strategy, proposed lotting, contract strategy and commercial approach. • Phase 3 SME engagement - this is targeted engagement to receive feedback from SMEs and ensure the procurement event is accessible and right sized • Phase 4 - Tender briefing – this phase will provide an overview of the procurement process prior to issuing the contract notice. Following the market engagement exercise ABP will consider the outcomes. If a decision is to proceed a procurement strategy will be developed in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, a compliant procedure will be undertaken to appoint suitably qualified suppliers to the Framework. Additional Information: • Please inform ABP of your interest to participate in the market engagement by registering on the ABP supplier portal which can be accessed using this link ABP Supplier Portal - Home, then navigate to the ‘tenders’ area, select ‘current’ and search for ‘Minor Works Framework’. • Please ensure your organisation is registered to gain access to the briefing documents and questionnaires. In case of queries please email: procurement@abports.co.uk • Further information and communications will be issued to the supply chain via the ABP supplier portal, it is essential to register and express an interest to receive updates. • Interested parties will not be prejudiced by any response or failure to respond this early engagement notice. Nor shall a response to this Early Engagement Notice guarantee an invitation to participate in any future procurement process that ABP conduct. • This Early engagement Notice does not constitute a call for competition to procure any works or services and in not published to reduce time limits for the receipt of tenders. • ABP are not liable for any costs, fees or expenses incurred by any party responding to the Early Engagement Notice or any party who may participated in any future procurement process. • In the event that ABP decides to proceed with any procurement it is assumed this will be carried out in accordance with the procurement regulations enforceable at that time. • This Early Engagement Notice does not constitute any commitment by ABP to undertake any procurement exercise for this project.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059609
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/054747-2025
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

45000000 - Construction work

45233251 - Resurfacing works

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£77,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Sep 20255 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Mar 2026 - 1 Mar 2029 3-4 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
ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS
Contact Name
Daniel Murray
Contact Email
procurement@abports.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
WC2E 9ES
Post Town
Central London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLH1 East Anglia, TLJ32 Southampton, TLL Wales
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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