Planning

Damboard Replacement

HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

26 Mar 2026 at 17:07

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

12 Mar 2026 at 16:10

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Hartlepool Borough Council has announced the "Damboard Replacement" project focusing on marine construction works in Hartlepool, United Kingdom. The project is currently in the planning stage, with a soft market testing exercise scheduled to conclude on 9th June 2026. The initiative aims to replace the existing damboard system at HMS Trincomalee's graving dock, located at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool. This is part of ongoing maintenance to enhance operational safety and resilience. Participation in the soft market testing is voluntary, providing suppliers with an opportunity to gain visibility and contribute feedback before formal procurement commences. The project is scheduled to start in September 2027 and end by February 2028. Industry classifications include public authority sub-central government and marine construction works.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in marine construction, engineering solutions, and heritage conservation work. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are particularly encouraged to engage, given their suitability for this type of work around historic maritime settings. The business opportunities include providing engineering solutions such as stop-log or fixed wall systems to improve water management and operational safety. Involvement in the soft market testing will allow firms to not only influence the project's design phase but also position themselves strategically for future procurement processes. Businesses with experience in resilience improvements or working within historical environments will find this project particularly aligned with their expertise. The focus on engagement ahead of procurement reflects an intent to cultivate innovative responses from the market, paving the way for potential growth and competitive advantage.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Damboard Replacement

Notice Description

The project involves the replacement of the existing Damboard system with a new engineered. Stop-log and fixed wall solutions are being considered to improve operational safety, resilience and water-level management.

Planning Information

Damboard Project - OPEN2026545 Soft Market Testing Process Description 1. Introduction and Background The Damboard Replacement Project is being undertaken at HMS Trincomalee's graving dock, located within the historic dock environment at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool. The project aims to replace the existing damboard system, which provides essential water retention and vessel protection functions, with two potential engineering solutions currently under review: a new stop log system or a fixed wall structure. These works form part of the ongoing maintenance and resilience improvements required to safeguard the dock infrastructure and ensure the long term preservation of this significant heritage vessel and its surrounding maritime setting. Participation in this Soft Market Testing (SMT) exercise is voluntary and will not be used for pre selection or evaluation during any future procurement. However, suppliers may find it beneficial to engage at this early stage to gain visibility of the project, provide feedback that may inform the development of the requirements, and better understand the context of any future opportunity. The Client also intends to use this SMT to gauge the level of market interest in the project and understand supplier capability and appetite ahead of any subsequent procurement. 2. Purpose and Scope of the Engagement Hartlepool Borough Council is undertaking a Soft Market Testing (SMT) exercise to inform the development of the Damboard Replacement Project. The aim is to obtain early market feedback on the feasibility, methodologies, programme implications, and likely cost ranges associated with two potential solutions currently under consideration: • Option 1 - Stop Log Solution (Damboard Replacement) • Option 2 - Fixed Wall Solution The outcomes of this engagement will be used to inform the decision-making process prior to progressing to formal procurement. This SMT does not constitute a call for competition, nor will it be used to pre qualify or shortlist suppliers for a future procurement exercise. 3. Engagement Approach and Activities The engagement consists of a single-stage information and response period. Suppliers will be provided with: • A brief including timetable and how to respond • Design information for both options • Required Cost information templates • A form with general questions related to procurement, programme, methodology, etc. Suppliers will be invited to submit: • Completed Cost information • Completed form No commercial negotiations will take place as part of this engagement. 4. Locations and Dates of Engagement Activities The programme provided is subject to change. • 12 May 2026: All SMT documentation will be issued electronically. No physical meetings are planned. All engagement will be conducted digitally. • 09 June 2026: All responses must be submitted by this date. 5. Instructions for Submitting Expressions of Interest Suppliers wishing to participate in this Soft Market Testing exercise can e-mail emma.armstrong@hartlepool.gov.uk and you will be notified once the SMT is published. 6. Instructions for Submitting Clarification Questions All clarification questions must be submitted via the OPEN procurement portal Correspondence messaging function. Responses to all clarifications will be issued to all participating suppliers, to ensure equal treatment. The tender reference on OPEN is OPEN2026545. To register on OPEN, go to; https://www.open-uk.org/ 7. Instructions for Submitting SMT Responses Full and detailed instructions for submitting responses as part of the Soft Market Testing (SMT) exercise will be issued on the day the SMT documents are released on OPEN via OPEN2026545. These instructions will include the required response formats, submission method, and any supporting templates. Please note that we are currently finalising the SMT strategy and associated documents. As such, the approach and requirements may be updated prior to release, and the Client reserves the right to amend the submission process without prior notice to ensure the SMT is conducted effectively and in line with project needs. Suppliers are therefore advised to review the final documents carefully upon publication, as the notice serves only as an initial outline of the intended process. 8. Confidentiality All responses will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of informing the development of the Damboard Project. Participation in this SMT does not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement exercise. 9. Conclusion Looking ahead, the outcomes of this Soft Market Testing exercise will help inform the Client's decision on the preferred engineering solution and the subsequent procurement approach. Subject to the findings, funding and internal approvals, the project is expected to progress toward detailed design development and a future procurement process for delivery.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0668ce
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/028182-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45244000 - Marine construction works

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Mar 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
9 Jun 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
9 Sep 2027 - 10 Feb 2028 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
HARTLEPOOL
Postcode
TS24 8AY
Post Town
Cleveland
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC3 Tees Valley
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC31 Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
Delivery Location
TLC11 Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
Local Authority
Hartlepool
Electoral Ward
Victoria
Westminster Constituency
Hartlepool

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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