Planning

Road Asset Management - Small Works Framework

DFI TRANSPORT AND ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT (TRAM)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

27 Mar 2026 at 10:29

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process, initiated by DfI Transport and Road Asset Management (TRAM) in Belfast, concerns the 'Road Asset Management - Small Works Framework' across Northern Ireland. With a focus on civil engineering works, the contract encompasses a variety of small-scale and responsive works, demanding activities such as road repairs, drainage maintenance, and environmental management. Presently in the planning stage, this framework aims to establish several Measured Term Contracts across eleven distinct areas, including Antrim, Belfast City, and Derry City. Suppliers are currently invited to participate in a Pre Market Engagement exercise to inform future procurement strategies, with questionnaire submissions due by 17 April 2026. Full contract execution is anticipated to commence in February 2028, with procurement planning extending until at least June 2027.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for business growth within the civil engineering and infrastructure sectors, especially for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) adept at managing environmental maintenance and road works. Companies specialising in site preparation, drainage, traffic management, and grounds maintenance will find scope for expansion through participation in this framework. The comprehensive geographical coverage offers diverse opportunities across Northern Ireland, enabling businesses to leverage regional expertise and resources to compete effectively. Furthermore, the framework agreement promises stability and ongoing work, making it an attractive proposition for firms looking to secure long-term projects.

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Notice Title

Road Asset Management - Small Works Framework

Notice Description

The Small Works Framework will encompass the breadth of work activities currently delivered through the Small Scale & Responsive Works and Environmental Maintenance contracts across Northern Ireland. The framework will encompass eleven Measured Term Contracts to deliver Small Works across the following Contract Areas: A. SWF N1 - Antrim & Newtownabbey B. SWF N2 - Mid & East Antrim C. SWF N3 - Causeway Coast & Glens D. SWF E1 - Belfast City E. SWF E2 - Lisburn & Castlereagh F. SWF S1 - Newry, Mourne & Down G. SWF S2 - Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon H. SWF S3 - Ards & North Down I. SWF W1 - Mid Ulster J. SWF W2 - Fermanagh & Omagh K. SWF W3 - Derry City & Strabane Within each Contract Area, the works to be undertaken under contracts from this framework may include the following activities on the public road network: A. Temporary and permanent repairs/patching/reinstatements (typically up to 100m2) of openings and defects in carriageways, footways and cycleways. B. Delivery of temporary traffic management as part of associated works on a live trafficked public road network. C. Cleaning, jetting and inspection of roadside drainage systems. D. Maintaining grass in both urban and rural areas. E. Edge ploughing, scuffling and moss removal from carriageways, footways and cycleways. F. Controlling weed growth. G. Construction and surfacing of carriageways, footways and cycleways. H. Provision, adjustment and maintenance of drainage systems including culvert grilles. I. Provision and adjustment of kerblines. J. Earthworks including verge reconstruction and slope stability. K. Fencing Construction. L. Cut, remove or maintain trees / hedges and associated works*. M. Small network improvement schemes such as traffic calming, traffic management and civils works associated with traffic signal replacements/installations at junctions/crossings. Further ancillary works may be asked of the successful Economic Operator such as: * Provision of compliant Temporary Traffic Management; * Removal of advertising signs; * Cleaning of road signs and marker posts; and * Road marking reinstatement. * DfI is currently exploring the potential inclusion of specific tree surgery activities within the scope of this framework.

Planning Information

As part of this Pre Market Engagement (PME) exercise, interested suppliers are invited to complete a short online questionnaire hosted on the Citizen Space platform. The purpose of this questionnaire is to gather early insight from the market to help inform the development of our proposed requirements and future procurement approach. To participate, please access the PME questionnaire via the following link: https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dfi-1/department-for-infrastructure-ni-transport-roa/ Suppliers should provide their responses through the Citizen Space portal no later than 23:59 on Friday 17 April 2026. All responses will be treated confidentially and used solely to support the planning and design of any potential future procurement. Completion of the questionnaire does not constitute a commitment to participate in any subsequent tender process and does not guarantee inclusion in future procurement opportunities. Any requests for clarification relating to this exercise must be communicated via email to TRAMprocurement@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06761f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/028358-2026
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

77 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services

90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services


CPV Codes

45100000 - Site preparation work

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

45230000 - Construction work for pipelines, communication and power lines, for highways, roads, airfields and railways; flatwork

45233000 - Construction, foundation and surface works for highways, roads

45233290 - Installation of road signs

77310000 - Planting and maintenance services of green areas

77312000 - Weed-clearance services

77314000 - Grounds maintenance services

77340000 - Tree pruning and hedge trimming

90640000 - Gully cleaning and emptying services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Jun 20272 years to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2028 - 31 Jan 2032 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DFI TRANSPORT AND ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT (TRAM)
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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
TLN Northern Ireland, TLN0 Northern Ireland

Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Belfast South and Mid Down

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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