Planning

Dorset Highways Contractor Resource (Top up labour) Framework

DORSET COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

16 Apr 2026 at 10:18

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

16 Apr 2026 at 09:56

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process stated in this preliminary market engagement notice is organised by Dorset Council, which acts as the buying organisation alongside Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. The titled project, "Dorset Highways Contractor Resource (Top up labour) Framework," belongs to the construction and highways industry category, focusing on the provision of traffic management, skilled and semi-skilled highway maintenance operatives, and specialist trades. This initiative targets locations within Dorset, inclusive of the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole areas, categorised under regions UKK25 and UKK24 in the United Kingdom. Currently at the planning stage, interested parties can engage in the market engagement exercise until 30th April 2026, with the framework expected to start on 14th June 2026 and last for four years. The exercise welcomes feedback to refine the procurement strategy, making this an ideal time for businesses to prepare for participation.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for business growth for companies specialising in construction, traffic management, and trades such as masonry, carpentry, welding, and more. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are also encouraged to participate, given the framework's suitability for such organisations. With a gross value of £30,240,000, it presents lucrative potential for businesses to secure long-term contracts that contribute substantially to infrastructure development in the region. The framework's division into four lots provides flexibility for businesses of various sizes and specialisations to find the most appropriate segment to bid on. Additionally, this procurement process incorporates a framework agreement, allowing winning bidders to benefit from renewed and extended contract opportunities in the future, enhancing the prospect for sustained business development.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Dorset Highways Contractor Resource (Top up labour) Framework

Notice Description

Dorset Council is to set up a framework for the provision of labour support including traffic management, skilled and semi-skilled highway maintenance operatives, LGV drivers and specialist trades (bricklayer/ stone mason, carpenter/ shuttering carpenter, welder, blacksmith, steel fixer, kerb layer, slab and block layer). These roles will support the delivery of highway maintenance and construction projects in the Dorset area (including the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area). The framework will be split into 4 lots.

Planning Information

This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is not a call for competition. It is being published to give notice to the market of an upcoming procurement. Dorset Council is undertaking early market engagement, with the aim of providing information to and requesting feedback from the market, about aspects of the Council's procurement strategy for the provision of labour support including traffic management, skilled and semi-skilled highway maintenance operatives, LGV drivers and specialist trades (bricklayer/ stone mason, carpenter/ shuttering carpenter, welder, blacksmith, steel fixer, kerb layer, slab and block layer). These roles will support the delivery of highway maintenance and construction projects in the Dorset area (including the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area). Any procurement will be carried out in accordance with relevant Procurement Regulations. Dorset Council may commence one or more procurements in respect of this notice subject to final scope and structure, but also reserves the right not to commence any procurement in respect of this notice. Dorset Council shall not be liable for any losses incurred by any party as a result of reliance on the information contained/linked herein. The procurement has traditionally been split into nine individual Lots but from experience, it is considered that this may be rationalised into 4 Lots (consisting of Traffic management/ Specialist Trades/ skilled and semi-skilled highways operatives/ LGV Drivers). Any arrangements are proposed to be in place by June 2026; and will last for a proposed initial period of 4 years. The information contained in this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is preliminary in nature and may be subject to further amendment and revision. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, will be made and no liability is, or will be, accepted by the Council as to the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of this document. Any liability however arising is expressly disclaimed. No expense in responding to this market engagement will be reimbursed by the Council. Any arrangement is proposed to commence on the 14th June 2026; and will last for a proposed initial period of 4 years. We envisage that the market engagement will feed into the requirements and as such, we reserve the right to alter the above information for the benefit of both Dorset Council and the market. If organisations wish to participate in this market engagement exercise, please request a copy of the EOI form from Dorset Procurement at dp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. The deadline for requests for the form is 28th April 2026.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0683dc
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034577-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
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

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

45223210 - Structural steelworks

45233100 - Construction work for highways, roads

45233120 - Road construction works

45233130 - Construction work for highways

45233141 - Road-maintenance works

45262500 - Masonry and bricklaying work

45420000 - Joinery and carpentry installation work

63712700 - Traffic control services

71550000 - Blacksmith services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£25,200,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
11 May 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
13 Jun 2026 - 13 Jun 2030 4-5 years
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
DORSET COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

BOURNEMOUTH, CHRISTCHURCH AND POOLE 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
DORCHESTER
Postcode
DT1 1XJ
Post Town
Dorchester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK6 North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK63 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Delivery Location
TLK24 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, TLK25 Dorset
Local Authority
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Electoral Ward
Bournemouth Central
Westminster Constituency
Bournemouth West

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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