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Water, Wastewater and Ancillary Services

YPO

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

08 May 2026 at 09:24

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO), in collaboration with its partners, Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation and West Mercia Energy, is in the planning stage for a procurement titled "Water, Wastewater and Ancillary Services". This procurement is aimed at establishing a Utilities Framework Agreement intended for public sector bodies throughout the United Kingdom. The framework aims to ensure access to high-quality water services and is compliant with the Procurement Act 2023. YPO seeks to engage suppliers for a preliminary market engagement, with feedback being solicited from the industry to help shape the future framework. The engagement is scheduled to be completed by 30th June 2026. Businesses have the opportunity to participate in sessions that will occur either remotely or in-person, depending on availability.

This procurement provides an excellent growth opportunity for businesses within the water retail market, especially those capable of innovating and offering sustainable solutions. SMEs and VCSEs are particularly encouraged to participate, as the framework involves high-value contracts with an estimated gross amount of £3,600 million and has a planned contract period starting from 1st September 2027. Engaging in this process allows businesses to collaborate on delivering services that are not only compliant with current legislation but also innovative and efficient. Companies with capabilities in water distribution, public utilities, and those focused on delivering social value and sustainability will find this a fitting opportunity to expand their public sector market presence.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Water, Wastewater and Ancillary Services

Notice Description

YPO and its Collaborative Partners are embarking on preliminary market engagement to shape a compliant and effective route to market for the procurement of Utilities Framework Agreement for the supply of Water, Wastewater, and Ancillary Services across all public sector bodies, in alignment with the Procurement Act 2023. This initiative represents the third evolution of the framework, building on the foundations of previous iterations established under the now superseded Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The objective is clear: to deliver a streamlined solution that ensures public sector organisations have access to a high-quality, reliable water retailer. By engaging early with the market, YPO and its Collaborative Partners seeks to foster innovation, encourage competition, and secure best value, while maintaining full compliance with the latest legislative requirements. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a solution that not only complies the legislative framework for public sector procurement but also drives sustainability, efficiency, and excellence in service delivery for the public sector.

Planning Information

YPO and its Collaborative Partners is seeking feedback from suppliers within the water retail market to help shape the next iteration of our framework. Our aim is to ensure the solution is fully fit-for-purpose for public sector customers, enabling them to access high-quality services with confidence and ease. To achieve this, we invite suppliers to engage with us on the following key areas: • Expanding the scope: identifying opportunities to broaden service coverage and enhance value. • Reviewing Terms and Conditions: ensuring clarity, fairness, and compliance with the Procurement Act 2023. • Discussing market conditions: sharing insights on current challenges and opportunities within the sector. • Exploring the price element: considering approaches that balance affordability with sustainability. • Delivering Social Value and Sustainability: reviewing options to embed meaningful social, environmental, and community benefits. • Potential routes to market: evaluating pathways that encourage competition and innovation. • Innovation and technology: identifying solutions that drive efficiency and future-proof service delivery. • Mechanisms for call-offs: discussing practical approaches to ensure flexibility and responsiveness for public sector customers. Through this engagement, YPO and its Collaborative Partners aims to co-create a solution that not only meets statutory requirements but also delivers excellence, innovation, and long-term value for the public sector. Sessions will take place remotely (via Microsoft Teams) or in-person, depending on the availability and capacity. Please contact Maria Hadro at energy@ypo.co.uk to request the Request for Information (RFI) document and to arrange availability for a PME session.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069421
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042264-2026
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, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

65 - Public utilities

CPV Codes

65000000 - Public utilities

65100000 - Water distribution and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£3,000,000,000 £1B-£10B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 May 20264 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Feb 20275 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2031 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
YPO
Additional Buyers

Espo

West Mercia Energy

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WAKEFIELD
Postcode
WF2 0XE
Postcode Area
Wakefield
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE4 West Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE45 Wakefield
Delivery Location
TLE45 Wakefield, TLF21 Leicester, TLG2 Shropshire and Staffordshire
Local Authority
Wakefield
Electoral Ward
Wrenthorpe and Outwood West
Westminster Constituency
Wakefield and Rothwell

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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