Planning

Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) - Specialist Technical and Professional Services Framework (STaPS)

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Planning

22 May 2026 at 11:16

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
PlanningUpdate

18 May 2026 at 09:44

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

15 May 2026 at 15:43

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) - Specialist Technical and Professional Services Framework (STaPS) is being spearheaded by National Highways Limited, a central government public authority based in Birmingham, United Kingdom. This planned procurement aims to establish a comprehensive framework to deliver technical consultancy, engineering advice, and various professional services related to roads and infrastructure associated with the LTC project. The procurement is currently in the planning stage, with a pre-tender market engagement scheduled for 10 June 2026. Following this, an invitation to tender is expected in July 2026. A substantive offer period will commence shortly after, with a projected contract award by December 2026 and an operational start date of 1 January 2027. The total contract value is anticipated to be £20 million, delivered through a competitive flexible procedure under a Regulated Asset Base (RAB) financing model.

This procurement presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in engineering consultancy, particularly those with expertise in highways and infrastructure. Companies with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, health and safety, and innovative engineering solutions will find this tender particularly relevant. The framework supports SMEs and offers a structured environment for delivering long-term infrastructure solutions, providing businesses with a platform to grow through substantial government-backed projects. Engaging in this process enables firms to contribute to critical national infrastructure while securing lasting contractual partnerships with National Highways Limited.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) - Specialist Technical and Professional Services Framework (STaPS)

Notice Description

This procurement is being conducted by National Highways Ltd. as current promoter of A122 Lower Thames Crossing. However, in the 2025 autumn budget statement the Government announced that it has committed to providing public funding to complete the publicly-funded works for the Lower Thames Crossing, the final tranche of government support to enable the private sector to take forward construction and long-term operation of the Lower Thames Crossing. The government's preferred financing option at this stage is the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model which will assume some or all of the functions, rights and liabilities of National Highways Ltd for the construction and long-term operation of the A122 Lower Thames Crossing and any other associated assets within such a Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model (or other financing option used). National Highways is looking to establish a framework for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) project, to provide technical consultancy, engineering advice, research and innovation for roads, structures (including tunnel), highway infrastructure, operations, environmental sustainability and health & safety. Also the evaluation and review of, projects, policies and standards, including post implementation. The services required have been listed under the following headings: a) Engineering and Standards b) Operations Maintenance c) Environmental Sustainability d) Customer Behaviour, Health & Safety and Communications e) Planning Policy, Organisational Support & Governance.

Planning Information

Purpose of Engagement: An initial pre-tender briefing session to give an introduction and overview to National Highways and the Lower Thames Crossing Project, and an opportunity for potential bidders to provide feedback on the draft scope of works, tender submission requirements, framework, indicative timescales and answer any questions. Proposed Activities: Supplier Meeting Date for Engagement: 10:00 AM on 10 June 2026 Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting Responding to this Notice Respond with your name, title and contact email addresses for up to two attendees per supplier to ancillaryprocurement@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk Response Deadline: By 5 PM on Friday 05 June 2026 Next Steps: Market Engagement Pre-Tender Briefing – 10 June 2026 Invitation to Tender – July 2026 Tender Period (30 Days) – July / August 2026 Contract Award –December 2026 Contract Start - 01 January 2027

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069a5f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047777-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

71311210 - Highways consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£16,666,666 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
6 Jul 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 31 Dec 2032 Over 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
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BIRMINGHAM
Postcode
B4 6GA
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG31 Birmingham
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Birmingham
Electoral Ward
Ladywood
Westminster Constituency
Birmingham Ladywood

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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