This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

30 Jun 2026 at 11:39

Tender

11 Jun 2026 at 07:44

Summary of the contracting process

Thames Water Utilities Limited is leading a procurement process for a significant framework agreement titled "Digester Inspection and Refurbishment Works." This initiative falls under the construction industry category, related to the oil and gas industry, and aims to address inspection, repair, and refurbishment works of anaerobic digester assets across the Thames Water operational estate in regions such as the UKI and UKJ. The procurement is currently in the tender update stage as of 30 June 2026. The estimated total value of the framework is £70,000,000, with expression of interest deadline set for 16 July 2026. As a private utility, Thames Water is leveraging a competitive flexible procedure for this procurement, looking to establish a selective, multi-supplier framework agreement without guaranteeing minimum workload to any supplier.

The tender offers numerous opportunities for businesses, especially those skilled in delivering complex, safety-critical works within live operational environments. Companies with robust capabilities in inspection, mechanical, electrical, control and instrumentation systems, and refurbishment activities could benefit significantly. The procurement process involves competitive call-offs, requiring potential suppliers to demonstrate their technical capabilities, compliance with safety standards, and innovative approaches to cost-efficiency in their proposals. By participating, businesses can engage in high-value work packages, promoting long-term growth through collaboration with a major player in the UK's water services industry. The framework's structure allows for flexibility in job scopes, making it ideal for firms with a proven track record in multi-site operations and regulatory compliance.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Digester Inspection and Refurbishment Works

Notice Description

Thames Water Utilities Limited intends to establish a single-lot, multi-supplier framework agreement to deliver inspection, repair, refurbishment and upgrade works to anaerobic digester assets and associated infrastructure across its operational estate. Thames Water Utilities Limited intends to establish a single-lot, multi-supplier framework agreement to deliver inspection, repair, refurbishment and upgrade works to anaerobic digester assets and associated infrastructure across its operational estate. The framework will support the ongoing maintenance, regulatory compliance and enhancement of Thames Water's digester portfolio, which forms a critical part of sludge treatment operations. Works will be required across multiple sites and will be delivered as discrete packages or programmes of work called off over the duration of the framework. The scope of services to be delivered under the framework includes, but is not limited to: * Decommissioning, isolation and preparation of digesters for inspection and refurbishment * Removal, treatment and disposal of sludge, grit and associated waste materials in accordance with all applicable regulations * Internal and external inspection of digester structures and associated assets, including provision of inspection reports, defect identification and recommended remedial actions * Cleaning and enabling works required to facilitate inspection and subsequent refurbishment activities * Structural repair and refurbishment of digester assets, including roofs, walls, bases and associated civil infrastructure * Repair, replacement and upgrade of mechanical, electrical, control and instrumentation (MECI/MEICA) systems, including mixing equipment, pipework, valves, heating systems, and control/automation systems * Upgrade works to meet current regulatory, environmental and operational standards, including those relating to emissions control, gas management and asset performance * Temporary works, access solutions, cranage, site establishment and all associated enabling activities required to safely deliver the works * Testing, commissioning, performance validation and handover of refurbished assets * Provision of as-built documentation, asset data, operation and maintenance manuals, and training for operational personnel The nature, scope and value of individual call-off contracts will vary. In many cases, the full extent of refurbishment and upgrade works will only be confirmed following completion of initial decommissioning, cleaning, and detailed inspection activities. As such, works packages may comprise a combination of defined and developing scopes, with suppliers required to work collaboratively with Thames Water to refine and deliver solutions based on inspection findings. The framework is expected to operate across multiple sites within the Thames Water region. Works will need to be carefully planned and executed to ensure continued operational performance of the wider network, including constraints on the number of digesters that can be taken offline at any one time. The estimated aggregate value of contracts awarded under the framework is PS70,000,000. This value is indicative only and does not constitute any guarantee of the volume, value, timing or distribution of work. No minimum workload or exclusivity is guaranteed to any supplier. Suppliers appointed to the framework will be expected to demonstrate capability in delivering complex, safety-critical works within live operational environments, and to work collaboratively with Thames Water to achieve programme objectives, regulatory compliance and value for money. Further detail regarding the scope, technical requirements and contractual arrangements will be set out in the procurement documentation issued at the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The Framework Agreement will be awarded for an initial term of four (4) years. Thames Water Utilities Limited reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend the duration of the Framework Agreement by additional periods of time, subject to a maximum total term of eight (8) years. The exercise of any extension will be at Thames Water Utilities Limited's discretion and will be based on a range of considerations, including: * the satisfactory performance of Framework suppliers against contractual requirements, including delivery, quality, health and safety, and commercial performance;[AL5.1] * the continued suitability of the Framework to meet Thames Water Utilities Limited's operational and strategic requirements; and * value for money and ongoing competitiveness of the Framework arrangements. There is no obligation on Thames Water Utilities Limited to exercise any or all of the extension options

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06b25c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/061143-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work


CPV Codes

45250000 - Construction works for plants, mining and manufacturing and for buildings relating to the oil and gas industry

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£70,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£70,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Jun 20263 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2027 - 1 Feb 2031 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THAMES WATER UTILITIES 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
READING
Postcode
RG1 8DB
Postcode Area
Reading
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ16 Berkshire West
Delivery Location
TLI London, TLJ South East (England)

Local Authority
Reading
Electoral Ward
Thames
Westminster Constituency
Reading Central

Further Information

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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