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Validating and supplying precast VRS foundations that meet VRS and drainage standards.

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

05 Aug 2026 at 12:26

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

National Highways Limited is undertaking a procurement process focused on the design and validation of precast foundations for Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS), aligning with drainage standards. The project aims to address the design clash issues between VRS and drainage systems, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The opportunity is situated in the United Kingdom, covering regions including UKC, UKD, UKF, and others. Currently in the planning stage, this procurement is set under the initiation type of a 'tender,' with a significant milestone being a market engagement exercise due by 31st August 2026. Communication regarding the future notice is anticipated by 5th October 2026. The contract, valued at £150,000, is planned to commence on 1st December 2026, running until 31st March 2027.

This tender presents substantial growth opportunities for businesses specialising in design and execution of research and development, particularly those capable of innovating in precast concrete solutions for infrastructure projects. It is particularly well-suited for SMEs with expertise in producing elements compliant with BS EN 1317 standards and those capable of modelling drainage impact. With an opportunity to contribute to a pivotal sector in public infrastructure, businesses engaging in this tender can enhance their portfolio by delivering efficient, sustainable solutions for National Highways, thus potentially accessing further government contract opportunities.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Validating and supplying precast VRS foundations that meet VRS and drainage standards.

Notice Description

National Highways is a government owned organisation responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England. National Highways is looking to secure the provision of a single supplier to develop a solution to Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) / drainage design clash by validating precast foundations that improve maintenance efficiency, safety and reduce carbon. The design clash between the VRS and drainage systems relates to the restriction of placing VRS foundations within fin / filter drains, which would restrict the capacity of the drains. The solution proposed is for a precast concrete foundation to support the VRS across the filter drain, which would minimise the works required to conduct the maintenance activities. The additional benefit would be that the new foundations should be able to use the new VRS systems, with greater spacing between posts. This solution should lead to less materials required in the construction of new sections of VRS, and less wastage of materials during maintenance activities. The expected outcomes of this project would be: * Design and checking of precast elements that could function as VRS foundations, which have the ability to span typical filter drains and accommodate a variety of VRS post spacings. * Production of these precast elements to form prototypes that can be tested to the requirements of BS EN 1317 * Concise construction methodologies for installing the precast VRS foundation, as well as for maintenance activities for the filter drains under the foundation * Modelling of the drainage, to ascertain the impact of the precast VRS foundation on the capacity of the drainage system

Planning Information

The purpose of this Market Engagement exercise is to understand market capability and potential delivery approaches for designing validating, testing and supplying precast VRS foundations that meet VRS and Drainage Standards. Interested suppliers are invited to complete an on-line questionnaire which can be accessed via the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/kUZzJGRULj This notice is issued as part of a Preliminary Market Engagement under the Procurement Act 2023. Participation does not constitute a commitment to procure or award any contract, nor does it provide any guarantee of involvement in future commercial opportunities. Information gathered will be used to support technical decision-making, standards development, and potential future procurement strategies.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06dc66
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074200-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
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

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73300000 - Design and execution of research and development

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Aug 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
5 Oct 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 1-6 months
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
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
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
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

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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