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Exploratory Research into Automated Pavement Compliance Testing (ACT) to Improve Safety on the Strategic Road Network

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

05 Aug 2026 at 12:27

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The ongoing procurement process, led by National Highways Limited, aims to explore innovative approaches to pavement compliance testing on the Strategic Road Network in England. The preliminary market engagement, tagged under the 'planning' stage, seeks insights into automated testing technologies and their potential to enhance safety and construction quality. This initiative aligns with the organisation's commitment to safety and operational excellence. Businesses are invited to contribute to this research by 31 August 2026. Key locations involved include several regions across the United Kingdom such as UKC, UKD, and UKG, with the process structured as a service procurement with an estimated value of £60,000 to £72,000.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in pavement materials, automated testing technologies, and digital inspection methods. Such companies are well-suited to partake in the exploratory research, which not only fosters innovation but also creates pathways for future collaborations in enhancing road safety and operational quality. Engaging in this procurement process could position businesses at the forefront of technological advancements in road network maintenance, opening doors to future contracts and collaborations with National Highways and potentially impacting the standardised methodology of compliance testing across the nation.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Exploratory Research into Automated Pavement Compliance Testing (ACT) to Improve Safety on the Strategic Road Network

Notice Description

National Highways (NH) is a government owned organisation responsible for operating,, maintaining and improving the Strategic Road Network (SRN) in England. NH is undertaking exploratory research into innovative approaches for pavement compliance testing on the SRN. This work aligns with the Home Safe & Well vision that no one should be harmed while travelling or working on the SRN. Pavement compliance testing is essential to ensure customer safety and the quality of highway renewal works. It is currently estimated that compliance testing activities account for approximately 98,500 work hours on the SRN each year. At present, much of this testing is carried out at night by operatives working adjacent to live traffic, exposing them to significant risks including vehicle incursions and people-plant interface hazards. There is an urgent need to explore and accelerate the adoption of automated compliance tests (ACT) that can remove operatives from high-risk live traffic environments. Early research indicates that such technologies have the potential not only to significantly improve workforce safety, but also to enhance pavement quality, deliver smoother roads, and improve the overall customer experience.

Planning Information

The purpose of this preliminary market engagement is to undertake exploratory research and gather insight from industry on the readiness, capability, and applicability of automated pavement compliance testing solutions. This engagement seeks to understand the state of the art, identify risks and barriers to adoption, and understand opportunities for pilot trials and collaborative innovation. Organisations with experience in pavement materials, automated testing technologies, digital inspection methods, or related research are invited to contribute to this exploratory engagement by completing an online questionnaire, available through the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/D5Q2RMd13x Responses should focus on innovation potential, research collaboration, and early-stage deployment rather than commercial delivery. This notice is issued as part of a Preliminary Market Engagement exercise 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 may be used to inform technical decision-making, standards development, and potential future procurement strategies.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06dc68
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074204-2026
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

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£60,000 Under £100K
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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