---
title: "DfI TRAM Road Asset Management - Surface Dressing Framework"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05a99b"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05a99b"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a99b.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a99b.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "DFI TRANSPORT AND ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT (TRAM)"
published: "2025-11-18"
---

# DfI TRAM Road Asset Management - Surface Dressing Framework

Buyer: DFI TRANSPORT AND ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT (TRAM)  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05a99b

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## Summary

The Department for Infrastructure – Transport and Road Asset Management (TRAM) in Belfast has initiated a tender for the "DfI TRAM Road Asset Management - Surface Dressing Framework." This procurement, currently at the tender update stage, is aimed at establishing a multi-contractor, multi-lot framework to undertake surface dressing works, applicable under the Northern Irish devolved regulations. The project encompasses several regions including Newry, Mourne and Down, and areas within Belfast, with each lot valued up to £750k. The tender process follows an open procedure in alignment with the Procurement Act 2023 and is underpinned by an active status. Key deadlines include a submission end date on 13th January 2026, with the framework award projected for April 2026, and operations commencing in May 2027 for a total estimated contract value of £80m (ex VAT), which may extend to £100m contingent on framework extensions.

This framework represents significant business growth opportunities, particularly for firms specialising in engineering and construction works, specifically surface work for roads. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to apply, with selection criteria focusing on a combination of price, quality, and social value, allocating 70%, 20%, and 10% respectively. The framework allows for participation of primary and reserve suppliers across different lots, with the potential for shared value across lots and further opportunities for collaboration given the framework's multi-lot nature. Additionally, this project aligns with ongoing policy developments towards sustainability and net-zero targets, prompting businesses with innovative, environment-friendly solutions to also partake.

## Notice

This tender notice is for the award of a public contract through an open procedure in accordance with section 20(1) and (2)(a) of the PA 2023. The Department for Infrastructure - Transport and Road Asset Management (TRAM) intends to establish a multi-contractor, multi-lot framework, for the delivery of Surface Dressing. The Framework will include the following work activities: application of surface dressing, associated road markings, delivery of temporary traffic management as part of associated civils works on live trafficked public roads, and other associated ancillary works. The Framework will comprise of seven Area Lots (1-7). A Measured Term Contract (MTC) Call-Off will be awarded for each Area Lot as listed below. Each MTC will deliver surface dressing works commissioned through Works Orders, each with a value of up to PS750k. Area Lots are: SDF S2 - Newry, Mourne and Down / Ards and North Down; SDF W2 - Derry and Strabane / Fermanagh and Omagh; SDF S1 - Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon; SDF W1 - Mid Ulster; SDF N1 - Causeway Coast and Glens; SDF N2 - Mid and East Antrim / Antrim and Newtownabbey; SDF E1 - Belfast / Lisburn and Castlereagh. Framework award is expected to be in April 2026. However, works under the MTC Call-Off Contracts are not anticipated to commence until the 2027 Surface Dressing season, likely to commence in May 2027. This Framework will deliver works from Call-Off contracts with an overall cumulative value of PS80m (ex VAT) over the four year term. If the Contracting Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under the Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the overall cumulative value to PS100m (ex VAT).

### Lot Information

SDF S2 (Newry, Mourne & Down / North Down & Ards)

ICC Measured Term Contract for Surface Dressing works within the Newry, Mourne & Down / North Down & Ards contract area (individual Works Orders valued up to PS750k). The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of PS18m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new Framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to PS22.5m (ex VAT).

Options: Framework Lot values may be shared with other Lots.

SDF W2 (Derry & Strabane / Fermanagh & Omagh)

ICC Measured Term Contract for Surface Dressing works within the Derry & Strabane / Fermanagh & Omagh contract area (individual Works Orders valued up to PS750k). The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of PS17m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new Framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to PS21.25m (ex VAT).

Options: Framework Lot values may be shared with other Lots.

SDF S1 (Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon)

ICC Measured Term Contract for Surface Dressing works within the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon contract area (individual Works Orders valued up to PS750k). The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of PS12m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new Framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to PS15m (ex VAT).

Options: Framework Lot values may be shared with other Lots.

SDF W1 (Mid Ulster N & S)

ICC Measured Term Contract for Surface Dressing works within the Mid Ulster North & South contract area (individual Works Orders valued up to PS750k). The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of PS12m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new Framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to PS15m (ex VAT).

Options: Framework Lot values may be shared with other Lots.

SDF N1 (Causeway Coast & Glens E & W)

ICC Measured Term Contract for Surface Dressing works within the Causeway Coast & Glens East & West contract area (individual Works Orders valued up to PS750k). The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of PS9m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new Framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to PS11.25m (ex VAT).

Options: Framework Lot values may be shared with other Lots.

SDF N2 (Mid & East Antrim / Antrim & Newtownabbey)

ICC Measured Term Contract for Surface Dressing works within the Mid & East Antrim / Antrim & Newtownabbey contract area (individual Works Orders valued up to PS750k). The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of PS8m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new Framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to PS10m (ex VAT).

Options: Framework Lot values may be shared with other Lots.

SDF E1 (Belfast N / Belfast S / Lisburn & Castlereagh)

ICC Measured Term Contract for Surface Dressing works within the Belfast North / Belfast South / Lisburn & Castlereagh contract area (individual Works Orders valued up to PS750k). The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of PS4m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new Framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to PS5m (ex VAT).

Options: Framework Lot values may be shared with other Lots.

### Planning Information

As part of the Department for Infrastructure’s (DfI) Procurement Enhancement Programme (PEP), a comprehensive procurement strategy was developed to support the efficient and cost-effective delivery of road asset maintenance across Northern Ireland. This strategy encompasses a range of road maintenance and improvement works, including Surface Dressing, with individual project values up to £5 million.
To ensure the strategy was informed by industry insight and stakeholder needs, DfI undertook a structured Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) process between June 2022 and January 2023. This engagement involved consultation with internal stakeholders and the wider market to align procurement approaches with current capabilities and expectations.
The feedback gathered during this PME directly shaped the final Procurement Strategy, which was published on 31 March 2023. Responses to stakeholder input are detailed in Appendix A of the strategy document.
Further details on the Procurement Strategy, the PME process and outcome, are available in the published documentation which can be found here: 
www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/department-infrastructure-roads-works-and-maintenance-procurement-enhancement-programme
Although the Framework is expected to be awarded in March 2026, works under the MTC call-off contracts are not anticipated to commence until the 2027 Surface Dressing season, expected to start in May 2027.
It is currently anticipated that the Surface Dressing Framework tender competition will be published via eTendersNI in October 2025.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074940-2025 |
| Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Works |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning, Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 18 Nov 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 13 Jan 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2030 |
| Recurrence | 2029-11-01 |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £100,000,000 |
| Lots value | £100,000,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Active |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DFI TRANSPORT AND ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT (TRAM) |
| Locality | BELFAST, |
| Post town | Northern Ireland |
| Postcode | BT7 2JA |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| ITL 1 | TLN Northern Ireland |
| ITL 2 | TLN0 Northern Ireland |
| ITL 3 | TLN06 Belfast |
| Local authority | Belfast |
| Electoral ward | Central |
| Westminster constituency | Belfast South and Mid Down |
| Delivery location | TLN0 Northern Ireland |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 45 - Construction work

### Codes

- 45220000 - Engineering works and construction works
- 45233200 - Various surface works
- 45233220 - Surface work for roads

## Release History

- 18 Nov 2025 at 16:30 - TenderUpdate - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074940-2025
- 18 Nov 2025 at 16:13 - TenderUpdate - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074918-2025
- 6 Nov 2025 at 11:00 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071538-2025
- 7 Oct 2025 at 13:19 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062899-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074940-2025
  18th November 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074918-2025
  18th November 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071538-2025
  6th November 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062899-2025
  7th October 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
- https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
- https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/articles/account-ni-good-invoicing-practice
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05a99b. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a99b.json.