---
title: "Framework for the provision of a Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works for Build Only and Design & Build"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-067c05"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-067c05"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-067c05.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-067c05.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED"
published: "2026-04-23"
---

# Framework for the provision of a Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works for Build Only and Design & Build

Buyer: SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-067c05

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## Summary

The procurement process led by SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED, in collaboration with HAFREN DYFRDWY CYFYNGEDIG, aims to establish a framework for the provision of Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works, covering both Build Only and Design & Build scopes. With locations spanning across multiple UK regions, this competitive flexible procedure is currently in the tenderUpdate stage as of 23 April 2026, with a response deadline set for 28 April 2026 at 14:00. The procurement category is works related to utilities and construction, with a legal basis under UKPGA 2023/54. Interested parties will undergo a selective procedure starting with Pre-Qualification Questionnaires to shortlist bidders who will further compete in a Request for Proposal phase. Successful bidders will join a framework, enabling allocation of works via mini-competition or direct allocation.

This tender offers significant opportunities for business growth, with substantial scope in tunnelling, drilling, and shaft works. Businesses specialising in construction or utilities, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), are encouraged to express interest. The framework spans 12 years with potential extensions, promising stability and long-term engagement for successful contractors. Potential bidders should possess expertise in tunnelling and drilling techniques, as lots related to shaft works require integrated capability. This opportunity is ideal for businesses ready to demonstrate technical competency alongside competitive commercial offerings through detailed proposal submissions, potentially benefiting from an award framework valued at £1.44 billion.

## Notice

The Utilities requirement is for the provision of a multi lot Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works Framework for the delivery of works as Build Only and Design & Build across the Utilities regions. The Lots are detailed below. B = Build Only, D&B = Design & Build 1 B Pipe Ramming 1 D&B Pipe Ramming 2 B Thrust Boring 2 D&B Thrust Boring 3 B Horizontal Directional Drilling (25-630) 3 D&B Horizontal Directional Drilling (25-630) 4 B Horizontal Directional Drilling (630-1200) 4 D&B Horizontal Directional Drilling (630-1200) 5 B Horizontal Directional Drilling - Rock Drilling (50-500) 5 D&B Horizontal Directional Drilling - Rock Drilling (50-500) 6 B Timber Heading 6 D&B Timber Heading 7 B Micro Tunnelling 7 D&B Micro Tunnelling 8 B Auger Boring 8 D&B Auger Boring 9 B Direct Pipe 9 D&B Direct Pipe 10 B Pipe Jacking 10 D&B Pipe Jacking 11 B Segmental Tunnelling 11 D&B Segmental Tunnelling 12 B Under Pinning (Free Air) 12 D&B Under Pinning (Free Air) 13 B Under Pinning (Compressed Air) 13 D&B Under Pinning (Compressed Air) 14 B Open Caisson Wet 14 D&B Open Caisson Wet 15 B Open Caisson Dry 15 D&B Open Caisson Dry 16 B Sheet Piled Pits 16 D&B Sheet Piled Pits 17 B Timber Shafts 17 D&B Timber Shafts Interested parties are to note; - the Utilities requirements will be predominantly Design & Build. - participants can not bid for a shaft lot in isolation (lots 12-17) they must have drilling/ tunnelling capability. - during tendering bidders will be evaluated and subsequently awarded Lots where bidders have demonstrated the required competency. The Utilities intend to call of works via mini competition or direct allocation where direct allocation allows. Further detail is provided in the PQQ and RFP Briefings and tender documents

### Lot Information

Build Only - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works

The Lots ending "B" require the contractor to deliver the works as Principal Contractor only. Interested parties will have the opportunity to select the specific Lots they want to undertake when invited to tender following expression of interest in this opportunity. TUNNELLING & DRILLING WORKS Lot 1B - PIPE RAMMING Pipe ramming is a trenchless method for horizontally installing steel pipes or casings under obstacles like roads, railways, and rivers by using a pneumatic hammer to drive an open-ended pipe into the ground, displacing soil outwards. This technique is typically used to cross under embankments, road, rail and river links. Lot 2B - THRUST BORING Thrust boring is a trenchless method for installing pipes and conduits (like for utilities) underground without open digging, using a rotating auger inside a steel casing to excavate soil while hydraulic jacks push the casing forward, ideal for going under roads, railways, or buildings. It's a cost-effective, dependable technique for short to medium distances, creating a bore for the final pipe or cable installation, and minimizing surface disruption. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25 -1000 Lot 3B - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (25-630) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25-630 Lot 4B - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (630-1200) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 630-1200 Lot 5B - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING ROCK DRILLING (50-500) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-500 Lot 6B - TIMBER HEADING A timber heading is a traditional, hand-dug tunnelling method using timber supports (sets, headboards, sideboards) to create a safe, short tunnel for installing pipes or cables, especially under busy roads or structures, avoiding major disruption by building around existing underground services. Headings are generally temporary structures where it is not required or economic to provide a more substantial structure. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1000-1500 Lot 7B - MICRO TUNNELLING Micro Tunnelling is a trenchless construction method for installing non man-entry size pipelines that uses a remotely operated, small-diameter tunnel boring machine (MTBM) to excavate underground while simultaneously jacking pipes into place, allowing for precise installation of utility tunnels (like sewers, cables, and conduits) without disturbing the surface above. It's ideal for crossings under railways, roads, and rivers, as it minimizes disruption. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 250-1200 Lot 8B - AUGER BORING Auger Boring is a trenchless construction method that installs pipes or conduits underground by using a rotating helical screw (auger) inside a steel casing to excavate soil, pushing the casing forward and pulling spoil back to a launch pit. It's used to create stable, horizontal tunnels under obstacles like roads, railways, or rivers, minimizing surface disruption and traffic interruption, often called "dry boring" because it doesn't use liquid slurry. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-1500 Lot 9B - DIRECT PIPE Direct Pipe is a trenchless technology that combines micro tunnelling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install pipelines in a single step. It allows for the direct installation of pre-fabricated pipelines without the need for separate pilot hole drilling or pipe stringing, as is common in HDD. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 90-710 Lot 10B - PIPE JACKING Pipe Jacking is a technique for installing man-entry size pipelines using a steerable tunnelling shield (similar to micro tunnelling, which is for non man-entry sized pipes). Typically the pipes are jacked from a drive shaft or pit behind a suitable shield. The pipes are installed using hydraulically powered rams which push off a jacking wall constructed within the drive shaft. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1200-3000 Lot 11B - SEGMENTAL TUNNELLING Segmental Tunnelling is the technique of forming an underground excavation using individual segments or rings by hand or mechanical means and providing a suitable supporting structure such that the excavation forms a permanent, stable and secure opening for the tunnel. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1500-14000 SHAFT WORKS For Lots 12B to 17B Interested parties are to note Bidders cannot bid for a Shaft Lot in isolation, Bidders must have capability to undertake associated tunnelling and or drilling works. See Tunnelling & Drilling Lots 1B to 11B. - All Shafts are concrete - Shaft Diameter Range (nominal internal diameter ms) = 2.44 to 25. - Shaft Depth Range (ms) = 5 to 25. Lot 12B - UNDER PINNING (FREE AIR) Lot 13B - UNDER PINNING COMPRESSED AIR) Lot 14B - OPEN CAISSON WET Lot 15B - OPEN CAISSON DRY Lot 16B - SHEET PILED PITS Lot 17B - TIMBER SHAFTS

Options: Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)

Renewal: Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)

Design & Build - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works

Design & Build - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works The Lots ending "DB" require the contractor to deliver the works as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor. Interested parties will have the opportunity to select the specific Lots they want to undertake when invited to tender following expression of interest in this opportunity. TUNNELLING & DRILLING WORKS Lot 1DB - PIPE RAMMING Pipe ramming is a trenchless method for horizontally installing steel pipes or casings under obstacles like roads, railways, and rivers by using a pneumatic hammer to drive an open-ended pipe into the ground, displacing soil outwards. This technique is typically used to cross under embankments, road, rail and river links. Lot 2DB - THRUST BORING Thrust boring is a trenchless method for installing pipes and conduits (like for utilities) underground without open digging, using a rotating auger inside a steel casing to excavate soil while hydraulic jacks push the casing forward, ideal for going under roads, railways, or buildings. It's a cost-effective, dependable technique for short to medium distances, creating a bore for the final pipe or cable installation, and minimizing surface disruption. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25 -1000 Lot 3DB - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (25-630) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25-630 Lot 4DB - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (630-1200) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 630-1200 Lot 5DB - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING ROCK DRILLING (50-500) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-500 Lot 6DB - TIMBER HEADING A timber heading is a traditional, hand-dug tunnelling method using timber supports (sets, headboards, sideboards) to create a safe, short tunnel for installing pipes or cables, especially under busy roads or structures, avoiding major disruption by building around existing underground services. Headings are generally temporary structures where it is not required or economic to provide a more substantial structure. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1000-1500 Lot 7DB - MICRO TUNNELLING Micro Tunnelling is a trenchless construction method for installing non man-entry size pipelines that uses a remotely operated, small-diameter tunnel boring machine (MTBM) to excavate underground while simultaneously jacking pipes into place, allowing for precise installation of utility tunnels (like sewers, cables, and conduits) without disturbing the surface above. It's ideal for crossings under railways, roads, and rivers, as it minimizes disruption. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 250-1200 Lot 8DB - AUGER BORING Auger Boring is a trenchless construction method that installs pipes or conduits underground by using a rotating helical screw (auger) inside a steel casing to excavate soil, pushing the casing forward and pulling spoil back to a launch pit. It's used to create stable, horizontal tunnels under obstacles like roads, railways, or rivers, minimizing surface disruption and traffic interruption, often called "dry boring" because it doesn't use liquid slurry. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-1500 Lot 9DB - DIRECT PIPE Direct Pipe is a trenchless technology that combines micro tunnelling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install pipelines in a single step. It allows for the direct installation of pre-fabricated pipelines without the need for separate pilot hole drilling or pipe stringing, as is common in HDD. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 90-710 Lot 10DB - PIPE JACKING Pipe Jacking is a technique for installing man-entry size pipelines using a steerable tunnelling shield (similar to micro tunnelling, which is for non man-entry sized pipes). Typically the pipes are jacked from a drive shaft or pit behind a suitable shield. The pipes are installed using hydraulically powered rams which push off a jacking wall constructed within the drive shaft. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1200-3000 Lot 11DB - SEGMENTAL TUNNELLING Segmental Tunnelling is the technique of forming an underground excavation using individual segments or rings by hand or mechanical means and providing a suitable supporting structure such that the excavation forms a permanent, stable and secure opening for the tunnel. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1500-14000 SHAFT WORKS For Lots 12DB to 17DB Interested parties are to note Bidders cannot bid for a Shaft Lot in isolation, Bidders must have capability to undertake associated tunnelling and or drilling works. See Tunnelling & Drilling Lots 1DB to 11DB. - All Shafts are concrete - Shaft Diameter Range (nominal internal diameter ms) = 2.44 to 25. - Shaft Depth Range (ms) = 5 to 25. Lot 12DB - UNDER PINNING (FREE AIR) Lot 13DB - UNDER PINNING COMPRESSED AIR) Lot 14DB - OPEN CAISSON WET Lot 15DB - OPEN CAISSON DRY Lot 16DB - SHEET PILED PITS Lot 17DB - TIMBER SHAFTS

Options: Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)

Renewal: Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037063-2026 |
| Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Works |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Competitive flexible procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 23 Apr 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 15 Apr 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 29 Sep 2026 - 29 Sep 2038 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £1,200,000,000 |
| Lots value | £1,200,000,000 |
| 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 | SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED |
| Additional buyers | HAFREN DYFRDWY CYFYNGEDIG |
| Locality | COVENTRY |
| Post town | Coventry |
| Postcode | CV1 2LZ |
| Country | Wales |
| ITL 1 | TLL Wales |
| ITL 2 | TLL3 North Wales |
| ITL 3 | TLL34 Flintshire and Wrexham |
| Local authority | Wrexham |
| Electoral ward | Ponciau |
| Westminster constituency | Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr |
| Delivery location | TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England), TLL Wales |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 45 - Construction work
- 65 - Public utilities
- 76 - Services related to the oil and gas industry

### Codes

- 45000000 - Construction work
- 65000000 - Public utilities
- 76000000 - Services related to the oil and gas industry

## Release History

- 23 Apr 2026 at 12:09 - TenderUpdate - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037063-2026
- 2 Apr 2026 at 13:57 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031005-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037063-2026
  23rd April 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031005-2026
  2nd April 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://portal.us.bn.cloud.ariba.com/dashboard/public/appext/comsapsbncdiscoveryui#/RfxEvent/preview/1110008752?anId=ANONYMOUS
- https://www.hdcymru.com
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.severntrent.com

## Provenance

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