Scope
Reference
Prj_7033
Description
The objective of the tender is to select Specialist service providers who are capable of providing services for a maximum of 3 Lots, to enable SWS, at its election, to award work within a pool of pre-qualified service providers without the need to embark on a formal Procurement Act 23 process at individual project level.
To facilitate this, the intention is that the successful bidders will be awarded a place on the Technology Services Specialist Framework Agreement.
SWS will retain the right to compete work outside the pool of pre-qualified service providers (i.e. Procurement Act '23 process) where appropriate (e.g. where the pre-qualified service providers do not have the capability to deliver the services required by SWS or the price secured within the pool is not judged by SWS to be market competitive).
Some of the key objectives of the framework include:
• Establish a single route to market that covers requirements that Southern Water has for Technology Services Specialist providers and resources
• Support quick access to the right resources, in order to support Digital project objectives and deliver ongoing "run" activities
• Modernise contracts
• Increasing the use of outcome-based delivery and managed services
• Deliver the optimum selection of specialist partners
• Support the Digital transformation agenda, including the best partners for future roadmap; updated and flexible engagement models incl. managed services and suppliers aligned to target operating model
• Provide routes to market for Change Portfolio requirements
A key objective of this procurement process for Southern Water is to deliver the optimum selection of specialist partners. We would like to select and work with suppliers, who have deep capabilities in particular areas and domain expertise.
Suppliers can bid on multiple Lots relevant to their capabilities up to a maximum of 3 Lots.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £360,000,000 excluding VAT
- £432,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 3 July 2026 to 2 July 2029
- Possible extension to 2 July 2034
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
The procedure will follow the standard Open Framework model as described under The Procurement Act 2023.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Lot 1. Customer & Corporate
Description
SWS seek specialist partners providing deep expertise in Customer & Corporate platforms such as SAP ECC/CRM/BAS, ServiceNow, web channels, and supporting corporate systems. Focused on targeted enhancements, engineering, analysis, support and automation, enabling high‑quality improvements and domain‑specific capability across customer and corporate processes.
Estimated Lot Value £2m to £5m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £40,000,000 excluding VAT
- £48,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Wholesale
Description
SWS seek specialist partners providing deep expertise in Wholesale platforms and OT‑adjacent technologies-Maximo, ArcGIS, PI, ThingWorx and bespoke operational apps. Focused on targeted engineering, enhancements, data‑driven improvements, smart asset/smart network enablement, and modernisation of legacy systems to elevate operational performance and field service experience.
Estimated Lot Value £4m to £8m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £64,000,000 excluding VAT
- £76,800,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Data & Analytics & AI
Description
SWS seek specialist partners providing deep expertise in data engineering, analytics, BI development, governance and emerging AI capabilities. Focused on targeted delivery of pipelines, models, visualisation, semantic layer enablement, data quality, cataloguing and domain‑specific insights - accelerating the organisation's shift to data‑driven operations and AI‑ready platforms.
Estimated Lot Value £2m to £4m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £32,000,000 excluding VAT
- £38,400,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4a. Integration
Description
SWS seek specialist partners to deliver targeted, high‑quality integration services across Southern Water's digital estate, enhancing and modernising integrations built on WebMethods, SAP PI/PO, API Gateway, MFT and FME. This Lot requires deep technical expertise to design and engineer scalable integrations, reduce technical debt, strengthen API and data security, modernise legacy ESB patterns, and enable cloud‑ready, microservice‑aligned integration approaches - supporting platform teams, improving B2B connectivity and accelerating safe, reliable change.
Estimated Lot Value £1m to £2m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £16,000,000 excluding VAT
- £19,200,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4b. Automation
Description
SWS seek specialist partners to accelerate automation and AI adoption across Southern Water, delivering high‑quality, scalable automations across Power Platform, RPA tools, Alteryx, Purview‑aligned governance and emerging AI agentic capabilities. This Lot focuses on expert design, build and support of automation solutions, reducing manual effort in systems like Maximo, SAP, ArcGIS and Workday, while helping to mature the Automation & AI CoE through education, enablement, standards, reusable components and responsible AI practices.
Estimated Lot Value £1m to £2m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £16,000,000 excluding VAT
- £19,200,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5. Digital Workspace & Colloboration
Description
SWS seek specialist partners providing deep expertise in digital workplace technologies, delivering targeted engineering, automation, low‑code solutions, migration support and optimisation across Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, Windows 11, VDI and collaboration tools. Focus is on shaping user experience, enhancing productivity, modernising legacy estates, enabling citizen developers, and supporting niche workplace capabilities needed across diverse user personas and operational environments.
Estimated Lot Value £1m to £3m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £24,000,000 excluding VAT
- £28,800,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 6. Networks, Compute & Cloud Hosting
Description
SWS seek specialist partners providing deep expertise across specific network, cloud, compute or security domains - supporting targeted engineering, optimisation, migration, resilience uplift, and niche operational capabilities. This includes specialist skills in Azure, VMware, Cisco/Meraki/ISE, firewalls, storage/backup platforms, Kubernetes/OpenShift, OT‑safe connectivity, observability tooling and security services. Focus is on precision technical delivery, modernisation of legacy infrastructure components, and specialist support for complex hybrid IT/OT environments.
Estimated Lot Value £3m to £7m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £56,000,000 excluding VAT
- £67,200,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 7. InfoSec & Cyber Security Services
Description
SWS seek specialist partners delivering deep cyber expertise, providing targeted services in SecOps, threat intelligence, penetration testing, risk assessments, security architecture, governance & assurance, and OT‑specific NIS compliance activities. Focused on precision technical support-augmenting in‑house teams, improving security posture, and introducing advanced defensive techniques, threat modelling, and security consultancy for complex hybrid IT/OT environments.
Estimated Lot Value £2m to £4m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £32,000,000 excluding VAT
- £38,400,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 8. Site Based OT
Description
SWS seek specialist partners to modernise and deliver site‑based Operational Technology across Southern Water's treatment works and network sites. This Lot requires deep expertise in PLC, HMI, SCADA, telemetry, RTUs, Process Control Networks, OT networking, segmentation and NIS‑aligned remediation, as well as hands‑on engineering, installation, commissioning and minor civils. The partner will support the uplift of legacy OT systems to secure, standardised, fully supported platforms - driving improved visibility, governance, resilience, and operational performance across a multi‑site regulated OT estate.
Estimated Lot Value £2m to £4m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £32,000,000 excluding VAT
- £38,400,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 9. Managed Services
Description
SWS seek specialist partners providing targeted, high‑quality capability augmentation across Project & Programme Management, Agile Delivery, Business Analysis, Solution Architecture and Testing/Quality Assurance. This Lot focuses on supplying skilled practitioners and mature delivery practices to complement Southern Water's in‑house Digital teams - enhancing capacity, consistency and speed of change across a diverse annual portfolio. Partners bring specialist frameworks, tooling, and domain expertise to uplift delivery maturity, improve outcomes, and strengthen end‑to‑end change capability across all business and technology domains.
Estimated Lot Value £4m to £6m per annum
Lot value (estimated)
- £48,000,000 excluding VAT
- £57,600,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
2 July 2034
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
The process for agreeing Orders will follow that set out in the Technology Services Partner Framework, specifically:
Direct Order/Award - to any Framework Supplier without re-opening competition if the Service Requirements for the proposed Order:
can be met by any of the Framework Suppliers; and
the value of the proposed Order is calculated to be under £250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds).
Competed Order - under this Framework Agreement by re-opening competition (mini-competitions) among the Framework Suppliers
POC/Hothouse selection - service providers may be required to engage in a proof of concept/hothouse selection process in order to secure the identified works
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. Customer & Corporate
- Adherence to ISO 27001 and NCSC cloud security principles
- Compliance with UK data protection regulations
- Use of industry best practices for end user compute
- Web accessibility standards and guidelines
Lot 2. Wholesale
- Adherence to ISO 27001 and NCSC cloud security principles
- Compliance with UK data protection regulations
- Use of industry best practices
Lot 3. Data & Analytics & AI
- UK GDPR
- Data Protection Act 2018
- EU Data Act
- EU AI Act
- Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus
- ISO/IEC 27001
Lot 4a. Integration
- Adherence to ISO 27001 and NCSC cloud security principles
- Compliance with UK data protection regulations
- Use of industry best practices for end user compute
- ITIL Best practises
Lot 4b. Automation
- Adherence to ISO 27001 and NCSC cloud security principles
- Compliance with UK data protection regulations (GDPR)
- Use of industry best practices for end user compute
- ITIL and automation best practices
- Use of Microsoft Purview for data classification, lineage tracking, and policy enforcement across automated workflows
- Integration with Power Platform and Azure services to ensure data governance is embedded in automation design
Lot 5. Digital Workspace & Colloboration
- Adherence to ISO 27001 and NCSC cloud security principles
- Compliance with UK data protection regulations
- Use of industry best practices for end user compute
Lot 6. Networks, Compute & Cloud Hosting
- ISO 27001, NCSC Cloud Security Principles, Cyber Essentials Plus
- UK Data Protection legislation including GDPR
- Southern Water's internal IT governance frameworks
- Industry-standard best practices (e.g., TOGAF, ITIL, DevSecOps and relevant Azure certifications)
Lot 7. InfoSec & Cyber Security Services
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022
- NIS/CAF Compliance
- ISE/IEC 62443
Lot 8. Site Based OT
- Health & Safety - CDM / ISO / EUSR
- Industrial Standards - IEC 62443 / IEC 61131/ ISA95
- Quality Management
- Electrical Standards - NIC / WIMES
- Compliance with all relevant UK regulation
- Use of industry best practices ICS systems, network and infrastructure security
- SWS MED and standard compliance of solutions
Lot 9. Managed Services
- Adherence to ISO 27001 and relevant security principles
- Compliance with UK data protection regulations
- Compliance with relevant Southern Water policy and wider legislation
- Use of industry best practices e.g.
o PM: Prince2, MSP etc
o Agile: SAFe, SCRUM, Kanban
o BA: BCS, IIBA
o SA: TOGAF, SABSA, UML
o T&QA: ISO, IEEE
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Customer & Corporate
Lot 2. Wholesale
Lot 3. Data & Analytics & AI
Lot 4a. Integration
Lot 4b. Automation
Lot 5. Digital Workspace & Colloboration
Lot 6. Networks, Compute & Cloud Hosting
Lot 7. InfoSec & Cyber Security Services
Lot 8. Site Based OT
Lot 9. Managed Services
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
30 January 2026, 11:59pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
26 February 2026, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
southernwater.ukp.app.jaggaer.com
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://southernwater.bravosolution.co.uk
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted to the above-mentioned address
If you are interested in bidding for this tender, please be aware that you will need to have registered on the central digital platform before you will be able to bid. This will require you to complete some information and then you will be provided with a unique identifier. For more information on how to register, please follow the below link:
how to register on the CDP
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
11 June 2026
Award criteria
Lot 1. Customer & Corporate
Lot 2. Wholesale
Lot 4a. Integration
Lot 4b. Automation
Lot 5. Digital Workspace & Colloboration
Lot 6. Networks, Compute & Cloud Hosting
Lot 7. InfoSec & Cyber Security Services
Lot 8. Site Based OT
Lot 9. Managed Services
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Quality | 70% |
| Commercial | Cost | 30% |
Lot 3. Data & Analytics & AI
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Techncial | Quality | 70% |
| Commercial | Cost | 30% |
Other information
Payment terms
60 days
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Competitive flexible procedure description
There will be a single PQQ that will qualify Tenderers into the ITT stage. Tenderers must indicate in the PQQ all Lots they are bidding on. Suppliers can bid on multiple Lots relevant to their capabilities up to a maximum of 3 Lots.
Documents
Documents to be provided after the tender notice
Documents for the ITT Stage will be provided via the Jaggaer Sourcing platform to suppliers who are downselected for this stage.
Contracting authority
Southern Water Services Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBJQ-2231-ZRPG
Southern Water, Southern House
Worthing
Bn13 3NX
United Kingdom
Email: Graham.Knight@southernwater.co.uk
Website: http://www.southernwater.co.uk
Region: UKJ27 - West Sussex (South West)
Organisation type: Private utility