Scope
Reference
DN772022
Description
Dorset Council is undertaking early market engagement with the aim of providing information to and requesting feedback from highway suppliers, about aspects of the Council's Highway Term Service Contract. The next Highway Term Service Contract is due to commence on 1st April 2027.
Organisations who may be interested in this opportunity are invited to complete and return the Pre Market Engagement questionnaire document by 12:00 noon on 6th May 2025.
This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is not a call for competition. It is being published to give notice to the market of an upcoming procurement anticipated for release in March 2026.
Dorset Council is undertaking early market engagement, with the aim of providing information to and requesting feedback from highway suppliers, about aspects of the Council's Highway Term Service Contract.
The market engagement exercise is intended to allow interested suitable organisations with appropriate experience to outline their views and ideas about the future provision of these services.
The operational service delivery elements would commence on 1st April 2027.
No information provided in response to this questionnaire will be used by the Council in assessing providers during the procurement process, which is scheduled to commence March 2026.
Any procurement for the supply and services required by the Council will be carried out strictly in accordance with Procurement Regulations.
Potential bidders are all encouraged to register on the Central Digital Platform.
Dorset Council reserves the right not to commence any procurement in respect of this notice.
Dorset Council shall not be liable for any losses incurred by any party as a result of reliance on the information contained/linked herein.
The information contained in this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is preliminary in nature and may be subject to further amendment and revision. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, will be made and no liability is, or will be, accepted by the Council as to the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of this document. Any liability however arising is expressly disclaimed.
No expense in responding to this soft market testing will be reimbursed by the Council.
Total value (estimated)
- £200,000,000 excluding VAT
- £240,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2027 to 1 April 2032
- Possible extension to 1 April 2037
- 10 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45200000 - Works for complete or part construction and civil engineering work
- 45233000 - Construction, foundation and surface works for highways, roads
Engagement
Engagement deadline
7 May 2025
Engagement process description
Dorset Council is undertaking early market engagement, with the aim of providing information to and requesting feedback from highway suppliers, about aspects of the Council's Highway Term Service Contract.
The anticipated value of the proposed new Highways Term Services Contract is £200m over a proposed 10-year period commencing April 2027. Dorset Council is looking for a suitably sized Tier One contractor with extensive experience of large construction and highway projects who can deliver a range of highway maintenance and infrastructure projects.
The Council wishes to seek feedback from the industry in the following specific areas, but would welcome any additional comments also:
- Contract processes
- Incentivisation
- Co-location
- Reciprocal trade
- Social Value
- Flexibility & Responsiveness
The process will involve relevant companies and organisations responding to the market engagement questions provided on the Council's e-tendering portal - https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=36a7fafc-7d1b-f011-8136-005056b64545&p=696a9836-1895-e511-8105-000c29c9ba21
The deadline for responses is 12 noon on 6th May 2025, (late submissions will not be accepted).
Any clarification questions should be submitted via Supplying the South West Portal no later than 12 noon on 25th April 2025.
It is not a requirement that all sections are completed by all respondents.
Where Dorset Council think further clarification would assist them in informing this process, one-to-one meetings may be necessary with interested organisations who complete and return the questionnaire.
Please be aware that no information submitted will be treated as confidential and may be
disclosed to ensure a level playing field for all participants in any procurement process that
may follow. Additionally, the council will only sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) using
its standard terms and conditions if subsequently requested.
Contracting authority
Dorset Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHCY-8926-WVVM
Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park
Dorchester
DT1 1XJ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Mr Adam Langston
Telephone: +44 1305221250
Email: adam.langston@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Website: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/
Region: UKK25 - Dorset
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government