Planning

Major Civil Engineering Works Framework

  • DfI Transport and Road Asset Management (TRAM)

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-019532

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-050e45

Published 7 May 2025, 9:38pm



Scope

Reference

T 1154

Description

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is preparing to launch a procurement exercise for a new Major Civil Engineering Works Framework (works with an estimated value above £5million).

The framework will aim to provide a flexible, efficient, and value-driven mechanism for delivering civil engineering related projects across Northern Ireland. The framework is anticipated to be multi-lot and multi-supplier, with a potential duration of up to 8 years.

The framework is to facilitate, but is not limited to, the following proposed scope:

• Traditional Client Design project.

• Design & Build.

• Early Contractor Involvement (ECI).

• Construction of highway improvements.

• Major capital renewal schemes.

• Construction of major structures including grade separated junctions, bridges and retaining walls.

It is currently intended to establish 4 lots based on project value ranges as outlined below:

• Lot 1 will cover works ranging from £5m - £15m.

• Lot 2 will cover works ranging from £15m - £40m.

• Lot 3 will cover works ranging from £40m - £80m.

• Lot 4 will cover works in excess of £80m.

Commercial tool

Establishes a framework

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2030
  • Possible extension to 31 May 2034
  • 8 years

Main procurement category

Works

CPV classifications

  • 45100000 - Site preparation work
  • 45200000 - Works for complete or part construction and civil engineering work

Contract locations

  • UKN0 - Northern Ireland

Engagement

Engagement deadline

21 May 2025

Engagement process description

DfI seeks to engage with the market at this early stage to help shape the scope, structure, and approach of the new Major Civil Engineering Works Framework.

The purpose of this exercise is to:

• Gauge interest from the market.

• Understand capacity and capability.

• Test assumptions around framework structure and lotting strategy, supplier numbers, framework operation, contract structure, workshare approach, key performance indicators (KPIs) and delivery models.

• Identify potential challenges or opportunities ahead of formal procurement.

If you wish to participate, a questionnaire for completion and return is available via eTendersNI under ID 5943521.

The questionnaire must be completed and submitted via the CfT messaging facility on eTendersNI by the engagement deadline date and time stated.

Respondents are advised that the procurement description, estimated contract start and end date, estimated date of publication or estimated contract value should not be taken as a final "version" of DfI's requirements.

The Pre-Market Engagement pertains to a future contract opportunity which will be advertised in its own right in due course.

This notice is not a call for competition to procure any works or services. Interested parties will not be prejudiced by any response, or lack thereof, to this notice. Nor shall a response to this notice guarantee an opportunity to participate in this market engagement exercise or any future procurement process that DfI may conduct.

DfI is not liable for any costs, fees or expenses incurred by any party responding to this notice or any party who may participate in the market engagement exercise.


Participation

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Contracting authority

DfI Transport and Road Asset Management (TRAM)

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYQH-8789-DZPG

James House 2-4 Cromac Avenue

Belfast

BT7 2JA

United Kingdom

Region: UKN06 - Belfast

Organisation type: Public authority - central government

Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland