Scope
Reference
T-1146
Description
The RAM Surface Dressing 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 (Works Orders valued up to £750k) covering the following areas:
SDF S1 - Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon;
SDF S2 - Newry, Mourne & Down / Ards & North Down;
SDF E1 - Belfast / Lisburn & Castlereagh;
SDF N1 - Causeway Coast & Glens;
SDF N2 - Mid & East Antrim / Antrim & Newtownabbey;
SDF W1 - Mid Ulster;
SDF W2 - Derry & Strabane / Fermanagh & Omagh
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 March 2026 to 1 March 2030
- 4 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45220000 - Engineering works and construction works
- 45233220 - Surface work for roads
Contract locations
- UKN0 - Northern Ireland
Engagement
Engagement deadline
31 January 2023
The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.
Engagement process description
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:
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.
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