Scope
Description
Design and supply of two sludge drying units for deployment at two sites for STW.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £18,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 30 April 2026 to 1 April 2030
- Possible extension to 1 April 2034
- 7 years, 11 months, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
The framework will operate for an initial period of four (4) years, consistent with the maximum standard duration allowed under the Procurement Act 2023.
The contract may be extended once or multiple times, up to a total maximum duration of four (4) years, in line with the enhanced flexibility permitted under the new Act.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract includes the following options:
Extension of the contract term: The Authority reserves the right to extend the initial contract period for an initial period of four (4) years, consistent with the maximum standard duration allowed under the Procurement Act 2023.
Additional call-off orders under the framework: The Authority may place additional call-off orders during the validity of the framework agreement, within the scope and value limits set out in the procurement documents.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 34951200 - Sludge-handling equipment
- 34951300 - Sludge-drier installation
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
1
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
Severn Trent will call off requirements from the appointed supplier using the Form of Order process set out in the Framework Agreement Terms and Conditions. Each call-off will specify scope, pricing, and delivery requirements and will become binding upon acceptance by both parties.
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
11 December 2025, 2:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
6 January 2026, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
30 April 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Technical & Commercial | Quality |
| Price | Price |
| Sustainability | Quality |
Weighting description
Technical & Commercial 60%
Price - 30%
Sustainability - 10%
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Competitive flexible procedure description
This is a competitive, multi-stage tender consisting of the following stages:
Stage 1: Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ):
The PQQ stage is designed to help Severn Trent Water (STW) identify and shortlist tenderers who meet the minimum capability and compliance requirements for the scope outlined below. Please ensure that all questions in the PQQ documentation are completed in full.
Stage 2: Request for Proposal (RFP)
Shortlisted tenderers from the PQQ stage will be invited to submit detailed proposals on how they will deliver the requirement. These proposals will be evaluated and scored to determine the supplier offering the best overall value for the contract.
Pricing will be evaluated based on the information provided in the Pricing Matrix. The totals from the evaluated worksheets will be consolidated into a Summary table, which will provide an overall price for comparison. The bidder offering the most advantageous price will be considered for award of the call-off contract.
Pricing will be scored relative to the lowest feasible bid. The lowest compliant price will receive the maximum score of 100 points. Price will account for 30% of the total evaluation score. All other prices will be scored proportionally.
Following the RFP stage, Severn Trent will conduct clarification meetings and supplier presentations with the final two shortlisted bidders to ensure a full understanding of their proposals and to clarify any aspects of the submissions. Severn Trent also reserves the right to hold negotiation meetings with shortlisted bidders as part of the tender process.
Following these activities, Severn Trent reserves the right to conduct negotiations in accordance with the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016. Following negotiations, bidders may be invited to submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). The BAFO stage provides bidders with the opportunity to refine their proposals based on clarifications, presentations, and negotiations.
BAFO submissions will be evaluated against the award criteria set out in this RFP documentation. Please note that the evaluation of BAFO may result in changes to the scores previously allocated to initial written proposals.
Contracting authority
SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED
- Companies House: 02366686
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQQN-5222-QDXR
Severn Trent Centre
Coventry
CV1 2LZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKG33 - Coventry
Organisation type: Private utility