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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Framework for the provision of a Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works for Build Only and Design & Build

SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED · Tender notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 2 Oct 2026, 17:37.

Opportunity overview

The Utilities requirement is for the provision of a multi lot Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works Framework for the delivery of works as Build Only and Design & Build across the Utilities regions. The Lots are detailed below. B = Build Only, D&B = Design & Build 1 B Pipe Ramming 1 D&B Pipe Ramming 2 B Thrust Boring 2 D&B Thrust Boring 3 B Horizontal Directional Drilling (25-630) 3 D&B Horizontal Directional Drilling (25-630) 4 B Horizontal Directional Drilling (630-1200) 4 D&B Horizontal Directional Drilling (630-1200) 5 B Horizontal Directional Drilling - Rock Drilling (50-500) 5 D&B Horizontal Directional Drilling - Rock Drilling (50-500) 6 B Timber Heading 6 D&B Timber Heading 7 B Micro Tunnelling 7 D&B Micro Tunnelling 8 B Auger Boring 8 D&B Auger Boring 9 B Direct Pipe 9 D&B Direct Pipe 10 B Pipe Jacking 10 D&B Pipe Jacking 11 B Segmental Tunnelling 11 D&B Segmental Tunnelling 12 B Under Pinning (Free Air) 12 D&B Under Pinning (Free Air) 13 B Under Pinning (Compressed Air) 13 D&B Under Pinning (Compressed Air) 14 B Open Caisson Wet 14 D&B Open Caisson Wet 15 B Open Caisson Dry 15 D&B Open Caisson Dry 16 B Sheet Piled Pits 16 D&B Sheet Piled Pits 17 B Timber Shafts 17 D&B Timber Shafts Interested parties are to note; - the Utilities requirements will be predominantly Design & Build. - participants can not bid for a shaft lot in isolation (lots 12-17) they must have drilling/ tunnelling capability. - during tendering bidders will be evaluated and subsequently awarded Lots where bidders have demonstrated the required competency. The Utilities intend to call of works via mini competition or direct allocation where direct allocation allows. Further detail is provided in the PQQ and RFP Briefings and tender documents

Classification

  • CPV45000000 — Construction work
  • CPV65000000 — Public utilities
  • CPV76000000 — Services related to the oil and gas industry

Lots

  • Build Only - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works£300m
  • Design & Build - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works£900m

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
Doc3039598058
Status
active
Procurement Method
selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Main Procurement Category
works
Above Threshold
Yes
How to submit
Posting ID: 1110008752 Sourcing ID: Doc3039598058 Response Deadline: 28/04/2026 14:00 Preview Link: https://portal.us.bn.cloud.ariba.com/dashboard/public/appext/comsapsbncdiscoveryui#/RfxEvent/preview/1110008752?anId=ANONYMOUS
Expression Of Interest Deadline
28 Apr 2026, 23:59

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Procedure

Features
Stage 1 - PQQ - Pre-qualification Post PQQ technical evaluations Bidders will be shortlisted down in accordance with the PQQ Briefing Pack. Successful, shortlisted Bidders will be invited to the RFP stage. Stage 2 - RFP - Request for Proposal Bidders technical and commercial responses will be evaluated and shortlisted down in accordance with the RFP Briefing Pack. Successful Bidders will be appointed to the Framework. It is the Utilities intention to call off works under the Framework using mini competition and direct allocation, where direct allocation is permitted.

Special regime

utilities

Techniques

Has Framework Agreement
Yes

Framework Agreement

Method
withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition
Type
closed
Description
The Utilities intention is to call off works under the Framework via mini competition or direct allocation, where direct allocation is permitted. Call off works will be assessed and evaluated using a combination of Technical and Price assessment. The approach to calling off works under the Framework is detailed in the tender documents.

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Enquiry period

Ends
15 Apr 2026, 23:59

Expected award period

Ends
30 Sept 2026, 23:59

Lot Details

Award Criteria Details
Interested parties will have the opportunity to select the specific Lots they want to undertake when invited to tender following expression of interest in this opportunity. Bidders can select one or multiple lots for either Build and or Design & Build works.

Amendments

Entry 1
Description
Under "Submission" the date stating as response is due on 22/04/26 has been amended to 28/04/26. This date relates to the date interested parties are to express their interest to be included in the tender stages of PQQ and following that RFP. Thank you
Id
037063-2026

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1B
Title
Build Only - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works
Description
The Lots ending "B" require the contractor to deliver the works as Principal Contractor only. Interested parties will have the opportunity to select the specific Lots they want to undertake when invited to tender following expression of interest in this opportunity. TUNNELLING & DRILLING WORKS Lot 1B - PIPE RAMMING Pipe ramming is a trenchless method for horizontally installing steel pipes or casings under obstacles like roads, railways, and rivers by using a pneumatic hammer to drive an open-ended pipe into the ground, displacing soil outwards. This technique is typically used to cross under embankments, road, rail and river links. Lot 2B - THRUST BORING Thrust boring is a trenchless method for installing pipes and conduits (like for utilities) underground without open digging, using a rotating auger inside a steel casing to excavate soil while hydraulic jacks push the casing forward, ideal for going under roads, railways, or buildings. It's a cost-effective, dependable technique for short to medium distances, creating a bore for the final pipe or cable installation, and minimizing surface disruption. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25 -1000 Lot 3B - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (25-630) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25-630 Lot 4B - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (630-1200) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 630-1200 Lot 5B - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING ROCK DRILLING (50-500) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-500 Lot 6B - TIMBER HEADING A timber heading is a traditional, hand-dug tunnelling method using timber supports (sets, headboards, sideboards) to create a safe, short tunnel for installing pipes or cables, especially under busy roads or structures, avoiding major disruption by building around existing underground services. Headings are generally temporary structures where it is not required or economic to provide a more substantial structure. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1000-1500 Lot 7B - MICRO TUNNELLING Micro Tunnelling is a trenchless construction method for installing non man-entry size pipelines that uses a remotely operated, small-diameter tunnel boring machine (MTBM) to excavate underground while simultaneously jacking pipes into place, allowing for precise installation of utility tunnels (like sewers, cables, and conduits) without disturbing the surface above. It's ideal for crossings under railways, roads, and rivers, as it minimizes disruption. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 250-1200 Lot 8B - AUGER BORING Auger Boring is a trenchless construction method that installs pipes or conduits underground by using a rotating helical screw (auger) inside a steel casing to excavate soil, pushing the casing forward and pulling spoil back to a launch pit. It's used to create stable, horizontal tunnels under obstacles like roads, railways, or rivers, minimizing surface disruption and traffic interruption, often called "dry boring" because it doesn't use liquid slurry. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-1500 Lot 9B - DIRECT PIPE Direct Pipe is a trenchless technology that combines micro tunnelling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install pipelines in a single step. It allows for the direct installation of pre-fabricated pipelines without the need for separate pilot hole drilling or pipe stringing, as is common in HDD. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 90-710 Lot 10B - PIPE JACKING Pipe Jacking is a technique for installing man-entry size pipelines using a steerable tunnelling shield (similar to micro tunnelling, which is for non man-entry sized pipes). Typically the pipes are jacked from a drive shaft or pit behind a suitable shield. The pipes are installed using hydraulically powered rams which push off a jacking wall constructed within the drive shaft. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1200-3000 Lot 11B - SEGMENTAL TUNNELLING Segmental Tunnelling is the technique of forming an underground excavation using individual segments or rings by hand or mechanical means and providing a suitable supporting structure such that the excavation forms a permanent, stable and secure opening for the tunnel. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1500-14000 SHAFT WORKS For Lots 12B to 17B Interested parties are to note Bidders cannot bid for a Shaft Lot in isolation, Bidders must have capability to undertake associated tunnelling and or drilling works. See Tunnelling & Drilling Lots 1B to 11B. - All Shafts are concrete - Shaft Diameter Range (nominal internal diameter ms) = 2.44 to 25. - Shaft Depth Range (ms) = 5 to 25. Lot 12B - UNDER PINNING (FREE AIR) Lot 13B - UNDER PINNING COMPRESSED AIR) Lot 14B - OPEN CAISSON WET Lot 15B - OPEN CAISSON DRY Lot 16B - SHEET PILED PITS Lot 17B - TIMBER SHAFTS
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
360,000,000
Amount
300,000,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
100
Weight
percentageExact

Second Stage

Minimum Candidates
5
Maximum Candidates
7

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Description
Post Advert the tender process will consist of; A PQQ (Prequalification Questionnaire) - Technical Assessment only. The PQQ stage is designed to help the Utilities identify and shortlist bidders who meet the minimum capability and compliance requirements for the scope outlined. Bidder's responses will be scored out of an aggregate score of 74 not 100. 26 being reserved for assessment where the bidder selects to undertake works as Principal Designer & Contractor. Shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit an RFP (Request for Proposal). An RFP (Request for Proposal) - Technical/Commercial/Price Assessment. Shortlisted bidders from the PQQ stage will be invited to submit detailed proposals on how they will deliver the requirement(s). These proposals will be evaluated and scored to determine the bidder(s) offering the best overall value for the contract and subsequent appointment to the framework. Bidders responses will be scored out of an aggregate score of 100. Split by; 70% Technical 30% Price The approach to evaluation and shortlisting is described in the Tender Briefing Packs.
For Reduction
Yes

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Starts
30 Sept 2026, 00:00
Ends
30 Sept 2038, 00:59
Max Extent Date
30 Mar 2041, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)

Options

Description
Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)
Entry 2
Id
2 DB
Title
Design & Build - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works
Description
Design & Build - Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works The Lots ending "DB" require the contractor to deliver the works as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor. Interested parties will have the opportunity to select the specific Lots they want to undertake when invited to tender following expression of interest in this opportunity. TUNNELLING & DRILLING WORKS Lot 1DB - PIPE RAMMING Pipe ramming is a trenchless method for horizontally installing steel pipes or casings under obstacles like roads, railways, and rivers by using a pneumatic hammer to drive an open-ended pipe into the ground, displacing soil outwards. This technique is typically used to cross under embankments, road, rail and river links. Lot 2DB - THRUST BORING Thrust boring is a trenchless method for installing pipes and conduits (like for utilities) underground without open digging, using a rotating auger inside a steel casing to excavate soil while hydraulic jacks push the casing forward, ideal for going under roads, railways, or buildings. It's a cost-effective, dependable technique for short to medium distances, creating a bore for the final pipe or cable installation, and minimizing surface disruption. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25 -1000 Lot 3DB - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (25-630) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 25-630 Lot 4DB - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (630-1200) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 630-1200 Lot 5DB - HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING ROCK DRILLING (50-500) Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method for installing underground pipelines, cables, or conduits by drilling a precise, curved path from a surface rig, avoiding open trenches to minimize disruption to roads, rivers, and sensitive environments. The process involves drilling a small pilot hole, enlarging it with a reamer, and then pulling the product pipe or cable through the enlarged bore. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-500 Lot 6DB - TIMBER HEADING A timber heading is a traditional, hand-dug tunnelling method using timber supports (sets, headboards, sideboards) to create a safe, short tunnel for installing pipes or cables, especially under busy roads or structures, avoiding major disruption by building around existing underground services. Headings are generally temporary structures where it is not required or economic to provide a more substantial structure. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1000-1500 Lot 7DB - MICRO TUNNELLING Micro Tunnelling is a trenchless construction method for installing non man-entry size pipelines that uses a remotely operated, small-diameter tunnel boring machine (MTBM) to excavate underground while simultaneously jacking pipes into place, allowing for precise installation of utility tunnels (like sewers, cables, and conduits) without disturbing the surface above. It's ideal for crossings under railways, roads, and rivers, as it minimizes disruption. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 250-1200 Lot 8DB - AUGER BORING Auger Boring is a trenchless construction method that installs pipes or conduits underground by using a rotating helical screw (auger) inside a steel casing to excavate soil, pushing the casing forward and pulling spoil back to a launch pit. It's used to create stable, horizontal tunnels under obstacles like roads, railways, or rivers, minimizing surface disruption and traffic interruption, often called "dry boring" because it doesn't use liquid slurry. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 50-1500 Lot 9DB - DIRECT PIPE Direct Pipe is a trenchless technology that combines micro tunnelling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install pipelines in a single step. It allows for the direct installation of pre-fabricated pipelines without the need for separate pilot hole drilling or pipe stringing, as is common in HDD. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 90-710 Lot 10DB - PIPE JACKING Pipe Jacking is a technique for installing man-entry size pipelines using a steerable tunnelling shield (similar to micro tunnelling, which is for non man-entry sized pipes). Typically the pipes are jacked from a drive shaft or pit behind a suitable shield. The pipes are installed using hydraulically powered rams which push off a jacking wall constructed within the drive shaft. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1200-3000 Lot 11DB - SEGMENTAL TUNNELLING Segmental Tunnelling is the technique of forming an underground excavation using individual segments or rings by hand or mechanical means and providing a suitable supporting structure such that the excavation forms a permanent, stable and secure opening for the tunnel. Pipe Diameter mm (host pipe internal diameter) = 1500-14000 SHAFT WORKS For Lots 12DB to 17DB Interested parties are to note Bidders cannot bid for a Shaft Lot in isolation, Bidders must have capability to undertake associated tunnelling and or drilling works. See Tunnelling & Drilling Lots 1DB to 11DB. - All Shafts are concrete - Shaft Diameter Range (nominal internal diameter ms) = 2.44 to 25. - Shaft Depth Range (ms) = 5 to 25. Lot 12DB - UNDER PINNING (FREE AIR) Lot 13DB - UNDER PINNING COMPRESSED AIR) Lot 14DB - OPEN CAISSON WET Lot 15DB - OPEN CAISSON DRY Lot 16DB - SHEET PILED PITS Lot 17DB - TIMBER SHAFTS
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
1,080,000,000
Amount
900,000,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
100
Weight
percentageExact

Second Stage

Minimum Candidates
5
Maximum Candidates
7

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Description
Post Advert the tender process will consist of; A PQQ (Prequalification Questionnaire) - Technical Assessment only. The PQQ stage is designed to help the Utilities identify and shortlist bidders who meet the minimum capability and compliance requirements for the scope outlined. Bidder's responses will be scored out of an aggregate score of 100. Shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit an RFP (Request for Proposal). An RFP (Request for Proposal) - Technical/Commercial/Price Assessment. Shortlisted bidders from the PQQ stage will be invited to submit detailed proposals on how they will deliver the requirement(s). These proposals will be evaluated and scored to determine the bidder(s) offering the best overall value for the contract and subsequent appointment to the framework. Bidders responses will be scored out of an aggregate score of 100. Split by; 70% Technical 30% Price Calling Works Off Under the Framework Works will be called off under the framework via mini competition. A breakdown of the award criteria being; Technical 60% - Price - 40%. The approach to evaluation and shortlisting is described in the Tender Briefing Packs.
For Reduction
Yes

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Starts
30 Sept 2026, 00:00
Ends
30 Sept 2038, 00:59
Max Extent Date
30 Mar 2041, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)

Options

Description
Initial Term 12 years with option to extend for a further 3 years in 1 year increments. (12+1+1+1)

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1B
Related Lot
1B

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
45000000
Description
Construction work
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
65000000
Description
Public utilities
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
76000000
Description
Services related to the oil and gas industry

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKC
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UKD
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UKE
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UKF
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UKG
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 6
Region
UKH
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 7
Region
UKI
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 8
Region
UKJ
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 9
Region
UKK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 10
Region
UKL
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 2
Id
2 DB
Related Lot
2 DB

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
45000000
Description
Construction work
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
65000000
Description
Public utilities
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
76000000
Description
Services related to the oil and gas industry

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKC
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UKD
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UKE
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UKF
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UKG
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 6
Region
UKH
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 7
Region
UKI
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 8
Region
UKJ
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 9
Region
UKK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 10
Region
UKL
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
conflictOfInterest
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Description
Not published
Entry 2
Id
037063-2026
Document Type
tenderNotice
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Published
23 Apr 2026, 13:09
Format
text/html

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED
Id
GB-COH-02366686

Identifier

Scheme
GB-COH
Id
02366686

Additional Identifiers

Entry 1
Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PQQN-5222-QDXR

Address

Street Address
Severn Trent Centre
Locality
Coventry
Postal Code
CV1 2LZ
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKG33

Contact

Name
Sophie Ward

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
privateUtility
Description
Private utility
Organisation 2
Name
HAFREN DYFRDWY CYFYNGEDIG
Id
GB-COH-03527628

Identifier

Scheme
GB-COH
Id
03527628

Additional Identifiers

Entry 1
Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PWGQ-2543-XWCR

Address

Street Address
Packsaddle Wrexham Road
Locality
Wrexham
Postal Code
LL14 4EH
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKL23

Contact

Name
Sophie Ward

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
privateUtility
Description
Private utility
Entry 2
Scheme
UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS
Id
GB-WLS
Description
Welsh devolved regulations apply

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Coventry · UKG33 · CV1 2LZ · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKC · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKD · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKE · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKF · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKG · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKH · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKI · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKJ · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKK · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKL · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

2 published notice versions reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

2 VERSIONS
  1. 031005-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·
  2. 037063-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·