UU moves towards new framework

United Utilities Water is looking to appoint up to five construction partners for major works with a total budget between £2bn and £3bn over the next 10 years.

Projects will include designing, building and maintaining water and wastewater treatment works, pipelines, pumping stations, reservoirs, sludge treatment works, and instrumentation, mechanical and electrical installation.

Competition for places on the framework is expected to be strong. A meet-the-buyer event in April was attended by nearly 100 companies.

UU said typical projects called down from the framework will be between £500,000 and £20m in value. The annual spend is estimated at between £120m and £370m. The framework will be subject to government procurement agreement rules. Some contracts will be awarded for five years, from 2015 to 2020, whilst others could be agreed for up to 10 years.

The value and content of the programme is subject to regulatory review and approval and will not be finalised prior to November 2014.

Companies have until 6 June 2013 to express their interest.