Tender: Road Structures Framework | DfI TRAM Northern Ireland
Tender DfI TRAM Road Asset Management – Structures Framework DfI Transport and Road Asset Management (TRAM)
Reference: T-1155
Description
This tender notice is for the award of a public contract through an open procedure in accordance with section 20(1) and (2)(a) of the PA 2023.
RAM Structures Framework will include the following work activities:
A. Full or partial demolition of structures;
B. Construction of new structures;
C. Scour protection and maintenance works;
D. Earthworks;
E. Culvert upgrades/maintenance including lining and invert repair works;
F. General bridge/structures maintenance;
G. Working in water;
H. Brickwork, blockwork and stonework;
I. Structural concrete construction and/or repairs;
J. Installation of precast beams or box culverts;
K. Structural steelwork including repairs;
L. Inspection assistance
M. Works on or in the vicinity of the Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) network requiring £100,000,000 public liability insurance;
N. TTM on a live trafficked public road network;
O. Associated road restraint systems installation and/or repair (including RRS associated with structures works);
P. Associated Ancillary Works.
Further ancillary works may be asked of the successful Supplier such as:
• Surface reinstatement;
• Site clearance including vegetation removal;
• Pressure grouting;
• Sprayed concrete;
• Bridge expansion joints;
• Structural steel painting;
• Temporary works in and/or around water and/or railways;
• Waterproofing for structures
The Framework will comprise of three area Lots (Work Orders valued up to £750k exc VAT). A Project Lot will be used to deliver individual NEC ECC projects covering all the geographical areas detailed below (valued between £750,001 and £5m exc VAT).
Area Lots;
– STF W1 – Derry and Strabane; Fermanagh & Omagh; Mid-Ulster.
– STF E&S1 – Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Ards and North Down; Newry Mourne, Down and Armagh; Banbridge and Craigavon.
– STF N1 – Antrim and Newtownabbey; Causeway Coast and Glens; Mid and East Antrim
This Framework will deliver works from Call-Off contracts with an overall cumulative value of £57m (ex VAT) over the four-year term. If the Contracting Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under the Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the overall cumulative value to £71.25m (ex VAT).
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £57,000,000 excluding VAT
- £68,400,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2030
- 4 years
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Framework Lot values may be shared with other Lots.
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45000000 – Construction work
- 45200000 – Works for complete or part construction and civil engineering work
- 45220000 – Engineering works and construction works
- 45230000 – Construction work for pipelines, communication and power lines, for highways, roads, airfields and railways; flatwork
- 45221000 – Construction work for bridges and tunnels, shafts and subways
- 45223000 – Structures construction work
Lot constraints
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded: 2
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
The Framework consists of four Lots, Project Lot (Lot 1) which will be used for One-Off Project Contracts to be awarded under mini-competitions and three Measured Term Contract Lots (Lots 2-4). The Authority aims to appoint a Primary Supplier to each Measured Term Contract Lot (Lots 2-4).
Suppliers are required to tender for Lot 1 (Project Lot) and at least one other MTC Lot. A Supplier may bid for all three Measured Term Contract Lots however the number of MTC Lots that may be awarded to one Supplier under this Framework shall not exceed:
Primary Supplier – 1 MTC Lot out of 3
The MTC Lot / Contract Area allocation process for this Procurement is set out in IFT-PART A, Section 10.7.
Not the same for all lots
Contract locations are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.
Lot 1. STF P1 (Projects Lot)
Description
Lot for NEC4 Call-Off Contracts awarded following a mini-competition process for Work Packages valued over £750,001 up to £5m covering all Framework contract areas.
Lot value (estimated)
- £12,000,000 excluding VAT
- £14,400,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract locations
- UKN0 – Northern Ireland
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. STF W1 (Derry and Strabane; Fermanagh & Omagh; Mid-Ulster)
Description
Measured Term Contract for Structures works within the Derry and Strabane; Fermanagh & Omagh; Mid-Ulster contract area (Works Orders valued up to £750k).
The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of £15.4m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Contracting Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to £19.2m (ex VAT).
Lot value (estimated)
- £19,250,000 excluding VAT
- £23,100,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract locations
- UKN0A – Derry City and Strabane
- UKN0G – Fermanagh and Omagh
- UKN0B – Mid Ulster
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. STF E&S1 (Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Ards and North Down, Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon)
Description
ICC Measured Term Contract for structures works within the Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Ards and North Down, Newry Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon contract area (Works Orders valued up to £750k).
The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of £15.2m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Contracting Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to £19m (ex VAT).
Lot value (estimated)
- £19,000,000 excluding VAT
- £22,800,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract locations
- UKN08 – Newry, Mourne and Down
- UKN07 – Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
- UKN06 – Belfast
- UKN0E – Lisburn and Castlereagh
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. STF N1 (Antrim and Newtownabbey; Causeway Coast and Glens; Mid and East Antrim)
Description
ICC Measured Term Contract for structures works within the Antrim and Newtownabbey; Causeway Coast and Glens; Mid and East Antrim contract area (Works Orders valued up to £750k).
The proposed contract relates to works with a cumulative value of £14.4m (ex VAT) over a four year term. If the Contracting Authority is unable, for any reason, to award a new framework or to put in place an alternative regime to replace this Framework on its termination or expiry, any Call-Off Contract established under this Framework may be extended for a further period or periods up to a maximum of 12 additional months. This may increase the value to £18m (ex VAT).
Lot value (estimated)
- £18,000,000 excluding VAT
- £21,600,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract locations
- UKN0F – Mid and East Antrim
- UKN0D – Antrim and Newtownabbey
- UKN0C – Causeway Coast and Glens
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
Three Measured Term Contracts (MTCs) covering three Contract Areas (Lots 2-4) will be awarded upon execution of the Framework. A Primary Supplier and Reserve Supplier will be appointed for each MTC Lot, as a result of the evaluation of the Framework tender submissions. The Primary Supplier will be required to carry out any such Works instructed by a Works Order, issued under the provisions of the MTC Call-Off Contract. The Call-Off Procedure for MTCs is set out in Volume 2 – Framework Information of the Framework contract documents.
All Suppliers that submit a valid tender for any MTC Lot and meet the minimum assessment requirements will be appointed as a Community Supplier on the Project Lot (Lot 1).
The Authority may, during the term of the Framework, identify one-off projects (within the range value of £750k to £5M) arising anywhere within the entire area covered by the Framework. Subject to eligibility rules, all Suppliers appointed to the Project Lot will be eligible to tender for these projects.
The Call-Off Procedure for One-Off Project Contracts is set out in Volume 2 – Framework Information of the Framework Contract Documents.
Award method when using the framework
With competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Lot 1. STF P1 (Projects Lot)
Lot 2. STF W1 (Derry and Strabane; Fermanagh & Omagh; Mid-Ulster)
Lot 3. STF E&S1 (Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Ards and North Down, Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon)
Lot 4. STF N1 (Antrim and Newtownabbey; Causeway Coast and Glens; Mid and East Antrim)
As per Tender documentation – Refer to IFT Part B and TSP-1
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. STF P1 (Projects Lot)
Lot 2. STF W1 (Derry and Strabane; Fermanagh & Omagh; Mid-Ulster)
Lot 3. STF E&S1 (Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Ards and North Down, Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon)
Lot 4. STF N1 (Antrim and Newtownabbey; Causeway Coast and Glens; Mid and East Antrim)
As per Tender Documentation – Refer to TSP-2
Particular suitability
Lot 1. STF P1 (Projects Lot)
Lot 2. STF W1 (Derry and Strabane; Fermanagh & Omagh; Mid-Ulster)
Lot 3. STF E&S1 (Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Ards and North Down, Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon)
Lot 4. STF N1 (Antrim and Newtownabbey; Causeway Coast and Glens; Mid and East Antrim)
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
22 June 2026, 3:00pm
Tender submission deadline
22 June 2026, 3:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the relevant Call for Tender (CfT) opportunity on eTendersNI, website details immediately below.
Paper submissions will not be accepted or considered and will be rejected by the Contracting Authority.
The tender documents are available with unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at: ULR https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
For this procurement, all Supplier Technical and Financial submissions must be uploaded exclusively via Lot 1 (SFT P1 – Project Lot) on the eTendersNI platform. Lot 1 will serve as the single, centralised submission point for all Lots within the Framework. Accordingly, Suppliers must select Lot 1 on eTendersNI (in addition to all other Lots they are tendering for) regardless of whether they are submitting a tender for Lot 1 itself.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
14 August 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 30 April 2030
Award criteria
Lot 1. STF P1 (Projects Lot)
| Name | Description | Type | Order of importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
Price |
Price | 1 |
| Quality |
Quality |
Quality | 2 |
Lot 2. STF W1 (Derry and Strabane; Fermanagh & Omagh; Mid-Ulster)
Lot 3. STF E&S1 (Belfast; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Ards and North Down, Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon)
Lot 4. STF N1 (Antrim and Newtownabbey; Causeway Coast and Glens; Mid and East Antrim)
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Price | 70% |
| Quality | Quality | 20% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
Other information
Payment terms
For further details on invoicing procedures please see : https://www.financeni.gov.uk/articles/account-ni-good-invoicing-practice
Description of risks to contract performance
The Authority has identified the following risks as risks that satisfy the criteria of Schedule 8 sub-paragraph (6)(a) of the Procurement Act 2023 i.e. that the risk/s could jeopardise the satisfactory performance of the contract but, because of their nature, cannot be addressed in the contract as awarded:
1. (a) Extreme Adverse Weather Impacts and Climate Change: Extreme weather events (in particular, high winds, tidal surges and heavy rainfall) may impact service delivery. Increased extreme weather events and storm frequency may require future adaptation of the works carried out under this Framework. Such events may result in significant localised impacts within geographical location, e.g. specific Contract Areas, requiring
changes to the scale or emphasis of contracted works. For NEC4 Project Call-Offs, Suppliers may be required to comply with Option X29 Climate Change Requirements, which could affect reporting obligations and data collection.
(b) Regulatory and Policy Changes: The Authority is engaged in developing policy in relation to Net Zero. The introduction of this policy and any potential new obligations in relation to environmental regulations may require adjustments to the scope of works provided under this Framework. The Framework and Call-Offs may be required to align with the Authority’s future net zero and sustainability strategies. Changes to national or
local carbon reduction targets may require modifications to materials, methods, or delivery schedules.
(c) Changes to DfI internal policy: The Authority is engaged in developing a strategy for a new approach to how the public road network is maintained. This strategy seeks to deliver a structured approach to road maintenance through high-quality interventions that are focused, targeted and based on reliable and timely analytics. The scope of services may be affected by anticipated reforms introduced by the strategy. There is also a known risk that priorities may shift, requiring changes to the scope or emphasis of contracted works.
AND
2. Has concluded that there is a possibility that the contract may have to be modified as a result of a materialisation of the known risk/s at a later date in accordance with Schedule 8 paragraph 5 of the Procurement Act 2023.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
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