Bid writing strategies to win the Thames Water Framework
By Jason Cooney, Director, Tsaks Cosulting UK
Thames Water has commenced procurement for a framework for sewer rehabilitation, CCTV inspection and cleaning works across London and the South-East. This is an exceptional opportunity which our writers here at Tsaks Consulting UK can help businesses and contractors apply for and win. The framework has an estimated value of 189.7 million.
Businesses and contractors that specialise in CCTV inspections, cleaning works of sewers, sewer rehabilitation including construction and maintenance works for sewers are encouraged to apply if their experience and interests align. Submissions are due for the request to participate stage on the 17th of August 2026.
There is a multi-staged procedure for applying for this framework, which firstly involves participating in the initial selection stage and then moving on to more detailed negotiations and the provision of further detailed information. With over 12 years’ experience writing tenders for sewer rehabilitation and other sewer drainage works, our team here at Tsaks Consulting UK are experts in writing bids and frameworks to Thames Water and other utilities and is able to guide contractors and businesses on how best to respond to win the framework.
What does the framework cover?
The framework covers a broad scope of works, including:
- Structural lining
- Pipe bursting
- Pipe replacement
- Patch repairs
- Leak tight lining
- Manhole sealing
- CCTV inspection and cleaning
There is significant opportunity for contractors to bid and for small and medium enterprises to also bid for this framework. For example, enterprises that specialise in cleaning sewers and sewer lines are able to bid, as well as other patch repair or pipe replacement contractors. This means that whether you’re conducting minor civil works or street works, or you’re a large organisation that operates near, for example, rail infrastructure, then you are encouraged to consider bidding for this opportunity. It is an opportunity that fits different businesses of different sizes across the UK.
Selecting the correct lot that suits your business and expertise
There are two lots for this procurement by Thames Water:
- The first lot is for works below £3 million and/or non-complex work.
- The second lot is for works above £3 million or complex works.
This is critical, firstly, because there are different contracts involved. For example, the first lot’s call-offs are expected to use the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Short Contract, while for the second lot, they often use the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract with either Option B or D.
For medium and larger contractors and even smaller contractors, there’s one point that is critical to note. That is that the authority has indicated that they may give preference to contractors or businesses that can supply a greater proportion of the work. I.e. they can supply a lot, a greater proportion of lot one and lot two.
What that means is that if you’re a small to medium business, you may consider joint venturing or partnering with another organisation. If you’re a large business thinking to yourself, “Okay we can kind of conduct most of the works but not all,” it may be worth looking at getting a subcontractor in so that you can bid for all the works. That is an important strategy for being successful in this framework.
The nature and specifics of the framework
Once you’re appointed to the framework then there will be call-off contracts that will be awarded as the framework progresses. It’s important to note that within each lot six suppliers will be appointed so it is a highly competitive process and we are expecting a number of different businesses and suppliers to bid and try and be successful.
Once you’re appointed to the framework, there will be call-off contracts that will be awarded as the framework progresses. And it’s important to note that within each lot, six suppliers will be appointed. Therefore, it is a highly competitive process, and we are expecting a number of different businesses and suppliers to bid and try and be successful, and only six will be selected. That means that it’s critical that you put forward. with a strong bead.
Expert tips and strategies from our writers on what to do to win the Thames Water Sewer Rehabilitation Framework
- Focusing on your capacity and delivery capability. You need to put forward a team and demonstrate that you have the capacity in terms of depth of human resources and equipment to deliver the works. You also need to illustrate that your team members are your A-Team members that have the necessary technical and other expertise to deliver.
- To demonstrate that you have robust safety and environmental capabilities, your processes and procedures for safety and environmental considerations when conducting the proposed sewer works need to align with all the relevant legislation. You need to provide evidence that you have these processes and procedures in place, including safety method statements and policies. The key point to score well and win the framework is also to demonstrate that safety and environment is not only on paper but demonstrated in your culture. Your responses throughout your proposed bid can show that you’re passionate about safety in the environment. It’s not just a box-ticking exercise.
- Detailing and showcasing your previous experience in sewer rehabilitation and cleaning programs. This includes providing services to both the private and public sector for sewer rehabilitation and cleaning.
- Demonstrating that you have experience from a safety and also operational perspective, working in the rail environment as well as on streets and the road environment.
- Demonstrating that you have the reporting and contract administration experience to deliver the works and manage the contract in the short, medium and long-term, including any experience managing NEC4 contracts.
- Include evidence, testimonials, and any supporting documentation where you can throughout your proposal. This will increase the credibility of your proposal and demonstrate that you’ve got all the appropriate licences but also hands-on experience required to deliver the works.
Get assistance preparing for the selection stage and applying for this and other frameworks from our expert bid writers
Start planning your response and preparing your submission for the Thames Water Framework with the help of our bid and tender riders here at Tsaks Consulting UK. Our riders are experts in helping businesses and contractors prepare for and submit winning framework submissions.