Dfi TRAM Road Asset Management Structures Framework
Framework Description
The RAM Structures Framework is a DfI Transport and Road Asset Management (TRAM) works framework for bridges and other road structures in Northern Ireland. Procured by open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, it is estimated to run from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2030, with call-offs worth about £57 million excluding VAT. Call-offs can be extended by up to 12 months if no replacement is in place, taking value to £71.25 million.
Context & Use Case
TRAM uses the framework to maintain, repair and renew structures on the road network. Lot 1 is a project lot for one-off NEC ECC projects from £750,001 to £5 million, awarded by mini-competition. Lots 2 to 4 are measured term contract area lots for work orders up to £750,000, with a primary supplier appointed to each. Bidders must tender for the project lot and at least one area lot.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: project lot, NEC ECC projects £750,001 to £5 million STF W1: Derry and Strabane, Fermanagh and Omagh, Mid-Ulster STF E&S1: Belfast, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Ards and North Down, Newry Mourne and Down, Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon STF N1: Antrim and Newtownabbey, Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim Demolition, new structures, scour protection and culvert works Bridge maintenance, working in water, concrete and steelwork repairs
Lots
Area lots - STF W1 (Derry & Strabane, Fermanagh & Omagh, Mid-Ulster); STF E&S1 (Belfast, Lisburn & Castlereagh, Ards & North Down, Newry Mourne Down, Armagh Banbridge & Craigavon); plus further area/project lots per ITT
Who Can Apply
Suits civil engineering contractors with bridge and structures experience in Northern Ireland, including work in water and near the railway. Works near the Northern Ireland Railways network need £100 million public liability cover. The tender closed on 28 July 2026 and award is pending, so contractors who did not bid cannot join; a supplier can be awarded no more than two lots.
Buyer Benefits
TRAM gets a primary contractor in each area for routine structures work, plus a competed pool for larger projects, so jobs start quickly and big schemes still get price tension. Clear lot rules spread work across the market. Buyers here value structures expertise, safe working in water and on live roads, and reliable programme delivery.
Next Steps
Check Find a Tender notice 039482-2026 and its later versions for the award outcome. If you bid, prepare to mobilise for a start around 1 November 2026, with insurance that meets the £100 million railway requirement if you want that work. If you did not, build structures case studies, NEC ECC experience and temporary works capability for the next procurement.
How Athena Can Help
With a compulsory project lot and a primary supplier for each area lot, appointed contractors will compete mainly through project lot mini-competitions. Athena's competitor scoring can model your likely score on each scheme and shape your win themes. Our public sector bid writing writes and checks the quality responses on structures, water working and traffic management. We also offer pipeline planning for TRAM's other road asset frameworks, so contractors who missed this tender can plan bids across the programme.
