Scheme Delivery Framework 2 (SDF2)
Framework Description
Scheme Delivery Framework 2 (SDF2) is a planned £14.5bn National Highways framework for planned renewals and smaller improvements across the Strategic Road Network. It will replace both the current Scheme Delivery Framework and the Pavement Delivery Framework, and is due to run from 5 March 2027 to 1 September 2035 with no extension. National Highways announced it in a Find a Tender pipeline notice (2025/S 000-022269) published on 16 May 2025.
Context & Use Case
National Highways will use SDF2 for civil and structural works, pavement upgrades, drainage, earthworks, traffic management and associated design services on motorways and major A roads. Bringing several delivery routes into one long-term agreement means appointed contractors could secure eight years of renewal and improvement work, while smaller firms compete for supply-chain packages beneath them.
Scope of Services
Civil and structural works Pavement upgrades and renewals Drainage and earthworks Traffic management Associated design services
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits civil engineering, pavement, barrier, drainage and traffic management contractors, and design consultants, with highways experience. The pipeline notice flags particular suitability for SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises, and estimated the tender notice for 22 January 2026, so check whether the competition has opened. Smaller firms may also find supply-chain roles with appointed contractors.
Buyer Benefits
SDF2 consolidates renewal and improvement procurement into one long-term framework, reducing overhead for National Highways and supporting joined-up delivery across civil, pavement, drainage and traffic management. Its eight-year term also gives the client stable supply-chain relationships and room to improve performance over time.
Next Steps
Check Find a Tender, starting from pipeline notice 2025/S 000-022269, and National Highways' eSourcing portal for the tender notice and current SDF2 deadlines. Prepare evidence across civils, pavement, barriers, drainage, traffic management and design. Decide whether to bid directly or join a tier 1 supply chain, given the framework is due to start on 5 March 2027.
How Athena Can Help
A £14.5bn, eight-year framework is a major bid that needs careful planning. Athena's large-bid management can build your SDF2 bid plan, develop win themes across civils, pavement and drainage, and model your score against likely competitors.
Our bid/no-bid decision support helps you decide whether to bid directly or as part of a tier 1 supply chain, and our help preparing framework applications manages selection questions, case studies and compliance checks to the deadline.
