Weather Forecasting Services
Framework Description
NEPO230 Weather Forecasting Services is NEPO's framework for weather forecasts to support winter service planning. Forecasts are uploaded to a central system so the people planning gritting and winter maintenance can access them easily. It is a single-lot framework, not a DPS, running to 31 March 2027, so its replacement should be procured during the coming months.
Context & Use Case
Highway authorities use NEPO230 to decide when and where to grit roads and footways during winter. Accurate, timely forecasts reduce unnecessary gritting runs and salt use while keeping roads safe, and a shared central system gives duty officers the information they need for decisions, often at night. The forecasts feed directly into each authority's winter service decisions.
Scope of Services
Weather forecasts for winter service planning Forecasts uploaded to a central system Access for staff managing winter maintenance
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits meteorological service providers able to deliver reliable forecasts for winter maintenance. Applications for this framework are closed, so providers not appointed cannot join it; with the term ending on 31 March 2027, the replacement procurement is the next opportunity.
Buyer Benefits
Gritting decisions are expensive and safety-critical. Buyers value accurate forecasts, easy access through a central system and a provider already assessed for reliability, ahead of each winter season. Better forecasts also cut unnecessary gritting runs, saving salt, fuel and staff time, which matters to highways budgets under pressure every winter.
Next Steps
Watch NEPO's framework page closely now for the replacement procurement, as the term ends on 31 March 2027. Prepare evidence of forecast accuracy, system integration and support for highway authorities, and consider whether to bid jointly with winter bureau providers.
How Athena Can Help
The NEPO230 replacement is likely within months. Athena's fast-track bid planning gets your bid planned quickly, and our bid writing support team writes responses that show forecast accuracy and service reliability.
Our framework registration expertise also prepares selection documents and a compliance check, and can identify other highways frameworks worth targeting. A Bid Health Check reviews your draft before submission, and we model pricing for a multi-year forecasting service that stays profitable.
