Data Cabling Framework
Framework Description
Nottingham Trent University's Data Cabling Framework is a single-lot ranked framework of up to three suppliers for structured cabling across its campuses. It covers new installations, additions to existing infrastructure, moves, removal of legacy cabling and fault rectification on both copper and fibre. The framework is live and runs to 20 July 2029, with no extension option.
Context & Use Case
NTU's network is large: more than 160 communication rooms, over 50,000 copper data points and more than 400 end-to-end fibres, including single-mode, multi-mode and blown fibre. The university uses the framework to commission cabling for its estates and digital technology teams. In a ranked framework, work usually goes to the top-ranked supplier first, with the others available if that supplier cannot deliver.
Scope of Services
Structured cabling design and installation Data point installation and termination Fibre optic cabling (single-mode, multi-mode and blown fibre) Infrastructure moves and modifications Legacy system removal Fault diagnosis and rectification
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits structured cabling contractors with campus-scale experience across copper and fibre, including blown fibre. Appointments are complete and applications are closed: other contractors cannot join until NTU re-procures, which is likely to happen ahead of the July 2029 end date.
Buyer Benefits
A ranked list lets NTU place cabling jobs fast without competing every project, which keeps teaching and research spaces running. Working with three suppliers who already know the estate's comms rooms and fibre routes means less time on surveys and inductions, and a fallback if the first-ranked firm is busy.
Next Steps
If you are on the framework, deliver well on the jobs you receive, since performance will count when NTU goes back to market. If you are not, look for NTU's next cabling tender on Find a Tender during 2029. Building case studies on large university, hospital or multi-site estates with mixed copper and fibre networks now will strengthen that bid.
How Athena Can Help
Applications for NTU's cabling framework are closed until re-procurement, so the useful work now is preparation. Athena's bid management service includes a bid audit of past cabling awards and a model of how you would score against likely rivals, so you know where to improve before 2029.
In the meantime, we can find other education and public estates cabling frameworks that are open now via our framework registrations team, and give public sector bid advice on which are worth the effort.
