Framework for A Tunnelling, Drilling & Shaft Works For Build Only And Design & Build
Framework Description
Severn Trent Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy are procuring a framework for tunnelling, drilling and shaft works, delivered on Build Only or Design & Build terms. Each of 17 techniques, from pipe ramming and horizontal directional drilling to segmental tunnelling and six shaft methods, has a Build Only and a Design & Build lot, valued at £300m and £900m respectively. It runs to 30 September 2038, with an option to extend to 30 September 2041.
Context & Use Case
The two utilities use it for tunnels, trenchless crossings and shafts on their water and wastewater capital programmes. Work will be predominantly Design & Build, and contractors are awarded the lots where they demonstrate the required competency. Works are called off by mini-competition, or by direct allocation where the framework allows it, so appointed contractors compete or are allocated work technique by technique.
Scope of Services
Pipe ramming, thrust boring and auger boring Horizontal directional drilling, including rock drilling Timber heading and direct pipe Micro tunnelling, pipe jacking and segmental tunnelling Shafts: underpinning in free air and compressed air Shafts: open caisson wet and dry, sheet-piled pits and timber shafts Each technique offered as Build Only or Design & Build
Lots
Design & Build (£900m); Build Only (£300m); six shaft works lots including underpinning (free air), underpinning (compressed air), open caisson wet, open caisson dry, sheet-piled pits, timber shafts
Who Can Apply
Suits specialist tunnelling, trenchless drilling and shaft-sinking contractors with water utility experience. Shaft lots cannot be bid alone, so shaft specialists need drilling or tunnelling capability or a partner. The tender was published on 23 April 2026; check the procurement record for its current stage, as once it is awarded, applications are closed until re-procurement.
Buyer Benefits
A term running to 2038, extendable to 2041, gives Severn Trent long-term access to scarce tunnelling capacity and lets contractors invest in plant and people. Separate shaft lots by method match the right specialist to the ground conditions, and the choice of Build Only or Design & Build lets the utility decide where design risk sits.
Next Steps
Open procurement ocds-h6vhtk-067c05 on Find a Tender to see the tender notice and any later award notice. If the competition has closed, approach appointed contractors about supply chain roles. Either way, build evidence of trenchless and shaft projects by technique, Design & Build capability, safety performance and carbon reduction, and watch for Severn Trent's other capital delivery procurements.
How Athena Can Help
On a long utility framework, supply chain roles with the appointed contractors are often the realistic route in. Athena's bid strategy for utilities work helps you decide where to position, and our specialist bid writing produces method statements, safety and carbon answers for package bids.
To find other open infrastructure routes, Athena's framework opportunity mapping identifies frameworks and DPSs that are open or due to open in your sector, and builds a 6–12 month pipeline plan around them.
