Highways

The Highways Agency has formally begun the process of putting together a slate of up to 28 partner companies for its new Collaborative Delivery Framework (CDF).

The new framework will be responsible for up to £5bn-worth of highways work over the next six years, although there is no guarantee of a minimum amount of work to any firm on the panel.

The framework is divided into four sections: engineering design, and small, medium and large construction projects.

The CDF will run for an initial four years with an option to extend for a further two years.

A supplier day briefing presentation was held on 24 September and the contract notice inviting applications is published in the EU Official Journal today.

The CDF’s four lots are:

• Lot 1 – Professional design and engineering services; up to 12 engineering design firms to be selected.
• Lot 2 – Medium value construction works with scheme values up to £25m; up to five contractors to be selected.
• Lot 3A – High value construction works with scheme values from £25m to £100m; up to six contractors to be selected.
• Lot 3B – High value construction works with scheme values of between £100m and £450m; up to five contractors to be selected.

Examples of the schemes type to be commissioned through the CDF include the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon, managed motorways, conventional widening schemes and junction improvements.

Selected firms will be expected to be able to provide a service nationwide, working across all Highways Agency regions.