The Environment Agency has announced a significant upgrade to its Collaborative Delivery Framework 2 (CDF2), increasing the value of the framework from the previously stated £3bn to an impressive £5.5bn.
The framework, aimed at supporting engineering and construction projects for assets related to flooding and water management, will succeed in the existing Collaborative Delivery Framework, which includes key players like Bam Nuttall, Arup, and Jacobs, and runs until 2027.
Expanded scope and funding
The increased valuation follows market engagement and reflects the growing need for flood risk management and other critical infrastructure improvements. Enhanced data from a recent flood risk assessment shows millions of properties at risk, a number expected to rise significantly in coming decades, further underscoring the framework’s importance.
CDF2 will oversee a broad spectrum of asset management activities, including flood and coastal risk management, navigation, water land, and biodiversity assets. Suppliers will provide technical consultancy and construction services to support maintenance, refurbishment, and construction programs. The framework will incorporate both nature-based solutions and traditional hard engineering approaches, catering to projects ranging from £1million to around £75 million (final upper limit pending).
Framework Lots
The CDF2 framework is divided into three key Lots, each tailored to different types of services and project scales:
Lot 1: Strategy, appraisal, and design services
- Lot1 – Annual Average Framework Value, per supplier - £8m
- Lot 1 - Annual average number of contracts, per supplier – 13
- Lot 1 – Average Contract Value £0.6m
Lot 2: Simple appraisal and construction projects (£1m to ~£5m)
- Lot2 – Annual Average Framework Value, per supplier - £40m
- Lot 2 - Annual average number of contracts, per supplier – 30
- Lot 2 – Average Contract Value £1.3m
Lot 3: Complex construction projects (£5m and above)
- Lot3 – Annual Average Framework Value, per supplier - £78m
- Lot 3 - Annual average number of contracts, per supplier – 9
- Lot 3 – Average Contract Value £8.7m
All Lots will be awarded regionally through three geographic hubs, while suppliers will also be part of a national pool for centrally commissioned work. Lot 3 suppliers are expected to maintain operational capabilities on a national scale, and competitive bidding for specific projects will be an option across all Lots.
Suppliers are invited to register their interest for this opportunity by emailing cdfreplacement@defra.gov.uk with their company name, and contact details for a single point of contact within their organisation.
Suppliers who register their interest will be invited to attend the market engagement Webinar on the 23rd of January 2025, and to the follow up sessions on the 30th of January 2025 (Leeds) and the 4th and 5th of February (London). The tender process will commence July 2025 (expected date).
For detailed tender information, visit the official notice here.
