The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is preparing to appoint a single national provider to manage and maintain its water and wastewater services in a contract estimated to be worth £2.6 billion.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which oversees the MoD’s estate, has outlined plans to bring together the operation, maintenance and management of the ministry’s private water network under a single managed service provider (MSP). The proposed arrangement, set out in a newly published concept document, would cover everything from water distribution and wastewater treatment to meter maintenance, drainage works and billing systems.
The contract is expected to begin in February 2028 and run until December 2035, with options for two further three-year extensions at the MoD’s discretion. It would mark one of the largest water-related procurements in the department’s history, spanning defence sites across England, Scotland and Wales.
The contract is expected to begin in February 2028 and run until December 2035, with options for two further three-year extensions at the MoD’s discretion
Ahead of the formal tender process, the DIO has invited companies to attend an industry day at Villa Park in Birmingham on 14 October. The event will give potential bidders a chance to meet with the DWSP (Defence Water and Wastewater Services Programme) team and discuss the proposed model, commercial framework and expected timelines. Questions for the event can be submitted in advance through Slido, and the DIO has encouraged participation from both major contractors and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
SMEs will have a limited amount of exhibition space at the event, where they can bring small displays or promotional material. The DIO said it “encourages and supports SME engagement” as part of its procurement policy. Companies wishing to attend must register their interest by emailing DIODCT-PFIRP@mod.gov.uk before 5pm on 15 September, providing contact details and a brief explanation of their interest in the project.
According to the DIO, the tender notice is expected to be published on 7 October, with requests to participate due by 15 December. The final contract award is currently scheduled for August 2027, following a competitive and flexible procurement process conducted through the Defence Sourcing Portal.
The concept document describes the department’s goal of delivering an “efficient, resilient and sustainable” water and wastewater service across the defence estate, ensuring reliable provision at sites throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
