Official UK procurement notice
SCG / SCOPAC Coastal & Flood Works Framework 2027
Authority: Portsmouth City Council (Local council)
What is being bought3 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionPortsmouth City Council ('the council') on behalf of the Southern Coastal Group (SCG) and SCOPAC (Standing Conference on Problem Associated with the Coast), is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified contractors for inclusion onto a multi-contractor Coastal & Flood Works Framework Agreement. This framework will replace the existing SCG Minor Works Framework that is due to expire on 30th November 2026.
The Council s aiming to commence the framework from March 2027 which will run for a period of four years, with an option to extend for a further 2 years in increments to be agreed.
The framework will comprise of 3 lots:
- Lot 1a - Minor Coastal Civil Engineering Works.
- Lot 1b - General Coastal Civil Engineering Works.
- Lot 2 - Specialist beach management.
Contractors may apply for any or all of the 3 lots. Each framework lot will be made up of a primary tier of up to 4 contractors and a secondary tier of up to 2 contractors. The secondary tier will primarily be used on a contingency resource basis.
Stage 1 Application is via submission of a completed Procurement Selection Questionnaire (PSQ) by 14th August 2026 @ 12:00. The council anticipates shortlisting 8 contractors for each Lot from assessment of the returned PSQ submissions, who will then be invited to tender.
The value of the framework across both lots is estimated to be in the region of £25M - £75m over six years.
From previous spend, and future demand from SCG Members and with consideration of proposed EA General Works grant aid funding rule changes expected in April this year, we are estimating annual Framework usage and values to be the following, however there is no guarantee of this volume of work and actual volumes and spend may be higher or lower:
Lot 1a - Estimated 10-20 call offs p/a, totalling £500k - £1m p/a
Lot 1b - Estimated 5-10 call offs p/a, totalling £2m-£5m p/a
Lot 2 - Estimated 5-10 call offs p/a, totalling £500k-£1m p/a
The average value of works called off via the framework for each Lot by SCG and SCOPAC is likely to range from:
- Lot 1a: £10k - £100k
- Lot 1b: £250k - £5m
- Lot 2: £50k - £1m
However, there may also be commissions below £100k and on occasion in excess of £5m. Although it is unlikely that very high or very low value work will be procured via the agreement no upper or lower value constraints shall apply.
CONTRACT TERMS
The framework will be let using NEC4 Framework Contract with following call-off options as appropriate:
- NEC4 ECC and ECSC
- NEC4 TSC and TSSC
- Standard Authority PO T&Cs for low value, low complex works.
SCOPE
Refer to individual Lot information section of notice for details.
ESTABLISHMENT PROJECTS
For lot 1a and lot 1b the framework will be establish based upon a scenario project(s). The Council may establish lot 2 upon either a scenario project(s) also OR a live project. This is to be confirmed at tender stage.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW
As part of the wider Local Government Review (LGR), the Council is required to actively engage in discussions with neighbouring authorities to explore potential opportunities for collaboration, shared service delivery, and governance alignment. While this engagement is ongoing, no formal decisions or agreements have been reached at this stage.
Under current LGR proposals, it is likely to require Portsmouth City Council to form a new Authority by merging with other neighbouring Authorities. For Portsmouth, this will result in a new Council being created to provide the same services to everyone in the city, whilst covering a larger area and have a different name. Effectively all the current council services in the area of the new council boundary would be merged to create a new Council.
The government has announced its decision on Local Government Reorganisation on Wednesday 25th March 2026 that Portsmouth City Council will become part of a larger unitary authority that will cover the areas of Gosport, Fareham and Havant, and include Newlands, Horndean, Clanfield and Rowlands Castle.
The new unitary authority vesting date will be on 1st April 2028.
In the event of reorganisation, contracts will include clauses that allow for the assignment of the contract to successor authorities. Any assignment clause is likely to state any contract may be assigned to any new authority that succeeds the original contracting authority.
For further details in respect of LGR for the Council see the following link -
www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and… ↗ local-government-reorganisation/
For wider LGR information please refer to this link to the government page: Local government reorganisation: Policy and programme updates - GOV.UK
- The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 28 Aug 2032, 23:59 BST.
- How the procedure runs: Portsmouth City Council, (the Council) has decided to utilise a two-stage Competitive Flexible Procedure to establish 3 lots under the framework, consisting of the following stages: • Stage 1 - a discrete Conditions of Participation stage to limit the number of suppliers to a maximum of 8 per lot. • Stage 2 - a Tendering Round with up to the top 6 suppliers being awarded a place on each lot of the framework (Up to 4 suppliers on tier 1, and 2 suppliers on tier 2). Stage 1 - Conditions of Participation Stage This stage focuses on shortlisting suppliers that meet the necessary technical, financial, and operational capabilities required by the contract. It aims to reduce the number of bidders through consideration of meeting the conditions of participation and level of relevant experience and contract examples. In the event that there are less than eight suppliers who meet the Conditions of Participation criteria for any Lot, the Council reserve the right to: • proceed to the second stage of the tender process for that Lot regardless, providing there are more than four qualifying suppliers; or • remove the impacted Lot from the Framework, if less than four qualifying suppliers, without impact on the remainder of the Lots progressing through the procurement process The Council also reserves the right to determine the final number of contractors appointed to each Lot and the structure of tiering. This may include (but is not limited to) establishing a Lot without a Reserve Tier, where this is considered appropriate based on the number and quality of compliant tenders received. As a minimum for Framework viability, a Lot must contain a minimum of 2 Delivery Tier suppliers Any interested suppliers will need to register on the governments Central Digital Platform for the Council to review any potential grounds for exclusion and conduct a debarment check. The Council will be required to undertake checks on any named subcontractor a supplier incorporates into their bid. If the subcontractor was to meet the exclusion grounds and/or be listed on the debarment list, then the Council will need to investigate this as part of any award decision. The Council may require a supplier to change the nominated sub contractor if they do not meet the exclusion grounds and/or listed on the debarment list. Stage 2 - Invitation to Tender (ITT) The second stage, shortlisted suppliers are invited to submit detailed proposals, including price in line with the stated, delivery methodology. The Council are envisioning applying a cost/quality weighting of 20% cost/80% quality for the second stage tender evaluation. However, this split is indicative and the Council reserves its right to refine award criteria during the procurement procedure and to adopt a Cost/Quality split up to 30/70, which may differ between Lots. The specific weightings for the proposed cost & quality criteria are to be detailed on issue of ITT, however will fall within the ranges stated within the Lot sections of this notice. The Council are intending to follow the subsequent Procurement Programme: PSQ published via Intend 8th July 2026 Tender notice issued on fts 8th July 2026 Bidders Briefing 16th July 2026 @ 1pm PSQ return deadline 14th August 2026 @ 12 noon PSQ evaluations complete 21st September 2026 Tender published via Intend 28th September 2026 Tender clarification deadline 10th November 2026 @ 12noon Tender return deadline 20th November 2026 @ 12 noon Issue assessment summaries 22nd January 2027 Contract Award notice on FTS 22nd January 2027 End of standstill 3rd February 2027 Framework Award 8th February 2027 Framework Start Date 1st March 2027 BIDDERS BRIEFING A supplier briefing for Stage 1 will be held on Thursday 16th July at 1pm via Microsoft TEAMS. Attendance is not compulsory and not taking part will not preclude Suppliers from taking part in Stage 1 of the procurement exercise. To assist with record keeping and enabling us to provide technical assistance on the day if required, please inform the Council by Wednesday 15th July 2026 at 5pm who will be attending using the correspondence function on Intend. Link to join the briefing is within the Conditions of Participation documentation.
CPV: Blasting and associated rock-removal work · Coastal-defence works · Cut and fill · Cycle path construction work · Drainage and surface works · Drainage construction works · Dredging and pumping works · Earthmoving work · Excavating work · Footpath construction work · Ground investigation work · Ground-drainage work · +13 more
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Open framework
- Call-offs
- call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
- Places
- up to 18 suppliers
- Framework period
4 yrs · up to 6 yrs from 1 Mar 2027, The Framework contract will start as close to 1st March 2027 as possible and operate for an initial term of four years.
Provision has been included for a framework extension of up to two years (taking the maximum framework duration to six years) to enable alignment with potential changes to the Environment Agency's funding programme and offers some resilience in the context of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the potential for increased procurement demand in the early years of new authorities, but a need to continue to maintain sea defence assets.
- Buyer regions
- UKJ21, UKJ22, UKJ27, UKJ28, UKJ3, UKJ4, UKK15
- Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
0.50% of call-off value · A framework rebate fee of 0.5% will be charged to suppliers who are awarded call-off contracts estimated to be £100,000 or more in total lifetime value.
The flat rate of 0.5% will be based on the estimated Total of the Prices for ECC/ECSCs or Forecast Outturn Cost for TSC/TSSCs, with a maximum fee of £10,000 per call-off.
Who may buy through it
FRAMEWORK ACCESS
The Framework is being established primarily for use by SCG/SCOPAC member Contracting Authorities, which currently includes:
- Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council
- Chichester District Council
- Dorset Council
- Eastleigh Borough Council
- Fareham Borough Council
- Gosport Borough Council
- Hampshire County Council
- Havant Borough Council
- Isle of Wight Council
- New Forest District Council
- Portsmouth City Council
- Southampton City Council
The framework will also be accessible to all Contracting Authorities within the Southern and Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee's (Southern RFCC, Wessex RFCC), regardless of SCG/SCOPAC membership, which currently includes:
- Hampshire
- Dorset
- West Sussex
- East Sussex
- Isle of Wight
- Kent
- Somerset
- Wiltshire
Contracting Authorities under future iterations of SCG/SCOPAC membership and the Southern RFCC, will be able to access the Framework following changes as a result of LGR or other factors.
Published description of the framework
MAMIMUM NUMBER OFSUPPLIERS AND TIERING
Maximum Number of suppliers on the framework is 6 per lot, which if different suppliers are appointed onto each of the lots, may result in a maximum of 18 suppliers being allocated onto the framework in total. Refer to scope for fuller details.
Ideally each Lot will consist of a Delivery Tier of 4 contractors and a Reserve Tier of 2 contractors. The definitions of which are:
- Delivery Tier: the top 4 ranked contractors from framework tender stage who will deliver the framework under normal operating conditions.
- Reserve Tier: the 5th and 6th ranked contractors from framework tender stage that may be called upon in exceptional circumstances or moved up into the Delivery Tier in the event that a contractor is removed, or removes themselves, from the Delivery Tier on a permanent or temporary basis. This tier provides framework contingency only and will not be actively managed.
However, the Council reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine the final number of contractors appointed to each Lot and the structure of tiering. This may include (but is not limited to) establishing a Lot without a Reserve Tier, where this is considered appropriate based on the number and quality of compliant tenders received.
As a minimum for Framework viability, a Lot must contain a minimum of 2 Delivery Tier suppliers.
PRICING
Each Lot will have NEC4 fee percentages set at Framework level on a meet or beat basis for the duration of the Framework for NEC4 contracts and payment options most likely to be used for that Lot.
No further rates such as prelims, material rates etc will apply at Framework level and all pricing at call-off stage will be managed via mini-competition.
CALL OFF MECHANISMS
Mini competition
The default option for the Framework will be to use a mini-competition process to award a contract.
For a mini competition, Contracting Authorities would be required to produce and issue an Invitation to Bid document to all Suppliers named on the Lot (or Lots) appropriate to the work scope and value.
Evaluation criteria will be applied on a project-by-project basis dependant on the nature of the works and the contracting strategy required and will not necessarily follow the same weightings as applied for establishing the Framework.
For mini-competitions, Contracting Authorities may choose to focus evaluation on cost only or include a mixture of cost and quality elements, as below:
- Cost Only or Cost Focused Bid - Project specific cost element makes up 80% - 100% of the evaluation. Quality elements may be asked for but assessed on a pass/fail basis or on a low weighting. This approach is most likely to be used on Lot 1a or possibly Lot 2 where the work scope is low value & low complexity.
- Cost and Quality Bid - Evaluation is split between project specific cost and quality elements (but not necessarily equally). Evaluation weightings are project specific and will likely differ from those used at Framework set-up. This approach will be used in most circumstances for Lots 1b and 2, and for more complex works Lot 1a where approaches to the work may significantly differ between Suppliers.
- High Quality Focused Bid - Evaluation will focus on quality and experience. Application of the X22 Contracting Clause may apply.
The emphasis would be on building an integrated project delivery team, a design and build scheme or where a scheme is of high complexity or high quality. Likely to only be used for Lot 1b higher value longer term works.
Direct Award options (all Lots)
On occasion, Direct Award options can be the most appropriate and/or economically advantageous route to market. Direct awards will predominantly be used for lower value shorter term emergency requirements, repeat work requirements, specialist works and award by ranking / rotation, etc. but could also be used for higher value longer term works, subject to legal diligence on objective justification and governance sign off. We are proposing to allow Direct Awards via the framework across all Lots under the following scenarios:
- Urgent or emergency basis
- Repeat Work Basis: Work development
- Repeat Work Basis: Specialist work
CALL-OFF FLEXIBILITIES
For call-offs estimated between £100k - £250k, it is proposed that Lots 1a and 1b 'dovetail' into one another and Contracting Authorities will have the flexibility to use either Lot at their sole discretion. The decision of which Lot to progress a call-off procedure with will mostly consider the complexity and risks associated with the work type/scope of the contract. Where appropriate an expression of interest may be used, however, a decision will result in the selection of one Lot and will progress a call-off with either Lot 1a OR Lot 1b and will not be a hybrid of the two.
The Framework will also likely allow for calls for competition using cross-Lot or cross-Tier features, mainly when the nature or value of the call-off was not tested at Framework set-up. It is not intended for this to be commonplace. In all instances an Expression of Interest and/or sifting brief would be used to establish a maximum shortlist of 4 suppliers to be invited to mini-competition.
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT / KPIs
The detailed KPIs and scoring methodology will be set out within stage 2 tender documents. The KPIs will include for and develop upon the high-level structure set out below:
- Time
- Cost
- Quality
- Number of defects / Efficiency of managing defects identified
- Communications, reporting & response
- Health & Safety Management
- Minimising Disruption, Site Logistics, Security & Access
- Quality Management
- Handover at Practical Completion
The Council will publish a Contract Performance Notice which summarises delivery performance against the finalised KPIs for any call off over £5m.
The Council will work in partnership with the appointed contractor and will review KPI performance with the contractor at regular intervals. The Council will seek to agree KPI scores with the contractor prior to issue of a Contract Performance Notice.
In the event of significant non-performance, such as significant persistent performance issues where reasonable opportunity has been provided to the contractor to address but has failed to do so, application of significant damages or other significant penalties,
termination (including partial termination) of the contract or the reaching of a settlement agreement between the parties, the Council will be required to issue a Performance Notice within 30 days of the breach in accordance with Section 71 of the Procurement Act 23.
Consequences for performance will be detailed at tender stage but at high level will include for demotion to secondary tier, restriction of direct award opportunities, suspension from the framework agreement through to termination.
Lots and requirements (3)Procurement structure
3 lots · all with a published value · same evaluation weights on every lotEvery one of these 2 lots carries the same published figure, £6,000,000: it is the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each lot's own budget, and no share per lot is published. The cards below say ceiling above rather than repeat it.
Lot #1Minor Coastal & Flood Civil Engineering WorksRenewalceiling above
PURPOSE
This Lot will focus on smaller, non-complex works, such as maintenance and repairs, that will generally be local authority funded.
CORE SCOPE
The following scope items are considered core to this Lot and will be tested at Framework level:
- Timber structures, groynes & revetments
- Precast and insitu concrete works
- Rock works
- Earth and flood embankments
- Flood gates, boards and demountable defences
- H&S issues and emergency works response
- Marine, harbour, and river works
- Slipways, promenades, steps and access ramps
NON-CORE SCOPE
The following scope items can be called off via this Lot but may not have been sufficiently tested at Framework level:
- Drainage infrastructure
- Heritage works
- Incidental beach management works
- Piling works
- Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)
- Design responsibility
VALUE
Typical call-off value range £10k - £100k*
Maximum contract value range £0k - £250k*
On occasion we may require works below £10k but these will be packaged up where possible.
There may also be occasional opportunities up to £250k where, for example, the works are non-complex but repetitive over a longer stretch of coast or repetitive over time.
- Economic & financial standing
FINANCIAL CAPACITY
Financial capacity (from core supplier submission) Pass/Fail
Consortium/ Subcontracting
Where a consortium and / or sub-contracting is being significantly relied upon during the framework & to deliver the contracts, consortium members / sub-contractors must complete this Question and each achieve a Pass in respect of the Business Risk Assessment and combined Turnover of all parties must meet the criteria set out below.
Where a consortium and / or subcontractor is being relied upon to meet the financial capacity threshold, a direct contractual relationship in the form of a collateral warranty / Parent company Guarantee/ other contractual arrangement will be required as protection.
Business Risk Assessment
Pass
Business risk score calculated using Credit Safe financial ratios of 50 or above
Or
Score of 49 or less - subject to provision of a guarantee, from either a parent company, consortium member or a financial guarantor, provision subject to the guarantor financial institution achieving a business risk assessment score of 50 or above
Or
Score of 49 or less or where a Credit Safe score cannot be accurately obtained and/or no guarantor is available, satisfactory assessment of financial information provided against the following key factors: acid test, liquidity, retained profit, CCJ instances, bankruptcies, invoice payment performance
Fail: The response does not meet the criteria for a Pass.
AND
Turnover Assessment
Latest turnover figures must be at least…
- Technical & professional ability
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE and contract examples - Pass / Fail and scored - 100%
(Refer to 'Criteria used to select suppliers to tender for this lot' section)
HEALTH & SAFETY - Pass / Fail
- SSIP Approved Contractor (Any member scheme)
- HSE Enforcement / Remedial Orders
- Prosecution & Enforcement
- HSE FFI Charges
MODERN SLAVERY - Pass / Fail
Confirmation that the bidder and any subcontractor they are relying on to satisfy the conditions of participation, is a 'relevant commercial organisation' and has a statement, policy, etc. in place that is compliant with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 215, that can be provided upon request.
Or
Confirmation that the bidder is not a 'relevant commercial organisation' but still has OR can commit to having a statement, policy, etc. in place within 1 year of framework commencement, that is compliant with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 215, that can be provided upon request.
SUSTAINABILITY - Pass/Fail
Confirmation that the Supplier has evidence of a sustainability policy (or equivalent).
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Relevant experience - Pass / Fail and scored - 100%
A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 5 contract case studies relating to works completed or are currently being completed within the past 5 years must be submitted using the Contract Case Study template provided.
Each Contract Case Study requires validation external to the Suppliers' organisation regarding the accuracy of information provided.
Multiple case studies that apply to the same client organisation are permitted as long as each example relates to a discrete contract.
The case studies will firstly be assessed holistically and must demonstrate evidence of meeting the Minimum requirements stated in this section to pass.
Suppliers that pass the minimum requirements will then have their case studies scored, in accordance with the scoring methodology set out in the COP document.
Experience Elements - Lot 1A
Lot 1a Minimum Requirements (MR) - pass/fail
MR1 At least 3 of the case studies must concern coastal works within a tidal area.
MR2 At least 1 example of concrete repairs (examples could include but limited to spalled concrete or voiding)
MR3 At least 1 example of sea defence timber repair (examples could range from plank replacement to new piles)
MR4 At least 2 of the case studies must demonstrate experience delivering work packages with values ranging from £50,000 - £150,000. (If subcontracted as part of larger project, this value is for piece of work undertaken by your organisation)
Lot 1a Additional Experience (AE) …
Lot #2Specialist Beach Management WorksRenewalceiling above
CORE SCOPE
The following scope items are considered core to this Lot and will be tested at Framework level:
- Beach management works
- Excavation, haulage, deposition, profiling and screening of beach material
- Ground works associated with flood and coastal risk management
- H&S issues and emergency works response
- Land based importing of suitable beach material from external sources
- Slipways, promenades, steps and access ramps
NON-CORE SCOPE
The following scope items can be called off via this Lot but may not have been sufficiently tested at Framework level:
- Incidental general coastal & flood civil engineering works
- Design responsibility/Principal Designer
- Shore based support of marine based importing of material from external sources.
VALUE
Typical call-off value range and rationale £50k - £1M
Maximum contract value range £0k - £5M
- Economic & financial standing
FINANCIAL CAPACITY
Financial capacity (from core supplier submission) Pass/Fail
Consortium/ Subcontracting
Where a consortium and / or sub-contracting is being significantly relied upon during the framework & to deliver the contracts, consortium members / sub-contractors must complete this Question and each achieve a Pass in respect of the Business Risk Assessment and combined Turnover of all parties must meet the criteria set out below.
Where a consortium and / or subcontractor is being relied upon to meet the financial capacity threshold, a direct contractual relationship in the form of a collateral warranty / Parent company Guarantee/ other contractual arrangement will be required as protection.
Business Risk Assessment
Pass
Business risk score calculated using Credit Safe financial ratios of 50 or above
Or
Score of 49 or less - subject to provision of a guarantee, from either a parent company, consortium member or a financial guarantor, provision subject to the guarantor financial institution achieving a business risk assessment score of 50 or above
Or
Score of 49 or less or where a Credit Safe score cannot be accurately obtained and/or no guarantor is available, satisfactory assessment of financial information provided against the following key factors: acid test, liquidity, retained profit, CCJ instances, bankruptcies, invoice payment performance
Fail: The response does not meet the criteria for a Pass.
AND
Turnover Assessment
Latest turnover figures must be at least…
- Technical & professional ability
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE and contract examples - Pass / Fail and scored - 100%
(Refer to 'Criteria used to select suppliers to tender for this lot' section)
HEALTH & SAFETY - Pass / Fail
- SSIP Approved Contractor (Any member scheme)
- HSE Enforcement / Remedial Orders
- Prosecution & Enforcement
- HSE FFI Charges
MODERN SLAVERY - Pass / Fail
Confirmation that the bidder and any subcontractor they are relying on to satisfy the conditions of participation, is a 'relevant commercial organisation' and has a statement, policy, etc. in place that is compliant with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 215, that can be provided upon request.
Or
Confirmation that the bidder is not a 'relevant commercial organisation' but still has OR can commit to having a statement, policy, etc. in place within 1 year of framework commencement, that is compliant with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 215, that can be provided upon request.
SUSTAINABILITY - Pass/Fail
Confirmation that the Supplier has evidence of a sustainability policy (or equivalent).
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Relevant experience - Pass / Fail and scored - 100%
A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 5 contract case studies relating to works completed or are currently being completed within the past 5 years must be submitted using the Contract Case Study template provided.
Each Contract Case Study requires validation external to the Suppliers' organisation regarding the accuracy of information provided.
Multiple case studies that apply to the same client organisation are permitted as long as each example relates to a discrete contract.
The case studies will firstly be assessed holistically and must demonstrate evidence of meeting the Minimum requirements stated in this section to pass.
Suppliers that pass the minimum requirements will then have their case studies scored, in accordance with the scoring methodology set out in the COP document.
Experience Elements for LOT 2
Lot 2 Minimum Requirements (MR) - pass/fail
MR1 - At least 2 case studies must be coastal works demonstrating working and planning within the tidal cycle and its constraints .
MR2 - At least 1 example of movement and placement of insitu beach materials for flood and coastal protection purposes.
MR3 - At least 1 example of coastal ancillary works -clearance of and/or maintaining access for; outfalls, slipways, promenades, access steps or access ramps.
MR4 - At least 1 example of safe management of the public in and around works using large construction equipment.
MR5 - At least 2 of the case studies must demonstrate …
Lot #3General Coastal & Flood Civil Engineering WorksRenewalPublished value£30,000,000
PURPOSE
Works under this Lot would generally be capitally funded projects, requiring the full suite of consents and approvals, and be notifiable under CDM.
Call-offs under this Lot could include works such as:
- replacement or significant repair of aging or damaged defences
- construction of new defences.
CORE SCOPE
The following scope items are considered core to this Lot and will be tested at Framework level:
- Timber structures, groynes & revetments
- Precast and insitu concrete works
- Rock works
- Earth and flood embankments
- Flood gates, boards and demountable defences
- H&S issues and emergency works response
- Marine, harbour, and river works
- Slipways, promenades, steps and access ramps
- Realignment and habitat creation
- Heritage works
- Piling works
NON-CORE SCOPE
The following scope items can be called off via this Lot but may not have been sufficiently tested at Framework level:
- Drainage infrastructure
- Incidental beach management works
- Natural Flood Management
- Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)
- Design responsibility/Principal Designer
VALUE
Typical call-off value range £250k* - £5M
Maximum contract value range £100k* up to £10M
On occasion works of a more complex nature but lower value may be required taking the contract below the typical value range of £250k.
- Note for Lots 1a and 1b: For call-offs estimated between £100k - £250k, Lots 1a and 1b 'dovetail' into one another and Contracting Authorities have the flexibility to use either Lot at their discretion, based on the complexity and risks associated with the work scope.
There may also be occasional opportunities for contracts in excess of FTS threshold values if the Framework is deemed the best route to market for the requirement.
- Economic & financial standing
FINANCIAL CAPACITY
Financial capacity (from core supplier submission) Pass/Fail
Consortium/ Subcontracting
Where a consortium and / or sub-contracting is being significantly relied upon during the framework & to deliver the contracts, consortium members / sub-contractors must complete this Question and each achieve a Pass in respect of the Business Risk Assessment and combined Turnover of all parties must meet the criteria set out below.
Where a consortium and / or subcontractor is being relied upon to meet the financial capacity threshold, a direct contractual relationship in the form of a collateral warranty / Parent company Guarantee/ other contractual arrangement will be required as protection.
Business Risk Assessment
Pass
Business risk score calculated using Credit Safe financial ratios of 50 or above
Or
Score of 49 or less - subject to provision of a guarantee, from either a parent company, consortium member or a financial guarantor, provision subject to the guarantor financial institution achieving a business risk assessment score of 50 or above
Or
Score of 49 or less or where a Credit Safe score cannot be accurately obtained and/or no guarantor is available, satisfactory assessment of financial information provided against the following key factors: acid test, liquidity, retained profit, CCJ instances, bankruptcies, invoice payment performance
Fail: The response does not meet the criteria for a Pass.
AND
Turnover Assessment
Latest turnover figures must be at least…
- Technical & professional ability
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE and contract examples - Pass / Fail and scored - 100%
(Refer to 'Criteria used to select suppliers to tender for this lot' section)
HEALTH & SAFETY - Pass / Fail
- SSIP Approved Contractor (Any member scheme)
- HSE Enforcement / Remedial Orders
- Prosecution & Enforcement
- HSE FFI Charges
MODERN SLAVERY - Pass / Fail
Confirmation that the bidder and any subcontractor they are relying on to satisfy the conditions of participation, is a 'relevant commercial organisation' and has a statement, policy, etc. in place that is compliant with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 215, that can be provided upon request.
Or
Confirmation that the bidder is not a 'relevant commercial organisation' but still has OR can commit to having a statement, policy, etc. in place within 1 year of framework commencement, that is compliant with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 215, that can be provided upon request.
SUSTAINABILITY - Pass/Fail
Evidence of ISO14001 (or equivalent) or working towards to have in place within 1 year of Framework start date.
ACCREDITATIONS - Pass/Fail
Evidence of ISO9001 (or equivalent) or working towards to have in place within 1 year of Framework start date.
ABI performance bond - Info only
Whilst not required to be held at Framework level, Suppliers on Lot 1b should be aware that an ABI Performance Bond of a value circa 10% of project value may be required for call-off contracts in excess of £5M. Any such requirement would be made clear in call-…
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Relevant experience - Pass / Fail and scored - 100%
A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 5 contract case studies relating to works completed or are currently being completed within the past 5 years must be submitted using the Contract Case Study template provided.
Each Contract Case Study requires validation external to the Suppliers' organisation regarding the accuracy of information provided.
Multiple case studies that apply to the same client organisation are permitted as long as each example relates to a discrete contract.
The case studies will firstly be assessed holistically and must demonstrate evidence of meeting the Minimum requirements stated in this section to pass.
Suppliers that pass the minimum requirements will then have their case studies scored, in accordance with the scoring methodology set out in the COP document.
Experience Elements for LOT 1B
Lot 1b Minimum Requirements (MR) - pass/fail
MR1 - At least 3 of the case studies must be within a tidal area.
MR2 - At least 1 example of asset refurbishment and/or replacement (i.e. returning an asset to its design performance or replacing like for like)
MR3 - At least 1 example of a new open coast defence asset - examples could include but not limited to a new sea wall, groyne fields or multiple structures
MR4 - At least 1 example of an estuary or harbour works - examples could include port works, jetties, flood walls, outfalls
MR5 - At least 1 example of using NEC4 ECC - any option.
MR6 - At least 2 of the case…
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published sub-criteria (2)
- Quality: 80%
- Cost: 20%
Published award criteria (2)
- Cost: To be determined at tender stage, however the Cost element for each Lot will assess: • NEC4 fee percentages relevant to contract options applicable to each Lot, which could be multiple, that will be held for the Framework duration on a meet or beat basis No rates will be set as part of the Framework.
- Quality: It is anticipated that the 80% quality weighting at the second stage will be divided as follows across two assessment areas: • Technical Delivery (55%) Testing suppliers' approach to methodology, programme and resource against core scope requirements - achieved by using representative/typical hypothetical scenarios (and/or a live mini bid for Lot 2 but this is subject to final approvals); and • Framework Delivery (25%) Testing suppliers' approach and commitment to Framework delivery. However, these are subject to refinement of 5% in either direction on an overall cost/quality basis of 20/80 and would move proportionately if the overall tender cost/quality basis was to change up to 30/70. Full evaluation criteria will be defined upon the publication of the 2nd stage tender but will likely include the following themes and relative weightings for each of the quality assessment areas: • Technical delivery - using 3 equally weighted scenarios o Methodology (relative sub-weighting: 2) o Programme (relative sub-weighting: between 1 and 1.5) o Resource (relative sub-weighting: 1) • Framework delivery - across 5 equally weighted thematic areas o Framework management o Quality management o Supplier Resilience o Social Value (including Sustainability) o Health & Safety
- Price carries 20 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 2 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
- “SCG / SCOPAC Coastal & Flood Works Framework 2027” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, up to 18 suppliers, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Works
- Notice status
- Closed
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Standard
- Commercial structure
- Framework agreement
- Who may use this agreement
- FRAMEWORK ACCESS The Framework is being established primarily for use by SCG/SCOPAC member Contracting Authorities, which currently includes: • Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council • Chichester District Council • Dorset Council • Eastleigh Borough Council • Fareham Borough Council • Gosport Borough Council • Hampshire County Council • Havant Borough Council • Isle of Wight Council • New Forest District Council • Portsmouth City Council • Southampton City Council The framework will also be accessible to all Contracting Authorities within the Southern and Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee's (Southern RFCC, Wessex RFCC), regardless of SCG/SCOPAC membership, which currently includes: • Hampshire • Dorset • West Sussex • East Sussex • Isle of Wight • Kent • Somerset • Wiltshire Contracting Authorities under future iterations of SCG/SCOPAC membership and the Southern RFCC, will be able to access the Framework following changes as a result of LGR or other factors.
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA, CPTPP)
- Recurring procurement
- Yes · next expected 28 Aug 2032
- First published
- 13 Feb 2026, 00:38 GMT
- Last source update
- 8 Jul 2026, 17:41 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 22 Jan 2027
- Authority reference
P00005192- FTS notice number
2026/S 000-064413- Latest notice
- Tender notice (UK4)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-065365Find a Tender
- How it runs
Portsmouth City Council, (the Council) has decided to utilise a two-stage Competitive Flexible Procedure to establish 3 lots under the framework, consisting of the following stages:
- Stage 1 - a discrete Conditions of Participation stage to limit the number of suppliers to a maximum of 8 per lot.
- Stage 2 - a Tendering Round with up to the top 6 suppliers being awarded a place on each lot of the framework (Up to 4 suppliers on tier 1, and 2 suppliers on tier 2).
Stage 1 - Conditions of Participation Stage This stage focuses on shortlisting suppliers that meet the necessary technical, financial, and operational capabilities required by the contract. It aims to reduce the number of bidders through consideration of meeting the conditions of participation and level of relevant experience and contract examples.
In the event that there are less than eight suppliers who meet the Conditions of Participation criteria for any Lot, the Council reserve the right to:
- proceed to the second stage of the tender process for that Lot regardless, providing there are more than four qualifying suppliers; or
- remove the impacted Lot from the Framework, if less than four qualifying suppliers, without impact on the remainder of the Lots progressing through the procurement process
The Council also reserves the right to determine the final number of contractors appointed to each Lot and the structure of tiering. This may include (but is not limited to) establishing a Lot without a Reserve Tier, where this is considered appropriate based on the number and quality of compliant tenders received. As a minimum for Framework viability, a Lot must contain a minimum of 2 Delivery Tier suppliers
Any interested suppliers will need to register on the governments Central Digital Platform for the Council to review any potential grounds for exclusion and conduct a debarment check.
The Council will be required to undertake checks on any named subcontractor a supplier incorporates into their bid. If the subcontractor was to meet the exclusion grounds and/or be listed on the debarment list, then the Council will need to investigate this as part of any award decision. The Council may require a supplier to change the nominated sub contractor if they do not meet the exclusion grounds and/or listed on the debarment list.
Stage 2 - Invitation to Tender (ITT) The second stage, shortlisted suppliers are invited to submit detailed proposals, including price in line with the stated, delivery methodology. The Council are envisioning applying a cost/quality weighting of 20% cost/80% quality for the second stage tender evaluation. However, this split is indicative and the Council reserves its right to refine award criteria during the procurement procedure and to adopt a Cost/Quality split up to 30/70, which may differ between Lots.
The specific weightings for the proposed cost & quality criteria are to be detailed on issue of ITT, however will fall within the ranges stated within the Lot sections of this notice.
The Council are intending to follow the subsequent Procurement Programme:
PSQ published via Intend 8th July 2026
Tender notice issued on fts 8th July 2026
Bidders Briefing 16th July 2026 @ 1pm
PSQ return deadline 14th August 2026 @ 12 noon
PSQ evaluations complete 21st September 2026
Tender published via Intend 28th September 2026
Tender clarification deadline 10th November 2026 @ 12noon
Tender return deadline 20th November 2026 @ 12 noon
Issue assessment summaries 22nd January 2027
Contract Award notice on FTS 22nd January 2027
End of standstill 3rd February 2027
Framework Award 8th February 2027
Framework Start Date 1st March 2027
BIDDERS BRIEFING
A supplier briefing for Stage 1 will be held on Thursday 16th July at 1pm via Microsoft TEAMS.
Attendance is not compulsory and not taking part will not preclude Suppliers from taking part in Stage 1 of the procurement exercise.
To assist with record keeping and enabling us to provide technical assistance on the day if required, please inform the Council by Wednesday 15th July 2026 at 5pm who will be attending using the correspondence function on Intend.
Link to join the briefing is within the Conditions of Participation documentation.
- Risks
MODIFICATIONS
If a modification cannot be defined as non-substantial and / or below threshold, the Council may still make modifications to the contract, not exceeding 50% of the latest contract value per modification, in respect the following situations:
- Where the modification was transparently and unambiguously allowed for within the contract
- Materialisation of a published known risk
- Urgency & the protection of life
- Unforeseeable circumstances which could not have been reasonably foreseen by the Council
- Additional goods, works & services which are a repetition of items already covered within the scope of the contract and only where a change of contractor would significantly impact compatibility and result in significant in duplication of costs.
In such instances the Council will issue a Contract Change Notice each time a modification is made and publish an updated redacted version of the contract within 90 days of the modification. The Council may decide to include for a voluntary 8 working day standstill period from issuing a Contract Change Notice to subsequent modification of the contract in order to mitigate risk of challenge, although it will be under no legal obligation to do so.
KNOWN RISKS
The detailed known risk will be set out within the tender documents; however the Council has identified the following known risk areas which could materialise over the course of the procurement process for this framework of its subsequent call-off contracts, framework lifetime and delivery of call off contracts over £5m and may significantly impact programme, cost and scope of the contracts.
- Environment Agency funding - impacting volume of work, framework value and programme.
- Local Government Reorganisation - impacting User base and contract duration.
- Unforeseen Ground or Marine Conditions such as discovery of adverse ground, geotechnical, or unexploded ordnance (UXO) conditions could impact scope, programme and cost.
- Severe Weather Events / tidal anomalies which cause damage to works, equipment, or incomplete coastal defences that could impact scope, programme and cost.
- Contaminated Land - Identification of contaminated land before or during works could impact scope, programme and cost.
- Condition of existing assets - Issues with existing asset structure and foundations found during works could impact scope, programme and cost.
- Proximity of an occupied site - Restrictions on work activities in order to minimise disruption to neighbours and other stakeholder could impact programme & cost.
- Unrecorded underground services - Issues with service connections found during works could impact scope, programme and cost.
- Discovery of protected species on site or identification of protected species before or during works could impact programme and cost.
- Delays to gaining planning approval could impact upon the procurement programme, contract award date and works commencement dates.
- Design changes required to meet planning conditions could impact upon scope, programme and costs.
In accordance with Schedule 8 of the Procurement Act 23, the Council reserves the right to modify any call off contract from this framework, without initiating a new procurement procedure, should any of these risks materialise during the procurement process and/or delivery of the contract. Any such modification will be limited to addressing the consequences of the known risk and will not alter the overall nature of the contract. Where
applicable and required a modification to the Tender Notice or a Contract Change Notice will be published in accordance with the requirements of the Procurement Act.
How it was run
Official notice- Requests to participate (first stage)
- 14 Aug 2026, 12:00 BST
- Appointment period ends
- 14 Aug 2026, 12:00 BST
- Clarification deadline
- 4 Aug 2026, 12:00 BST
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
- Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
call-off levy · 0.50% of call-off value · A framework rebate fee of 0.5% will be charged to suppliers who are awarded call-off contracts estimated to be £100,000 or more in total lifetime value.
The flat rate of 0.5% will be based on the estimated Total of the Prices for ECC/ECSCs or Forecast Outturn Cost for TSC/TSSCs, with a maximum fee of £10,000 per call-off.
in-tendhost.co.uk/portsmouthcc/aspx/Home ↗
Suppliers who are not already registered on the In-tend system will need to register their details in order to access the procurement documentation, raise clarification requests and
return tender submissions.
Timeline
13 Feb 2026 → 1 Mar 2027 · 8 dates- Planning notice published257 days ago13 Feb 2026, 00:38 GMT
- Market engagement221 days ago20 Mar 2026, 23:59 GMT
PME PROCESS ADMINISTRATION
The Council will administrate the preliminary market engagement process using its e-sourcing system In-Tend which will be used for:
- Access to and issue of PME information and documentation
- Clarification requests and response
- PME Briefing delegate details submission
- PME Questionnaire submission
- Issue of PME considerations summary
In-tend is free to use and can be accessed via the following website address:
in-tendhost.co.uk/portsmouthcc/aspx/home ↗
Any queries or requests for clarification about this Preliminary Market Engagement Process must be submitted via the 'correspondence' function on In-Tend. It is the responsibility of Organisations to monitor the system, which will issue automated email notifications to registered emails, for clarification responses, issue of further documents, etc.
PME DOCUMENTATION
The following documents are accessible via the Council's e-sourcing system In-tend:
- PME Brief
- Appendix A - Previous Framework Demand
- Conflict of Interest Declaration Form
- In-tend Guidance
BRIEFING EVENT
Interested contractors are invited to attend an online briefing event on Thursday 26th February 2026 11:30 - 12:30 where Coastal Partners with support from the Council will provide a summary overview of the future framework options and provide guidance on completion of a PME feedback questionnaire.
To attend the Microsoft Teams meeting, contractors should use the Teams link included within the PME Brief document accessible via the Council's e-sourcing solution In-tend. Contractors should join 5-10 minutes before the start time to ensure a prompt start.
Contractors are not limited to the number of attendees, and all interested parties are encouraged to attend as it will present an opportunity to better understand the proposed framework opportunity.
To assist with record keeping and access to technical assistance on the day if required, contractors are asked to confirm by Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 5pm who will be attending from their organisation using the correspondence function on Intend, providing the following information:
- Attendees' names, job titles and email addresses
- Which Lot(s) are of interest
- Suggestions for Agenda
The suggested agenda is:
- Introductions (5 mins)
- Framework Overview Presentation (40 mins)
o The opportunity
o Framework structure and delivery
o Procurement strategy
o PME requirements
- Question and answers (15 mins)
Any questions and answers from the event will be recorded via a separate clarification log and will be published to Intend for all suppliers to access, unless deemed commercially sensitive.
Please note that the Microsoft Teams meeting will be recorded and subsequently made available as part of the PME pack via Intend.
Contractors should note that there is no obligation to take part in this exercise and that if they do not take part, it will not preclude them from any subsequent related procurement process. Suppliers engaging in the PME will not receive preferential treatment in any subsequent tender process, and this is in no way an indication of the selection of any organisation or a guarantee of future work.
A summary of the PME feedback will be shared with all suppliers that participate in the questionnaire or events, for review prior to its publication with the subsequent procurement.
PME QUESTIONNAIRE
To capture feedback from the market regarding the proposed framework, suppliers are asked to complete an online PME Questionnaire, which will be explained at the PME briefing and made available to contractors following the Teams meeting.
Interested contractors will be requested to complete the questionnaire by Friday 20th March 2026 17:00.
Suppliers will have the ability to submit the questionnaire past the deadline above; however, the Council may then not be able to use the information provided and subsequently take this into account as part of the options appraisal produced.
Please note that a Conflicts of Interest Declaration & Statement will be required from all Suppliers submitting a PME Questionnaire response, more details of which are given below.
The Council reserves the right (but is not obliged) to seek clarification of any aspect of a contractors PME questionnaire response, to ensure the Council fully understands the information being submitted to help inform the final options appraisal.
Any queries or questions or clarifications regarding the procurement documentation or PME process must be made in writing using the project correspondence facility on the In-tend system.
CONFLICTS ASSESSMENT
The Procurement Act 2023 requires the Council to identify and keep under review actual and potential conflicts of interest. The Council must also mitigate conflicts of interest and address circumstances which the Council considers are likely to cause a reasonable person to wrongly believe there to be a conflict or potential conflict of interest.
To meet conflict of interest obligations, the Council will include a section within the online PME questionnaire for Suppliers to complete. The questions that will be asked are provided as Appendix 1 - Conflicts of Interest Declaration & Statement for reference now and your advance consideration.
Please note that this is only required for suppliers submitting a PME questionnaire response and is not a requirement for suppliers only attending the PME briefing event.
- Next notice expected197 days ago13 Apr 2026, 23:59 BST
- Tender notice published111 days ago8 Jul 2026, 17:41 BST
- Clarification questions by84 days ago4 Aug 2026, 12:00 BST
- Admission / appointment period ends74 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown14 Aug 2026, 12:00 BST
- Today28 Oct 2026
- Award decision expected byin 86 days22 Jan 2027, 23:59 GMT
- Contract startsin 123 days1 Mar 2027
Notice history
4 events · 2 releases on Find a Tender · since 13 Feb 2026- Preliminary market engagement notice published13 Feb 2026, 00:38 GMTUK2
- Tender notice published8 Jul 2026, 17:41 BSTUK4
- Status changed to active8 Jul 2026, 17:41 BST
- Procurement method changed8 Jul 2026, 17:41 BST
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Official documents & specifications (2)
Official links; attachments are not copiedNotices published for this procedure
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender