Thames Water is planning to host an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) launch event on 18 September for an upcoming tender for its AMP8/9 Major Projects Framework worth an estimated £1 billion (ex VAT).

The event follows the successful preliminary market engagement process which invited suppliers to contribute to shaping the procurement strategy for the significant capital investment programme.

Thames Water said the Framework will cover major works and asset upgrades across its operational regions, with a focus on fostering long-term partnerships and reducing unnecessary bidding efforts.

Contracts awarded under the Framework will include works, goods, and services essential to the water company’s AMP8 delivery, with the potential to extend into AMP9 based on performance.

The Launch Event will mark the transition from market engagement to formal procurement and will include:

• An overview of the opportunity
• Outcomes of the Preliminary Market Engagement Phase
• Procurement Process Summary: An overview of the procurement timeline and process
• Contract Summary and details of the ITN documentation and submission requirements
• Clarification on evaluation criteria and conditions of participation
• An opportunity for suppliers to ask questions and engage with the team.

A detailed agenda for the event day, which will take place at Thames Water's offices in Reading, will be provided to attendees closer to the time.

Only Tier 1 contractors are being encouraged to participate in the event. Thames Water is encouraging suppliers who are interested in bidding as a Tier 1 Main Contractor, whether as a sole supplier or as part of a Joint Venture (JV) or consortium to attend the event to ensure they are fully informed and prepared to participate in the upcoming tender.

Tier 1 contractors planning to attend as part of a JV or consortium are asked to ensure that a separate registration form is completed for each company to ensure 2 delegates per company.

The water company is also advising suppliers who intend to bid as part of a JV / Consortium to begin agreeing arrangements between the parties ahead of the PSQ (Procurement Specific Questionnaire) response deadline so the submission can be made in the name of the JV / Consortium.

Deadline to register for the ITN Launch Event via an online form is 12 noon on 12 September – click here to complete the form

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 30 March 2026 to 30 March 2033, with a possible further extension option to 18 July 2035 based on framework performance.

Estimated publication date of a formal tender notice is 19 September 2025, with a deadline for requests to participate of 10:00am on 15 October 2025. 

Suppliers that are shortlisted will be invited to submit a proposal in response to the Invitation to Negotiate.

Thames Water expects to announce its award decision date in March 2026.

For further information or queries, contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it