Southern Water has launched a market engagement exercise ahead of going out to tender with an upcoming contract for full lifecycle management of manhole covers.

The water company is seeking a supply partner that can manage the full lifecycle management of Section 81 manhole covers and frames notifications across the Mainland and Isle of Wight.

This includes receiving and processing reports from DfT Street Manager and other channels, extracting key details, and creating the necessary work orders and inspection activities within internal systems.

The supplier will be responsible for conducting onsite surveys to confirm ownership, assess condition, gather photographic and video evidence, determine the validity of Section 81 claims, and record accurate location data.

A detailed knowledge of New Roads and Streetworks Act (1991) and Traffic Management Act (2004) is essential, as well as a proven track record in managing Utility covers and frames in the Highway.

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2031 with a further possible extension option to 31 March 2035

Engagement deadline is 1 July 2026 – suppliers who are not already registered on Southern Water's sourcing portal need to register their company on the Jaggaer sourcing portal (this is required only once)

Estimated publication date of the formal tender notice is 1 July 2026.

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