South East Water has launched an early market engagement exercise for the upcoming procurement of an AMP8/9 framework to replace its existing Network Maintenance and Capital Works Framework Agreement, which is due to expire on 31st March 2028. Current estimated total value of the new framework is £1.62 billion including VAT.

The aim of the engagement is to:

• Inform the market of the upcoming procurement
• Gather industry feedback on current market capabilities and commercial models.
• Gauge interest in working with South East Water in the future
• Seek views on potential delivery and lotting models to inform the final design, lotting structure and scope of the replacement framework.
• Identify opportunities for efficiencies, innovation and collaboration.

Anticipated scope of the framework will include:

• Network Mains Renewals and Strategic Mains
• Repair and maintenance of the water supply network
• Network Installation for developers

South East Water are emphasising that the procurement will have a clear focus on excellent customer experience and outcomes and aligned with regulatory targets, Outcome Delivery Incentives, leakage and Price Control Deliverables.

The intended programme will run during the remainder of AMP8, AMP 9 with the potential to run into AMP10 with an estimated annual spend of between £110 million to £135 million per annum

The water company is inviting suppliers with relevant experience and capability to express interest and participate in early market discussions. As part of the early market engagement, suppliers are invited to attend a webinar on 1st October 2026 between 2pm and 3pm. South East Water will also be releasing a questionnaire to help it better understand supplier capability, capacity, market appetite, commercial preferences, and opportunities for innovation. Engagement deadline is 1 October 2026.

Information gathered through the engagement will be used solely to inform South East Water's procurement strategy and future sourcing decisions.

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 1 April 2028 to 31 March 2038. South East Water says it is considering a longer contract period in order to provide suppliers with a long term commitment and better values to customers.

Interested suppliers are asked to contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for webinar and questionnaire information.