Kent County Council has gone out to tender with a framework contract for drainage works worth an estimated £15 million.

The framework will support Kent County Council's current contracts (Highway Term Maintenance Contract, Road Asset Renewal Contract and others) to maintain its network.

The drainage works consist of the provision of labour/resources, plant and materials to carry out all works associated with highway drainage maintenance on both highway and non-highway sites.

The works to be carried out under the contract are considered low risk and include the following activities:

Scheme works which may include new surface water drainage systems, including drains, pipe work, culverts, pumping stations, and/or new SUDS retro fit features, manholes/catchpits, soakaways, gullies, improvement works to ponds and lagoons, etc.

Routine maintenance, such as ironworks, ditching and siding, etc.

Replace or repair damaged assets which may include broken pipes, deep bore of existing soakaways, broken covers, manholes, gullies, brickwork including headwalls, damaged culverts, etc.

General reinstatement works including carriageway repairs.

The successful contractors will also be expected to undertake traffic management operations, including permitting/noticing and any design of temporary works required.

The Council envisages that three contractors will be appointed to the framework.

Initial contract term is two years with two further one year extension options.

While the framework is being procured by the authority for its own use, other public sector bodies will be able to procure works through the framework. The use of the framework agreement will also be open to public sector bodies including local authorities, NHS organisations, police forces, fire and rescue services.

Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is 10 March 2023 – click here to access the tender documentation.