Yorkshire Water is seeking supply chain input ahead of going out to tender with an upcoming AMP8 contract for a Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) Programme Advisory Framework with an estimated value of £160 million including VAT.

The utility is currently progressing a pipeline of major infrastructure projects for delivery using the DPC delivery model. The water company is undertaking early engagement with suppliers to support the development of the sourcing strategy for the Framework.

Under DPC, a competitively appointed provider designs, builds, finances and potentially operates major infrastructure assets under long-term contractual arrangements.

DPC projects are subject to regulatory oversight by Ofwat, including staged regulatory submissions demonstrating strategic case, procurement readiness, and value for customers before contracts can be awarded.

Yorkshire Water is exploring the establishment of a multi-disciplinary professional services framework and/or strategic partnerships to support the development of bankable DPC projects capable of progressing through regulatory approvals and competitive procurement.

The framework may provide support across several disciplines, including:

• Technical advisory - engineering, design, environmental assessment, ecology, planning and technical assurance
• Commercial advisory - development of business cases aligned with the HM Treasury Five Case Model, procurement strategy, market engagement, commercial structuring, risk allocation, payment mechanisms and incentivisation structures
• Legal advisory - development of robust contractual arrangements for major infrastructure concessions, building on previous DPC and infrastructure projects, including specialist support in planning and infrastructure law
• Programme assurance - independent assurance of submissions and programme governance to ensure regulatory compliance and readiness for Ofwat/RAPID assessments and associated approval processes

Yorkshire Water said the information gathered through the engagement will help shape the proposed scope, structure, commercial model and procurement approach for the framework.

The engagement is for information-gathering purposes only and does not constitute a call for competition; participation will not provide any advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement process.

Yorkshire Water is now inviting suppliers to express their interest via email with brief details of their service offering and relevant experience in major infrastructure or regulated utilities projects.

Emails should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it quoting CM3470 - DPC Programme Advisory in the subject line.

Engagement deadline is 30 April 2026 - further engagement (e.g. RFI, supplier workshops or market engagement calls) may follow.

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2035. Yorkshire Water expects to publish a formal tender notice at the beginning of September 2026.