Thames Water has launched the procurement process for pump optimisation and aeration efficiency analysis – the water company intends to establish a single-lot, sole-supplier framework agreement for the provision of pump optimisation and aeration efficiency services across its operational assets.

Scope of the framework includes monitoring, testing, and analysis of pumping and aeration systems and associated equipment. The objective is to identify and deliver opportunities to reduce whole-life costs, improve efficiency, and optimise performance across operational sites.

The contract will include:

• Fixed pricing structures with agreed review mechanisms.
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance monitoring requirements to ensure delivery against expected outcomes.
• Requirements to support collaborative working and a transition from transactional delivery to strategic partnership.

Suppliers will be expected to support a culture of continuous improvement and contribute to ongoing enhancement of processes and delivery approaches throughout the contract lifecycle.

Procurement Process

Thames Water is seeking to establish a sole-supplier framework agreement for Pump Optimisation and Aeration Efficiency Analysis. The procurement process has been designed as a multi-stage procedure to enable the utility to evaluate technical and commercial proposals and engage with bidders.

Bidders will be required to submit a Pre-Selection Questionnaire (PSQ) via the SAP Ariba portal to assess suitability, capability, and capacity.

Bidders who successfully pass the selection stage will be invited to participate in the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage. Bidders will be required to submit initial tenders setting out their proposed technical and commercial solutions.

Following initial tenders, Thames Water may conduct clarifications, negotiations, and presentations to support understanding and refinement of proposals.

Thames Water will evaluate final tenders and award a sole place on the framework to the supplier submitting the Most Advantageous Tenders based on the published award criteria.

All procurement documents, communications, and submissions will be managed via the SAP Ariba platform. Suppliers must register on the system and submit all responses through this platform.

Further details of the procurement process, including evaluation methodology, scoring, and detailed requirements, will be provided in the procurement documents issued at each stage.

Delivery Model

The anticipated delivery model will follow a structured approach comprising:

• Initial site identification and data collection.
• Project mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.
• Efficiency and control studies to identify optimisation opportunities.
• Approval to proceed to testing and monitoring.
• Site-based testing and performance monitoring activities.
• Review of outcomes, including business case validation.
• Handover for delivery through relevant engineering or capital delivery mechanisms.

The contract is expected to support a programme of approximately 200 tests across 60 operational sites during the AMP period.

Thames Water has set out the following conditions which would be considered as some of the key requirements for a supplier to meet to be considered for the opportunity:

• Must be able to cover the Thames Valley, London and Home Counties geographical area
• Must have a proven track record in delivering measurable savings and innovation within the scope of this framework.

Deadline for asking for access to the PSQ & submitting of the PSQ is 19 October 2026, at 12:00pm. However, an update issued by Thames Water on 15 October also states:

"Deadline for requests to participate 2 November 2026, 12:00pm"

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 10 May 2027 to 9 May 2030, with further possible extension options up to 9 May 2035. Current estimated contract award decision date is 2 May 2027.

The framework will be established as a single-lot, sole supplier framework agreement. Call-off contracts will be awarded directly to the appointed supplier, with competition taking place at the framework award stage.

Thames Water intends to establish a collaborative and strategic working relationship with the appointed supplier, with a focus on delivering continuous improvement, innovation, and long-term value across the contract lifecycle.

Pricing for the framework will be based on an agreed schedule of rates (rate card), which will form the basis for pricing all call-off contracts. The detailed structure and coverage of the rate card will be defined and agreed as part of the procurement process. Prices will be fixed for the initial three year term of the framework agreement.

The scope, programme, and pricing of individual call-off contracts will be agreed between Thames Water and the supplier at the point of award, in line with the agreed rate card and contractual terms.

The framework will include appropriate performance management and commercial governance arrangements, including the use of key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular review mechanisms, to ensure delivery of value for money and support a collaborative, high-performing supplier relationship.

Further detail on the pricing structure, indexation mechanism, and call-off process will be provided in the procurement and contract documents.

The successful supplier must hold, or commit to obtaining prior to contract award, the following minimum insurance levels:

• Public Liability: £15,000,000
• Products Liability: £15,000,000
• Third Party Property Damage: £5,000,000
• Evidence of insurance or a commitment to obtain it will be required.

Suppliers interested in participating are asked to complete an initial online form providing the company name, company address and the contact details of two people within the organisation with whom Thames Water can correspond.

Click here to access the online form