Tender: Dorset Council Highways and Flood Risk Management Term Contract – Strategic Partner for Capital Works

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Dorset Council is seeking a strategic partner to supplement its in‑house workforce for delivery of highways, flood risk management and associated infrastructure capital works across the Dorset Council area. The contract will operate as a mixed-economy model with a single supplier providing additional capacity, specialist skills and resources for larger or more complex works, delivered under a bespoke NEC4-based framework that includes an initial NEC4 Term Service Contract and provides for consistent call-offs via Works Orders and Time Charge Orders. The work covers the council’s administrative boundary and assets, with Dorset Council acting as Local Highway Authority for approximately 3,795 km of highway and as Lead Local Flood Authority with duties for inspection, maintenance and improvement of highway drainage and coordination to mitigate flood risk. This procurement is a competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 (no lots, no negotiation) and includes a strong requirement for a partnering culture and transparent, auditable delivery. A preliminary market engagement was advertised 17 April 2025 (comments by 6 May 2025) and a supplier day was held on 25 June 2025.