United Utilities opens procurement for £6bn building framework for AMP8 and AMP9

Launch of the procurement confirms the previous statement given by United Utilities that investments made through AMP8 and AMP9 will be “significantly larger” than previous AMP periods. The water company has previously said that it will commit at least £14bn to its AMP8 and AMP9 capital programmes.

The scope of the works for the construction of assets for the north west England company is divided into two lots - lot 1 is non-infrastructure and lot 2 is infrastructure. There will be up to 17 framework agreements awarded, seven on non-infrastructure and 10 on infrastructure.

Lot 1 non-infrastructure is worth £1.7bn and will last for an initial five years through AMP8 with the option to extend a further five years through AMP9.

The types of works expected of suppliers on this lot include:

• Sludge treatment bio-digesters
• Chemical dosing rigs
• Primary, secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment processes
• Gas holders
• Mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation installation and commissioning
• Presses
• Combined heat and power
• Access roads and site facilities
• Other construction works

Lot 2 infrastructure is worth £4.3bn and will also last for an initial five years through AMP8 with the option to extend a further five years through AMP9.

Work types expected of suppliers on this lot include:

• Pump installations
• Concrete in-situ tank installations
• Pre-fabricated tanks
• Combined Sewer Overflow chamber installations and pump return
• Sewer upsizing and installations
• Screen installations
• Mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation installation and commissioning
• Access roads and site facilities
• Other construction works

The deadline for expressions of interest is 12pm on 25 September. United Utilities expects to send out invitations to tender on 24 October.

Aside from the build only framework for AMP8 and AMP9, United Utilities will also be procuring frameworks for Strategic Solution Identification Partnership, Capital Delivery Partners and Rainwater Management Solutions.

Several other water companies are also in the process of procuring for their capital delivery plans in AMP8 and AMP9. Northumbrian Water is spending £8bn on its AMP8 and beyond programme delivery, Yorkshire Water is procuring for £2.8bn of work for AMP8 and AMP9 and Southern Water has started the search for partners on its £6.2bn AMP8 programme.

Meanwhile, Thames Water will need £2.5bn from its shareholders to carry out its AMP8 plans.

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