National Highways launches a market engagement for SDF2, a major £6bn framework.
- The SDF2 aims to replace current frameworks set to end in late 2027.
- It will unify renewals and improvements across strategic road networks.
- Suppliers are invited to contribute to the strategy via engagement activities.
- Workshops and a launch event are scheduled to shape the framework’s development.
National Highways has initiated a significant market engagement process for the new £6bn Scheme Delivery Framework 2 (SDF2), aiming to overhaul and unify its strategic road network frameworks. This new framework is designed to replace the existing Scheme Delivery Framework and Pavement Delivery Framework, which are nearing their sunset in September and December 2027, respectively, and has ambitions to encompass smaller Technical, Surveys and Testing (TST) contracts as well.
The original Scheme Delivery Framework, inaugurated in 2021, was valued at £3.6bn and integrated 50 suppliers, including major firms like WSP, Jacobs, Kier, Amey, VolkerFitzpatrick, Morgan Sindall, and Colas. Notably, 23% of these positions were filled by SMEs. Similarly, the Pavement Delivery Framework, starting in 2022 and worth £1.3bn, saw participation from companies such as Aggregate Industries, FM Conway, Galliford Try, and Tarmac. TST contracts are vital, complementing the project’s success according to National Highways.
National Highways highlighted that these frameworks enable the delivery of extensive civil and structural works, ranging from pavement and barriers to drainage, traffic management, and comprehensive design services. With SDF2, the body is keen to present expansive opportunities to both current and potential suppliers, inviting participation through a freshly issued prior information notice (PIN). The engagement calls for suppliers to contribute to crafting the overarching strategy set to culminate in a substantial replacement bid for the SDF.
A launch event is planned on Microsoft Teams, slated for 13 November, followed by three in-person workshops. Each workshop, open to a maximum of 100 suppliers, requires an expression of interest by 6 November. Details for participation are accessible through National Highways’ PIN. The formal contract notice for SDF2 is anticipated to be published by September 2025.
By engaging the market in this comprehensive manner, National Highways is reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality, stakeholder-oriented construction projects. Past frameworks have seen success, and the focus now shifts to refining and evolving to meet the demands of tomorrow’s road networks. National Highways asserts the pivotal nature of SDF2 in aspiring to satisfy evolving stakeholder expectations and improving service delivery across the network.
The SDF2 framework signifies National Highways’ continuous effort to innovate and improve road network delivery through collaborative market engagement.
