Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade Framework

Location

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire:

Description

AWE Plc ("AWE") is embarking on a critical transformation of its infrastructure as part of the national endeavour to support the UK's nuclear deterrent and has been refining and formalising a new approach to infrastructure delivery, designed to drive greater consistency, pace, and long-term value. This model is being largely implemented via 3 programmes: - Future Materials Campus: A programme to renew existing facilities for the manufacture of nuclear components, storage of nuclear materials, provide improved science and analysis capabilities, and invest in new capabilities for nuclear material recovery. - Future Infrastructure Programme: a programme that focuses on delivering wider infrastructure needs e.g. new office accommodation; laboratories; testing facilities, site services, and advanced manufacturing facilities. - Estates and Liabilities management: on-going liabilities management to run programmes that safely decommission and demolish legacy facilities and manage generated waste via seeking suppliers with experience of the same. This framework focuses on upgrading the electrical network under FIP, with the possibility of some works supporting the Future Materials Campus. Strategic aspirations are to upgrade and modernise AWE's electrical network infrastructure, improve network resilience and obsolescence management, to benefit from modern standards and requirements, while reducing the cost base of new infrastructure. The Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade Programme will grow significantly over the coming years, and AWE looks to appoint 2 partners through this procurement, with the capacity and capability to meet the programme's increasing demand.

Renewal Options

The framework may be extended for a further 8 years (2 terms of 4 years each) giving the framework a maximum term of 15 years

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 31200000 - Electricity distribution and control apparatus
• 31670000 - Electrical parts of machinery or apparatus
• 31682000 - Electricity supplies
• 45100000 - Site preparation work
• 45210000 - Building construction work
• 45223820 - Prefabricated units and components
• 45232220 - Substation construction work
• 45232221 - Transformer substation
• 45311000 - Electrical wiring and fitting work
• 45317200 - Electrical installation work of transformers
• 45317300 - Electrical installation work of electrical distribution apparatus
• 45351000 - Mechanical engineering installation works
• 45400000 - Building completion work

Indicators

• Renewals are available.

Legal Justification

AWE has a long term programme for electrical upgrades, refurbishment and replacements of substations, high voltage and low voltage cables. The selected Framework term of 15 years, that is 7 years plus a further 8 years (2 terms of 4 years each), aligns with guidance provided in the Construction Playbook on longer-term contracting and portfolios, noting that these arrangements enable standardisation and give Suppliers the certainty needed to invest in productivity and innovation. Adopting a 15 year framework aligns with these principles and will help maintain continuity and support stable supply chain mobilisation. Replacing suppliers mid-programme due to a shorter framework terms would disrupt delivery, cause remobilisation delays, increase risk and undermine the efficiencies and consistency the Playbook seeks to achieve

Other Information

The Framework is a zero-value contract against which AWE may call off work for the Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade programme. The Framework will provide no guarantee of any work to any Supplier, it is a contract mechanism against which AWE may (but is not obliged) to call off work from the relevant Supplier for the Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade Framework. Full Framework Information "ITP Volume 2 Framework Specification" will be available to Suppliers that have registered and been granted access, as below. AWE will award a place on the Framework to the 2 highest scoring suppliers, that offer the most advantageous tenders that is, the tenders that balance price with quality, technical capability, and sustainability. There will be a transparent mechanism to award work under the Framework as set out in the procurement documents Bidders should download, complete and sign the Electrical Infrastructure Non-Disclosure Agreement and Tender Security Questionnaire available from the Defence Sourcing Portal here https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=60647 and return these by email to: electricalinfrastructure@awe.co.uk. The deadline for submission of these documents is 12:00 on 23rd January 2026 in order to gain access to the Invitation to Participate and associated procurement documents. Once AWE has reviewed and signed the documents where appropriate, Bidders will be invited to the Invitation to Participate stage of the procurement where they will have access to the detailed documentation. A list of the documentation to be provided at the different stages of this procurement will be found in Appendix A of 'EIU - ITP - About the Procurement' and further details of the assessment approach that will apply under this procurement, will be found in "EIU - ITP Vol1. Instruction for Suppliers." ** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **