Digester Inspection and Refurbishment Works

Thames Water Utilities Limited intends to establish a single-lot, multi-supplier framework agreement to deliver inspection, repair, refurbishment and upgrade works to anaerobic digester assets and associated infrastructure across its operational estate.

Thames Water Utilities Limited intends to establish a single-lot, multi-supplier framework agreement to deliver inspection, repair, refurbishment and upgrade works to anaerobic digester assets and associated infrastructure across its operational estate.

The framework will support the ongoing maintenance, regulatory compliance and enhancement of Thames Water's digester portfolio, which forms a critical part of sludge treatment operations. Works will be required across multiple sites and will be delivered as discrete packages or programmes of work called off over the duration of the framework.

The scope of services to be delivered under the framework includes, but is not limited to:

• Decommissioning, isolation and preparation of digesters for inspection and refurbishment

• Removal, treatment and disposal of sludge, grit and associated waste materials in accordance with all applicable regulations

• Internal and external inspection of digester structures and associated assets, including provision of inspection reports, defect identification and recommended remedial actions

• Cleaning and enabling works required to facilitate inspection and subsequent refurbishment activities

• Structural repair and refurbishment of digester assets, including roofs, walls, bases and associated civil infrastructure

• Repair, replacement and upgrade of mechanical, electrical, control and instrumentation (MECI/MEICA) systems, including mixing equipment, pipework, valves, heating systems, and control/automation systems

• Upgrade works to meet current regulatory, environmental and operational standards, including those relating to emissions control, gas management and asset performance

• Temporary works, access solutions, cranage, site establishment and all associated enabling activities required to safely deliver the works

• Testing, commissioning, performance validation and handover of refurbished assets

• Provision of as-built documentation, asset data, operation and maintenance manuals, and training for operational personnel

The nature, scope and value of individual call-off contracts will vary. In many cases, the full extent of refurbishment and upgrade works will only be confirmed following completion of initial decommissioning, cleaning, and detailed inspection activities. As such, works packages may comprise a combination of defined and developing scopes, with suppliers required to work collaboratively with Thames Water to refine and deliver solutions based on inspection findings.

The framework is expected to operate across multiple sites within the Thames Water region. Works will need to be carefully planned and executed to ensure continued operational performance of the wider network, including constraints on the number of digesters that can be taken offline at any one time.

The estimated aggregate value of contracts awarded under the framework is £70,000,000. This value is indicative only and does not constitute any guarantee of the volume, value, timing or distribution of work. No minimum workload or exclusivity is guaranteed to any supplier.

Suppliers appointed to the framework will be expected to demonstrate capability in delivering complex, safety-critical works within live operational environments, and to work collaboratively with Thames Water to achieve programme objectives, regulatory compliance and value for money.

Further detail regarding the scope, technical requirements and contractual arrangements will be set out in the procurement documentation issued at the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage.