NEPO launches £500m highways surfacing framework

The North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) has launched a highways surfacing framework worth up to £500m over eight years.

Published on 27 June, the NEPO210 framework will cover 18 specialist surfacing lots and provide access for local authorities and other public bodies across the UK. The framework is set to run from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2033.

It will be led by the Association of North East Councils Ltd and include options for readvertisement before years three and five to allow additional suppliers to join.

Contractors will be appointed via open procedure. Work may be awarded by direct call-off or further competition. Pricing submitted at framework stage will apply in the North East region only, with any work outside the region requiring further competition.

NEPO may also introduce new lots mid-term in response to changes in materials or surfacing methods. An annual pricing review will be benchmarked using the BCIS index.

Suppliers must register through NEPO’s procurement portal, Open, before the deadline of 28 July. Clarification questions must be submitted by 18 July.

A 0.5 per cent framework rebate will be applied to each supplier invoice, payable to NEPO.

Total spend across all lots must remain within the £500m pre-VAT limit, though individual lots may exceed their notional allocation.

Framework Lots: NEPO210 Highways Surfacing Works

Each lot is estimated at £33.3m (ex VAT) / £40m (inc VAT)
All lots are due to run from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2033

1. Asphaltic Concrete
   Supply and laying of asphaltic materials to BS 594987:2024.
2. Grouted Macadam
   Supplied under MCHW Series 900 and NG900 with guidance from BS EN 13108 and PD 6691.
3. Surface Dressing
   Delivered to MCHW Series 900 specification and BS EN 13108.
4. Glass Fibre Reinforced Surface Dressing
   As above, with additional fibre reinforcement as per Series 900.
5. Hot Applied High Friction Surfacing
   High-friction materials installed using hot-applied methods per MCHW 900.
6. Cold Applied High Friction Surfacing
   As above, but using cold-applied methods. HAPAS-approved.
7. Slurry Seal of Footways
   Surface treatment for footways, compliant with Series 900 and BS EN 13108.
8. Slurry Seal / Micro Asphalt of Carriageways
   Thin layer surfacing for roads, to Series 900 and PD 6691.
9. Carriageway in Full Depth Recycling
   Reconstruction using in-situ recycled materials under Series 900.
10. Carriageway Re-tread
    Surface renewal through reworking of existing layers as per Series 900.
11. Captive Shot Blasting – Mechanical Retexturing
    Surface retexturing via enclosed shot blasting methods.
12. Hydro Blasting – Surface Retexturing
    Retexturing using high-pressure water blasting techniques.
13. Patching
    Conventional patch repairs under Series 900, with HAPAS compliance.
14. Alternative Patching Methods: Hot Applied
    Hot-applied techniques offering alternatives to conventional patching.
15. Alternative Patching Methods: Cold Applied
    Cold-applied patching methods compliant with Series 900 and HAPAS.
16. Road Markings
    Application of road markings to BS EN 1436, BS EN 1790 and related standards.
17. Surface Preservation: Penetrative
    Penetrative surface treatments to extend pavement life.
18. Surface Preservation: Non-Penetrative
    Non-penetrative surface treatments for preservation and skid resistance.

Source: Gov.uk Find a Tender