Teams selected for the maximum eight-year agreement will have the opportunity to support the non-departmental government body in the appraisal, design and delivery of a range of flood risk and environmental asset upgrade projects.
The Collaborative Delivery Framework 2 (CDF2) framework is organised into three technical lots and three geographic hubs covering strategy and appraisal, detailed design, and combined design-and-build style commissions, with projects ranging from early-stage options assessment to construction works from around £1 million up to £150 million in value.
According to the brief: ‘CDF2 will deliver asset management activities across the whole of the EA’s asset base including Flood and Coastal Risk Management, Navigation and Water Land and Biodiversity assets.
‘The Framework will provide appraisal, design, technical support, and construction works that support the EA’s asset management, maintenance, refurbishment and construction programmes of work.
‘The Framework will be required to develop, design and deliver nature-based solutions and more traditional hard engineering solutions. The framework will be used to award contracts with a value up to £150m.’
Founded in 1996, the Environment Agency is a non-departmental government body responsible for protecting and enhancing the natural environment in England. The organisation is responsible for managing flood risk, land and water pollution, and conservation.
Environment Agency assets include a variety of locks and sluices along major waterways including the Medway Navigation and River Thames, and the Thames Barrier flood protection system in Woolwich.
The latest CDF2 framework will provide strategic, appraisal, technical design and delivery support to the agency on a range of tasks including nature-based and engineering upgrades to on rivers, coasts and other regulated assets.
The framework is expected to run for between six and eight years, with an indicative value currently capped at around £3.5 billion-to-£5.5 billion. Tenders will be evaluated 50 per cent on quality, 30 per cent on social value and 20 per cent on cost.
Competition details
Project title Environment Agency Collaborative Delivery Framework 2 – Professional Services and Works
Client Environment Agency
Contract value £3.5 billion-to-£5.5 billion over 6-8 years
First round deadline 26 March 2026 (Find a Tender reference 023323-2026)
Restrictions Technical and regional lots; suppliers must demonstrate flood, coastal and environmental infrastructure experience and meet Environment Agency assurance and safety requirements
More information https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023323-2026
