HTHW DHN Reactive Maintenance
Estimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
Not specified
Published
27 May 2026
Type
services
Overview
The university`s city campus underground district heating network (DHN) provides thermal energy to most of our teaching, research and student accommodation properties located on campus in addition to providing all the space heating and domestic hot water required by the NHS Dundee Dental Hospital. This thermal energy assists the university to comply with the H & S at Work Act 1974 and provides acceptable environmental comfort conditions for our staff, students, visitors, clinical patients and animals housed within our SoLS Resource Unit research facilities.
We are looking to commence a new Framework contract with the existing supplier, or with a new supplier to replace the soon to expire Framework contract UoD-EFM-145-TC-2022. The thermal energy serving the DHN network is generated at source within our centralised main energy centre located at the northeastern corner of the campus.
Most of the DHN schedule 40 and heavyweight mild carbon steel pipework below ground distribution system is located within purpose-built brick construction underground services ducts with load bearing slabs laid over beneath footpaths, road carriageways or soft landscaping. Over the last 20 years, extensions and additions to the DHN have generally been laid directly within soft or hard landscaping.
Regulations cited
- Work Act 1974
Additional details
The HTHW District Heating Pipework Lay Dates drawing, indicates that much of this network dates back to 1962 and is still in operation. Over the years and as the university has expanded and the thermal load increased, new excavations have been undertaken and new pipework laid below ground.
The most recent extension of note to the DHN was in 2014. Contract length: 4 years + 1 +1 +1. Extended maintenance and support options within the extension periods, required competent, certified supplier to service and maintain our system and provide emergency mechanical building services and civil engineering repairs on campus over the next seven years.
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
The University of Dundee needs a maintenance contractor to look after their underground district heating network (DHN) that supplies heat and hot water to campus buildings and the NHS Dental Hospital. The network is old (some pipes from 1962) and spread across a large area underground, so the contractor needs to handle routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and keep everything running safely for 4 years with optional extensions of up to 3 more years.
Requirements
- Must be competent and certified to work on district heating systems
- Must be able to provide emergency mechanical building services repairs on campus
- Must be able to provide civil engineering repairs related to underground pipework
- Must understand Schedule 40 and heavyweight mild carbon steel pipework
- Must be experienced working in underground service ducts and beneath footpaths/roads
- Must comply with Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- Must be able to work on systems dating back to 1962 through recent 2014 extensions
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Routine reactive maintenance of the district heating network pipework and components
- Emergency call-out repairs to the heating system when breakdowns occur
- Mechanical building services repairs across the campus
- Civil engineering repairs to underground pipework and associated infrastructure
- Maintain service of Schedule 40 and heavyweight mild carbon steel pipes throughout the network
- Support the heating supply to university teaching, research, student accommodation, and NHS Dundee Dental Hospital
- Ensure continued compliance with health and safety regulations and environmental comfort standards
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a Framework contract, not a one-off project — you're bidding to be the 'go-to' supplier for 4 years with possible extensions. Work comes in as needed (reactive), so budget for variable workload rather than fixed monthly tasks.
- 2The network is spread across a large campus with very old infrastructure (1962 onwards), so you need to demonstrate experience with aging heating systems, not just new installations.
- 3The contract mentions 'emergency mechanical building services' — this suggests 24/7 or rapid response capability may be needed. Check the full tender for call-out times and on-call requirements.
- 4Underground work is critical here. The pipework is buried under footpaths, roads, and landscaping in brick ducts. You'll need teams who can safely excavate, access, and repair in confined spaces.
- 5This isn't just heating — it's also civil engineering. You may need structural expertise or subcontractors for the underground duct work, not just pipe technicians.
Tips for Small Businesses
- If you're a heating specialist but not experienced in civil works, consider teaming up with a civil engineering firm as a partner or subcontractor before you bid — the contract explicitly needs both skills.
- Framework contracts often reward suppliers who can demonstrate value beyond cost. Highlight your emergency response times, staff training records, safety certifications (OFTEC, Gas Safe, etc.), and any experience with university or NHS facilities.
- The 7-year total duration (4+3 extensions) is attractive for cash flow if you win it. However, extensions aren't guaranteed — the university can replace you or end it early. Price competitively on year 1 to secure the contract, but include cost escalation clauses in your proposal for years 2-7.
Before you bid, buyers check
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Key Dates
Published
27 May 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Renewal expected70% confident
July 2030
Predicted using explicit duration found in the tender description (48 months from publication date + 60 days (estimated) → renewal expected by Jul 2030).
Notice type
award
Source
find a tender
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