System operational · UK & EU tenders
Awarded
ocds-h6vhtk-067857 · award

HTHW DHN Reactive Maintenance

Estimated Value

Not specified

Deadline

Not specified

Published

27 May 2026

Type

services

GBopenCPV: 50720000
CategoryRepair & maintenance

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

High Complexity

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.
Search for tenders
SponsoredEst. 2010
Gladstone & Co.Accountants & Tax Advisers · London

Before you bid, buyers check

two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios

Annual accountsCash-flow forecastsManagement accountsCorporation taxVAT & MTDPayroll & RTIBookkeepingCompany formationSelf-assessmentVirtual FDHMRC enquiriesAuto-enrolmentProperty & landlord taxCharity SORP accounts
Get bid-ready — free 30-min call

Actions

Sign up freeto open notice

A free account takes a moment and unlocks the buyer’s own notice, tender documents, fit scoring and the Bid Writer. From 1 September 2026 opening these links becomes £2/month membership.

Open Bid Writer
Built by · Digital studioEst. 2022
Unique
Evolution®

Independent software, web & cloud studio. We design, build and grow digital products that quietly outlast their category.

Web DesignSoftware DevelopmentSEO ServicesPromotion
Visit Unique Evolution

How to Apply

Step-by-step submission guide

Submission Portal

Find a Tender

Visit
1

Open the original notice

Click the button below to view the full notice on Find a Tender Service (FTS)

2

Check the procedure type

The "Procedure" section tells you if it's Open (one stage) or Restricted (SQ then ITT). This changes how you apply

3

Access the eSourcing portal

FTS notices link to the buyer's eSourcing platform — register there to access documents

4

Complete the Selection Questionnaire

Higher-value contracts often require an SQ first — this pre-qualifies you before the full bid stage

5

Submit electronically

Upload your completed response through the eSourcing platform before the closing date and time

FTS contracts are above UK procurement thresholds. Late submissions are strictly rejected — submit at least 24 hours before the deadline to avoid portal issues.

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