Highways and Engineering Services Term Contract for Dorset Council

Dorset Council seeks a strategic partner to support its Highways Service in delivering capital works programmes. The contract operates through a mixed economy model combining Dorset Council's in-house workforce with a single external provider for specific works requiring additional capacity, specialist skills, or resources. As Local Highway Authority, Dorset Council manages approximately 3,795 km of highway network plus associated assets including bridges, drainage systems, street lighting, and traffic management infrastructure. As Lead Local Flood Authority, the Council also manages local flood risk from surface water, groundwater, and ordinary watercourses. This bespoke NEC4-based contract includes a Framework Contract with an initial NEC4 Term Service Contract (TSC) call-off, followed by subsequent call-offs for works and services through individual Works Orders and Time Charge Orders. The framework supports service continuity, resilience, and responsiveness to variations in demand and funding. A partnering culture between the Provider and Dorset Highways Service is critical to successful delivery. This is a competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 with no scope for negotiation. Preliminary market engagement closed 6th May 2025, with a supplier day held 25th June 2025.