Birmingham City Council has opened bidding on its £1.176bn highways and infrastructure works framework contract.

Successful suppliers can expect to complete work under one of the five following lots: 

  • Lot 1 - Works with an estimated value of up to £200,000
  • Lot 2 - Works with an estimated value of between £200,001 and £1,000,000
  • Lot 3 - Works with an estimated value of between £1,000,001 and £10,000,000
  • Lot 4 - Works with an estimated value greater than £10,000,000
  • Lot 5 - Contestable and non-contestable utility work related to capital infrastructure projects with no upper limit

There will be limits on the number of suppliers appointed to each of these lots; Lot 1 could see the highest, with a maximum of 10 companies, whereas Lot 4 allows only 2 tenderers. Up to six companies can participate in Lot 2, with Lots 3 and 5 allowing for three companies.

Work included in this framework ranges from minor highway improvements, such as new white lining, various pedestrian and cycling improvements, to large-scale infrastructure projects.

Other public bodies based in the East and West Midlands, such as other local councils, housing associations, NHS bodies and unitary authorities, will be able to access the framework with Birmingham City Council's approval. Of the £980m framework spend (excl VAT), £640m is expected from Birmingham City Council.

The framework is expected to run from 1 April 2026 until 31 March 3034. Those wishing to enquire about the framework must do so by 12 December, with any tenders due for submission by 9 January 2026.

The framework runs as an 'open' scheme, meaning it will be reopened twice during its eight-year life, allowing new contractors to join. Birmingham said it would re-open the framework within the first three years and then two years after that.

Submissions will be judged 50% on quality, 40% on price and 10% on social value - the social value element will be pass fail.

Birmingham City Council hopes to announce the successful tenders by 27 February 2026, but notes that this is an estimated date.

More information on the contract and how to apply can be found here.