Northern Ireland Water has launched the procurement process for a new Integrated Partnerships Framework estimated at £10.5bn excluding VAT, creating a significant potential opportunity for suppliers across the construction, engineering and infrastructure sectors.

Published on 16 October 2026, the IF109 framework is designed to support NI Water’s capital investment programme and future regulatory periods. According to WaterBriefing’s report on the procurement, the framework is expected to cover project management, design, engineering, construction, commissioning and related services across water and wastewater infrastructure.

The estimated value represents the framework’s potential overall spending ceiling, rather than a single contract or guaranteed level of expenditure. Nevertheless, its scale and duration make it an important opportunity for businesses assessing future public infrastructure pipelines in Northern Ireland.

The framework is divided into four lots: minor civil pipelaying works, minor civil works, minor mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation (MEICA) and process works, and major civil, MEICA and process works. This structure provides different routes for suppliers with specialist capabilities, from network maintenance and rehabilitation to complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects. The published IF109 tender listing sets out the framework’s scope and procurement details.

NI Water expects to appoint up to 18 suppliers, with applicants permitted to seek opportunities across all four lots but limited to a maximum of three lot awards per supplier. The framework is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2027 and run initially until 30 September 2033, with possible extensions taking it to 2039. It will succeed the existing IF105 framework, which is due to expire in May 2028.

The procurement also has implications beyond the principal contractors. Engineering consultancies, specialist equipment providers, process technology businesses and other supply-chain partners may find opportunities as successful suppliers assemble the capabilities needed to deliver projects. However, the scale of the framework does not guarantee work for every appointed supplier, and businesses should assess the requirements and commercial conditions for each lot before committing resources.

Requests to participate are due by 3pm on 18 November 2026, while the deadline for enquiries is 4pm on 12 November. Interested organisations should review the current procurement information and official tender documents carefully to confirm eligibility, submission requirements and the latest timetable.

For the sector, the lesson is direct: NI Water’s IF109 framework offers a substantial long-term procurement pipeline, but suppliers will need clear strategy, demonstrable technical capability and strong delivery partnerships to compete effectively for the opportunities it may generate.

Source: WaterBriefing / Stotles / NI Water