United Utilities Water Limited has published a procurement opportunity for lithium trace testing with an estimated value of £1,250,000. The submission deadline is 22 June 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-08, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

The Bioresource and Energy Services team require non-intrusive tank capacity and sediment assessments of Anaerobic Digesters using Lithium chloride as a trace element to comply with Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016 implementing the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) every 5 years, which takes an integrated approach to controlling pollution to air, water, and land from industrial activities. We require the supplier to develop methodology to determine the effective volume of an anaerobic digester over a short period of testing time. The effective volume should be calculated from the lithium concentration once it reaches a steady and consistent level. The calculation for effective volume should be based on the dose of lithium chloride added, the concentration of lithium, and the background concentration established before the test is initiated. The results of the data should establish the following, and be presented within a report: Mixing efficiency Hydraulic retention time (HRT) Short‑circuiting or dead zones Sediment/grit accumulation The lithium chloride is to be dosed into each digester’s feed line, or other suitable position. Prior to the dosing of lithium chloride, initial samples should be taken from each digester in order to establish the background lithium concentrations. Samples should be taken from designated sampling points, identified during a pre-test site visit.

United Utilities Water Limited is the contracting authority for this procurement. The estimated contract value is £1,250,000 and the submission deadline is 22 June 2026. Suppliers should download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to businesses with relevant experience and qualifications. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing for a contract of £1,250,000, and hold relevant professional certifications and insurance.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, United Utilities Water Limited must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots accessible to smaller businesses.

• Proven track record in professional services contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a £1,250,000 contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant professional certifications and insurance
• Capacity to mobilise within United Utilities Water Limited’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 22 June 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032023-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 22 June 2026: Late submissions are not accepted under UK procurement rules

What the buyer will evaluate

United Utilities Water Limited will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. For professional services contracts, buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion — demonstrate specific, costed commitments to local employment, skills, or environmental sustainability.

Writing a winning bid

The most common reason bids fail is generic content that does not address the buyer’s specific requirements. United Utilities Water Limited has stated precise objectives — your bid must demonstrate you have read and understood them.

• Lead with an executive summary addressing United Utilities Water Limited’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 22 June 2026

Key dates and next steps

The submission deadline is 22 June 2026. Competitive bids for professional services contracts require two to three weeks of preparation. Following submission, United Utilities Water Limited will typically complete evaluation within four to eight weeks.

• Download all documents from Find a Tender today
• Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements
• Assign a bid lead and set internal milestones now
• Submit clarification questions as early as possible

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires United Utilities Water Limited to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers. Check for lots designed to be accessible to smaller businesses.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The 22 June 2026 deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

How long does evaluation take?

United Utilities Water Limited will notify all bidders once evaluation is complete. Allow four to eight weeks from the submission deadline.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032023-2026. Always use the official source.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by United Utilities Water Limited or the UK government.