United Utilities Water Limited has published a procurement opportunity for pro004993-services-framework-water efficiency services with an estimated value of £35,000,000. The submission deadline is 16 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 Company is inviting bidders to participate in this tender for the provision of activities to support a water efficiency programme aimed to provide services to customers to reduce water consumption and subsequently the achievement of business performance commitments (as outlined in the introduction). The programme consists of the provision of: • Water home audits for domestic customers including finding and fixing leaks; installation of water devices and provision of behavioural change advice. All leak repairs and fitting of devices should be completed at the time of the audit • Provision of an online water survey to allow customers to assess their current water consumption and identify ways to save • Provision of water saving devices for the water audit programme and for use at UU water saving events (Flow regulators, buffaloo bags, tap aerators and more). • Water business audits including finding and fixing leaks; installation of water devices and provision of behavioural change advice. All leak repairs and fitting of devices should be completed at the time of the audit

United Utilities Water Limited is the contracting authority for this procurement. The estimated contract value is £35,000,000 and the submission deadline is 16 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 £35,000,000, 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 £35,000,000 contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant professional certifications and insurance
• Capacity to mobilise within United Utilities Water Limited’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 16 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/031785-2026
• 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 16 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 16 June 2026

Key dates and next steps

The submission deadline is 16 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 16 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/031785-2026. 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.