Science Estates Delivery Framework

2026-11-03

Defra is developing a new Science Estates Delivery Framework to support the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) site at Weybridge and provide a flexible, expert and accessible route to market for high containment building requirements at Weybridge. The framework is expected to provide access to a broad range of life sciences construction, infrastructure, construction professional services and specialist services supporting the refurbishment and development of both high-containment and non-containment facilities, primarily utilised at the Weybridge site (though may be available across Defra Group locations and projects). APHA Weybridge is one of the United Kingdom's most significant science and research campuses, providing nationally important capabilities in animal health, plant health and biosecurity. The framework is intended to support a long-term unique and technically complex estate and programme. Prior to initiating any procurement, Defra wishes to engage with the market to better understand supplier market capability and capacity. Feedback received through this engagement will help inform procurement and contract decisions including potential lotting arrangements. The framework may include a range of construction works and services, and the areas identified within this notice are indicative only and have been included to support market engagement. The final scope, procurement strategy and lot structure have not yet been determined and will be developed following engagement with the market. The framework may include the below services. It should be noted that these services and Lots structures are subject to change. The service scope includes, but is not limited to: - Construction Works: High and Low Containment facility construction; Mechanical & Electrical works; Demolition and enabling works; Civil engineering; Infrastructure works; Utilities works; Building fabric works; Refurbishment works; New build construction; Professional and Technical Services; Multi-Disciplinary Design Services; Lead Designer Services (Life-Sciences, Architectural, Civils, Structural, MEP); Project Management (Design Management, Contract Administration, Planning and Scheduling); PMO Services (incl Project Controls); Cost/Commercial Management; Building Surveying; NEC Supervisor services; Project Controls; Risk Management; Principal Designer Activities (CDM & BSA); Health & Safety; Commissioning and Validation; Building Control / Inspector services Specialist Services: High-containment specialist consultancy; Acoustic consultancy; Environmental consultancy; Technical assurance; Digital / BIM services; Move Management; Strategic estate planning; Fire safety & Building Safety; Ground investigation and geotechnical works. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION/EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Defra is seeking feedback and request for information prior to the procurement of this opportunity. The request for information is to organisations with experience in complex construction, infrastructure, engineering, laboratory and containment environments, as well as those providing project and programme management, commercial, technical and high containment specialist services. If you wish to express your interest in this opportunity and be involved in the market exploration prior to the opportunity, please provide the following information to nbcpcommercial@defra.gov.uk • Company name • Point of contact and contact details • Lots and services you are interested in bidding for • If you are an SME (Small Medium Enterprise) • If you have experience working in a high containment laboratory environment

United Kingdom (UK)

2026-08-02