Defra has launched early market engagement for its new Science Estates Delivery Framework, which will replace the existing APHA framework supporting one of the country’s most technically demanding construction programmes.

Current framework holders include contractors Kier, Sisk, Willmott Dixon, Morgan Sindall, Tilbury Douglas, Graham, Walter Lilly, Merit Holdings, Scitech Engineering and G.M. Builders.

The existing consultants team consists of Baker Hicks, Ramboll, Tetra Tech, WSP, AECOM, Norman Rourke Pryme, Rider Levett Bucknall, Turner & Townsend and Mace Consult.

The new eight-year dynamic market deal will provide a route to market for construction firms, designers and specialist consultants delivering refurbishment and new-build projects across the APHA estate, with potential use across the wider Defra estate.

Planned work will span high and low-containment laboratory construction, M&E, civil engineering, utilities, demolition and enabling works alongside multidisciplinary design, project management, cost consultancy, commissioning, digital BIM, fire safety and specialist containment consultancy.

Defra has yet to decide the final lot structure and is inviting suppliers to help shape the procurement before bidding begins.

The framework is expected to run from September 2027 until August 2034, with an option to extend for a further year.

Interested suppliers have until 1 September to register for the market engagement exercise, with the contract notice due to be published in January 2027.