DfI TRAM Procurement Branch

Topics:

DfI Transport and Road Asset Management Procurement

Procurement activities, strategy and policy including the role of DfI Transport and Road Asset Management and where procurement opportunities are advertised.

Transport and Road Asset Management (TRAM) Procurement

DfI TRAM Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) provides a professional procurement service delivery, secure value for money and ensure compliance with legal, policy and governance obligations for all roads related contracts.

Procurement Branch is the hub of Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) activity within DfI TRAM and is responsible for undertaking procurement competitions of value exceeding £50k for construction related works, supplies and services contracts.

TRAM Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) undertakes tendering and contract management activities across the following categories:

Major Works Projects (>£5m)
Engineering Consultants*
Surfacing, Structures and Minor Works/Active Travel Projects (£50k to £5m)
Road Maintenance and Small Works (<£50k)
Streetlighting
Fleet*
Traffic Information and Control Centre
Operations and Maintenance Supplies and Services
General Supplies and Services
Training*

*DfI Rivers functions also covered

DfI TRAM Procurement Pipeline

DfI TRAM procurement pipelines are published live documents which provide visibility of the known pipeline of procurement opportunities over an 18-month horizon across works, supplies and services.

When a potential procurement nears tender stage, additional information on the opportunity is published to DfI TRAM Future Tenders.

A Service Level Agreement is in place with Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD) CoPE to complete more generic and collaborative contracts, such as facilities management, energy, utilities, IT, and other professional services. CPD procurement pipeline for supplies and services opportunities as well as the CPD procurement pipeline for construction opportunities are also published online.

eTendersNI and Current Tenders

DfI TRAM uses eTendersNI to advertise and manage procurement opportunities with an estimated value greater than £50k. Opportunities are published on the eTendersNI website and, where applicable, are also promoted through DfI Current Tenders, DfI social media and Find a Tender service.

TRAM Procurement Policy

Procurement Act 2023

The Procurement Act 2023 introduces significant reforms to public procurement across the UK and Northern Ireland. The act, which came into force on 24 February 2025, focuses on transparency, value for money and accessibility. Key features include new procedures for tendering, the introduction of a debarment regime to exclude suppliers involved in misconduct and a Central Digital Platform (CDP) for procurement notices.

The CDP is an online system which functions as an enhanced Find a Tender Service. Suppliers must register, maintain core business details and can select to receive alerts for relevant tenders. Contracting authorities will use the CDP to meet their transparency obligations. Further information can be found at Central Digital Platform and Publication of Information guidance.

Procurement Regulations 2024

The Procurement Regulations 2024 are a set of secondary UK legislation which must be read alongside the Procurement Act 2023. These new regulations ensure that the Act can function consistently across contracting authorities by providing the detailed rules necessary for implementation.

Public Procurement Policy Statement

The Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy Statement establishes a renewed strategic approach to public procurement, focusing on achieving best value for money through the consideration of quality, cost, and social value. Supporting the Northern Ireland derogations within the Procurement Act 2023, the Statement outlines key objectives that promote transparency, sustainability, social impact, and greater participation by SMEs, while driving best practice across the public sector.

Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs)

Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) set out further procurement policy produced and published CPD. They serve as the key mechanism for informing and guiding public sector organisations on procurement requirements and policy implementation across a range of topics including Social Value, Light Touch Services, Supply Chain Resilience, Procurement Control Limits and Human Rights.

Contacting the Branch:

Additional information is available at the links included otherwise you can contact the branch at: TRAMprocurement@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk