Collection & Recovery Services

contractFind a TenderRef ocds-h6vhtk-058c38Procurement Act 2023Utilities regimeSME suitableactive

Estimated value

Awarded value

Awarded 08 Jun 2026

Suppliers

5

Lots

4

1 awarded

Published

09 Jun 2026

Description

We are seeking to establish a new Collections & Recovery Services Framework that supports a redesigned operating model. This framework will be flexible, scalable, and adaptable, enabling innovation and continuous improvement in line with evolving business needs. The procurement will be conducted in full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, and aims to deliver: Cost efficiency and value for money Enhanced recovery outcomes Improved customer experience The new approach will modernise our debt recovery strategy by: Introducing early-stage digital collection solutions to reduce default rates Enabling proactive customer engagement earlier in the recovery journey Maximising return on investment (ROI) through smarter, data-driven interventions Suppliers will be expected to demonstrate capability in delivering effective, customer-centric recovery solutions that align with our strategic goals and regulatory obligations.

Scope

Reference
Prj_7596
Commercial tool
Standalone contract
Contract dates
28 Nov 2026 to 28 Nov 2030
Possible extension to 28 Nov 2034

Southern Water may extend the Framework Agreement beyond the initial 4‑year term by giving the Supplier at least three months’ notice before the initial term ends. Any extension would be on the same contractual terms (or on amended terms if mutually agreed) for up to an additional 4 years in total. If Southern Water does not issue such notice, the Framework Agreement will automatically expire at the end of the initial term.

CPV classifications
79940000
79100000
Contract locations
UK, United Kingdom
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Award criteria

Criteria the buyer will use to evaluate bids.

NameDescriptionTypeWeighting
Quality / Technical AbilityAssessment of the supplier’s technical capability, digital delivery model, customer engagement approach, vulnerability support, innovation, data integration, sustainability and mobilisation planning, as outlined in the ITT.quality60.00%
PriceEvaluation of total modelled annual cost based on submitted pricing, including commission rates, digital servicing costs, implementation, reporting and any applicable pass‑through items.cost40.00%
QualityAssessment of operational capability across field and trace services, compliance with regulatory requirements, safeguarding and vulnerability measures, innovation, sustainability, performance management, and mobilisation.quality55.00%
PriceEvaluation of total modelled annual cost based on submitted pricing, including trace and field visit rates, legacy debt handling, reporting and any associated service charges.cost45.00%
Quality / TechnicalAssessment of end‑to‑end litigation capability, legal compliance, proportionality, risk and governance processes, reporting, customer vulnerability handling, enforcement oversight and mobilisation.quality70.00%
PriceEvaluation of total modelled annual cost based on submitted litigation stage pricing, including pre‑legal work, claims issuance, judgment handling, enforcement oversight and associated reporting costs.cost30.00%
Quality / TechnicalAssessment of probate handling capability, accuracy in deceased account verification, sensitivity and ethics in engagement, legal compliance, innovation, sustainability, reporting, and mobilisation.quality70.00%
PriceEvaluation of total modelled annual cost based on the supplier’s pricing for probate case management, estate verification, executor liaison, reporting and any associated service elements.cost30.00%

Submission & procedure

Procedure
Competitive flexible procedure

Award details

Awarded supplier(s), contract period and value as published in the award notice.

Awarded value

Award date

08 Jun 2026

Contract start

23 Nov 2026

Contract end

23 Nov 2030

Lots · 4 total

Divisions of the contract. Each lot can be awarded separately.

View all →
LotTitleEst. valueStatus
1Digital & Engagement Collectionscomplete
2Trace, Recovery & Legacy Debt Managementcomplete
3Litigation Managementcomplete
4Probate & Deceased Account Managementcomplete