National Highway has announced plans for a large framework to deliver £30bn of works for the RIS3 and RIS4 spending programmes.

Ahead of the changes, it is starting a round of early market testing with consultants and contractors in Birmingham on the proposed structure of the new 10-year multi-lot Integrated Delivery Framework.

Under the present plan, tenders will be invited in 12 months time to replace the current £8.7bn Delivery Integration Partners Framework, which features 13 contractors. It may also replace the consultants’ Technical Assurance framework, reports Construction Enquirer.

While still too early for details of the lotting structure, National Highways said the new panels would be for contractors, designers and potentially integrator roles.

Procurement chiefs said the consultation would help to understand marketplace limitations, gauge opinions and suggestions, to help shape the commercial and procurement strategy as well as contract documents.

After market testing, National Highways officials are planning a summer briefing to set out the procurement strategy in detail.