Maintenance and Response 2 Framework

Written by Kim Frater

Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience

"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

4 minute read  •  Updated August 2026

A practical guide to understanding what National Highways really wants and how to build a winning response.

The real focus isn't just maintenance

Sure, you're bidding for a framework to maintain roads.

But what National Highways is really buying is reliability across the strategic road network.

The SRN, with its more than 4,500 miles of critical roads, demands a supplier that won't just perform routine maintenance but will also handle urgent and unpredictable situations with the same level of confidence and skill.

The Maintenance and Response 2 framework is looking for suppliers to provide cyclical maintenance, reactive maintenance, incident response, severe weather operations, roadside technology maintenance and selected asset renewal works.

That's a lot of responsibility.

And if I were crafting my bid, I'd keep in mind that they're not just looking for a maintenance provider. They're looking for a partner who can deliver consistency and resilience across a vast network.

It's really about the people driving those roads

Every mile of the SRN is vital to the people who use it.

From daily commuters to those transporting goods across the country, the reliability and safety of these roads are paramount.

So, when you're writing your submission, think about those end users.

What concerns might they have? Delays due to unexpected roadworks or a lack of timely incident response can have real-world impacts on them.

If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to know how you plan to minimise disruptions.

How will you ensure that the people using these roads experience as few interruptions as possible?

Don't underestimate the challenge of winter

Severe weather operations and winter maintenance are crucial parts of this framework.

National Highways needs suppliers who can respond swiftly and effectively to challenging weather conditions.

Many bidders might promise excellent service during winter operations, but promises aren't enough.

Evidence always trumps promises.

If I were you, I'd highlight past experiences and successes in managing severe weather conditions.

Provide concrete examples of how you've handled similar challenges in the past.

Pay attention to what they say

National Highways has made it clear that each successful supplier will also be appointed to an overarching framework agreement to provide resilience across the network in the event of supplier failure.

This isn't just about getting the job done.

It's about having a contingency plan in place for when things go wrong.

Your submission should spell out how you plan to ensure continuity of service even when faced with unexpected challenges.

Have you got a backup plan? How will you mobilise additional resources if required?

Evidence always beats promises

One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.

Very few proved it.

If you have evidence, use it.

• Case studies from similar work
• Testimonials from past clients
• Performance metrics and KPIs you've met
• Awards or recognitions in your field
• Detailed processes for handling unexpected incidents

These will all strengthen your bid.

Think about the framework, not just a single contract

Remember, this is a framework, not a single contract.

Winning a place on the framework is your first goal, but the real work comes from call-offs.

National Highways might choose to award work directly or through further competition.

So, how do you ensure they pick you?

Make your submission easy to understand and demonstrate why you're the reliable choice.

Provide clarity on pricing and services, and ensure you're easy to reach and ready to respond quickly.

Consistency is key over the whole term

Consistency is one of the hardest things to deliver over a long-term framework.

National Highways will expect the same high standards throughout the framework's duration.

How will you maintain quality over time?

How will you handle staff turnover, training and ensure that every team member knows their role?

If I were you, I'd outline a clear plan for maintaining standards, including regular audits, performance reviews and feedback loops.

One thing I'd keep reminding myself

Every mile of the SRN supports thousands of journeys every day.

Every decision you make impacts real people.

So, as you draft your submission, keep this question in mind: "How will my service improve the daily lives of those using the SRN?"

That's the heart of what National Highways is looking for.

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

• Focus solely on equipment or technology without addressing staffing and management
• Fail to provide evidence of past performance
• Overpromise without a clear plan to deliver
• Ignore the importance of severe weather operations
• Lack a clear strategy for maintaining standards over time
• Don't address the contingency plans for unexpected incidents
• Present a generic approach that doesn't consider the unique needs of the SRN
• Overlook the importance of user experience on the SRN

My Final Thoughts

National Highways is looking for more than just a maintenance provider.

They're looking for a partner who can ensure the reliability and safety of a critical piece of national infrastructure.

The framework is valued at £7,960,713,652 and while that figure represents the whole framework's potential, it underscores the importance of choosing suppliers who can be relied upon for years.

Quality and resilience will be key.

Make sure your written submission reflects that.