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National Highways has announced plans to award its £775 million National Roads Telecommunications Service (NRTS) 3 contract directly to Telent Technology Services following the withdrawal of a competing bidder.
Originally launched as a competitive tender, the process changed after 24 October when one of the two bidders pulled out. The earliest the contract can be signed is 15 September 2027.
Under the Procurement Act 2023, direct awards are permitted in certain circumstances, although government guidance typically recommends involving multiple suppliers.
Telent, which currently holds the NRTS 2 contract until 2028, will continue managing and maintaining the trunk road network and delivering connectivity services. Under the new agreement, Telent must develop a sustainable and cost-effective equipment renewal strategy, replace legacy devices, and maintain connectivity for existing roadside technology.
The contract will run for up to nine and a half years from 16 September 2027 to 15 March 2035 with an option to extend until 2037.
National Highways reserves the right to terminate the process at any stage. If the award proceeds, a Contract Award Notice will be published under section 50 of the Procurement Act 2023; if not, a Procurement Termination Notice will be issued under section 55.
