The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced a preliminary market engagement for its upcoming CBRN Remediation Services Framework, a long-term procurement designed to strengthen the nation’s resilience against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, as well as hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents.
The framework—estimated at £31.2 million including VAT (approximately $40.3 million USD)—will provide contingency remediation and waste management services in the event of large-scale or complex contamination events. Defra’s CBRN Emergencies Team, which leads the government’s operational response to such threats, aims to increase capacity and capability for rapid, effective recovery from both deliberate and accidental releases.
Scope of the Framework
The initiative will establish a roster of specialist suppliers able to supply, transport, deploy, and implement remediation solutions in a CBRN or HAZMAT incident. While the framework will be a primary tool for response, the government reserves the right to source alternative services in an emergency. The service remit includes both technical advice and practical recovery operations, supporting local and national authorities whose resources or expertise may be exceeded by the incident.
Importance to National Health Security and Safety
CBRN and hazardous material incidents—whether arising from industrial accidents, terrorism, or other causes—pose serious risks to public health, environmental safety, and national stability. The ability to rapidly remediate contaminated areas is not only vital for protecting lives and restoring normal operations, but also for preserving public confidence in the face of potential crises. By strengthening response capacity, the framework contributes directly to the UK’s overall health security architecture and aligns with broader homeland security priorities.
Opportunities for Industry Engagement
Defra is actively seeking input from suppliers to help shape the tender. Interested parties—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—are invited to participate in a supplier webinar on Wednesday 20 August 2025. The event will outline the provisional specification and provide a forum for engagement prior to the formal tender process.
The final tender notice is expected to be published on 5 September 2025, with the contract anticipated to run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2034.
Full details, including participation requirements and access to the provisional specification, are available on the official notice at: Find a Tender – CBRN Remediation Services Framework