Dry Riser Tender and Contractor Selection
A dry riser tender is a formal procurement process used by Tier 1 contractors, developers, principal contractors, facilities managers, housing providers and public bodies to appoint a competent specialist for dry riser design, installation, testing, maintenance or remedial work.
The quality of the tender information matters. If the scope is unclear, contractors may price different systems, components and finishes. This makes quotations difficult to compare and increases the risk of unexpected costs, delays or variations after appointment.
A carefully prepared dry riser tender should define the required technical outcome, site conditions, materials, testing programme, contractor competence and documentation. It should help the client select the contractor offering the best overall value, rather than simply accepting the lowest price.
Understand the contractor issued tender package
On many construction projects, the dry riser tender is sent out by the main contractor or Tier 1 contractor. The package will usually include floor plans showing the proposed position and route of the dry riser.
Dry Riser Pipework Routed Through the Stair Core
The drawings should be reviewed alongside the fire strategy, mechanical services specification and other tender documents. Floor plans may show where the dry riser is expected to pass through the building, but they do not always contain every detail required to prepare an accurate quotation.
The specification should confirm how many stair cores require a dry riser. It should also state the number of risers, landing valves and inlet connections associated with each core. This is particularly important on larger residential, commercial and mixed use developments where several cores may require different arrangements.
Tenderers should check that the written specification, floor plans, fire strategy and tender schedules all show a consistent scope. Any differences should be raised before the quotation is submitted.
Find the full dry riser description in the mechanical specification
A detailed specification of the dry riser system, requiring installation in accordance with BS 9990:2015, is typically included in the project’s mechanical services specification.
A mechanical services specification is a detailed engineering document covering the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, fire protection and other mechanical systems required for a building project. It sets out the materials, products, performance requirements, standards, installation methods, testing procedures and documentation expected from the contractor.
The specification is commonly prepared as part of the RIBA technical design information. The RIBA Plan of Work organises a building project into eight stages. Stage 4 is Technical Design, when the detailed design and specification required for construction are developed and coordinated.
Within the mechanical specification, the dry riser may appear under a section titled dry riser systems, firefighting systems or dry rising mains. It should be read in full because the requirements can be spread across several product and execution sections.
A typical dry riser specification may describe the riser inlet breeching, inlet box, landing valves, landing valve boxes, air release valves, pipework, fittings and isolation valves and many more. It may also define the pipe material, working pressure, drainage arrangement and if the horizontal pipework is required.
The same document may contain separate requirements for flushing, pressure testing, commissioning, operating and maintenance manuals, product information, record drawings and handover documents. Contractors should not assume that everything shown on the drawings represents the complete scope.
For example, the specification may require the contractor to submit product proposals (Technical Submission) for approval before ordering. It may also set out the applicable British Standards, required test pressure, notice period before testing, number of record drawing copies and the information that must be supplied before handover and method statements.
Reading the mechanical specification carefully allows the dry riser contractor to understand exactly what the system should be formed of and prevents important components from being omitted from the price.
Confirm the inlet and outlet cabinet doors
One of the most common details missed during a dry riser tender is the required finish for the dry riser inlet and outlet cabinet doors. This may appear to be a minor architectural choice, but it can have a significant effect on the project price.
The tender should confirm the material, colour and finish required for every inlet and outlet cabinet. Depending on the project, the doors may require a red RAL finish, stainless steel construction or a custom TIGER colour finish selected to coordinate with the surrounding walls, cladding or architectural design.
Stainless steel doors and custom colour finishes can cost considerably more than standard painted cabinets. They may also require longer manufacturing periods. If the finish is not confirmed during the tender stage, the contractor may receive an incomplete quotation or face a costly variation later.
The specification should also identify whether the cabinets are recessed or surface mounted, the required dimensions, locking arrangement and signage requirements.
What should be checked before submitting a price?
Every bidder should review the following information before submitting a dry riser tender:
Floor plans showing the proposed position and route of each dry riser
The mechanical services specification and relevant dry installation systems section
The fire strategy and applicable design requirements
The number of stair cores, risers, inlet connections and landing valves
The required inlet breeching, boxes, landing valves, couplings, caps and chains
Pipe materials, fittings, drainage arrangements and required pressure ratings
Cabinet materials, RAL references, stainless steel requirements or TIGER colour finishes
Details of whether cabinets are recessed or surface mounted
Pressure testing and commissioning requirements
Product submission and approval procedures
Operating manuals, certificates, record drawings and handover requirements
Access requirements, programme restrictions and coordination responsibilities
Reviewing this information allows contractors to identify contradictions and missing details before the tender deadline. It also helps the Tier 1 contractor compare quotations on an equal basis.
Set clear inspection and testing requirements
The tender should explain how the system will be filled, pressure tested and drained. It should define the required test pressure, notice period, witnessing arrangements and evidence to be supplied after the test. If these are excluded from the tender the contractor will proceed and follow the BS 9990:2015 British Standard.
For a maintenance contract, the tender should state the required inspection and testing frequency. A typical BS 9990 aligned programme includes a visual inspection at six monthly intervals and a full wet pressure test every 12 months. The Home Office guidance explains the duties relating to checks of firefighting equipment, including dry riser inlets and outlets.
Make tender prices genuinely comparable
A structured pricing schedule is more useful than a single lump sum. It can request separate prices for design, surveys, each riser, each outlet, cabinet types, specialist finishes, pressure testing, access equipment and commissioning.
Contractors should clearly identify exclusions and assumptions. This is particularly important where the number of stair cores, cabinet door material, RAL reference or TIGER colour finish has not been confirmed.
The required handover package should also be specified from the beginning. This may include approved drawings, commissioning results, pressure test certificates, product information, inspection reports and future maintenance recommendations.
Planning a dry riser tender?
Dry Riser One supports Tier 1 contractors, developers, principal contractors, facilities managers, housing providers and property owners with dry riser design, installation, commissioning, servicing and remedial work across the UK.
For technical advice, a site survey or an itemised tender quotation, contact Dry Riser One, call 0800 061 4111 or email enquiries@dryriserone.co.uk.