What Qualibat certifications are needed for VRD contracts?

The main ones are: Qualibat 1111 (earthworks), 1311 (VRD masonry), 3511 (drainage networks), 5411 (water supply networks). FNTP qualification is also recognised. Larger contracts may require higher classification levels (Confirmed Technicality or above).

Should the SOPAQ/SOPAE be included in the VRD proposal?

The Quality Assurance Plan Outline (SOPAQ) is often required as an appendix. Your proposal should describe your quality approach: internal controls, material testing, hold points, and non-conformity management. The definitive QAP is established after contract award.

How to address existing utilities in a VRD proposal?

Detail your DICT (Declaration of Intent to Commence Works) procedure, your method for locating existing utilities (detection, marking), trenching precautions near utilities (hand digging, suction excavation), and your protocol in case of accidental damage.

Read time : 11 min

Updated on 7 October 2026

Roads & Utilities (VRD) Technical Proposal: How to Win Public Infrastructure Contracts

Roads, drainage, and utilities (VRD) contracts form the backbone of local authority infrastructure investment. These technically demanding contracts require proposals that demonstrate mastery of earthworks, network installation, and surface works, while managing the interfaces between multiple utilities. The buyer evaluates your ability to work in occupied areas while minimising disruption to residents and businesses.

The market in figures

French public procurement open data, 12 rolling months as of 2026-08-28. Amounts and durations are medians.

8,424: contracts awarded
3,294: winning companies
2,587: active public buyers
368,864 EUR: median amount
10 months: median duration

What these figures tell you

With 3,294 winning companies for 8,424 contracts, a company wins on average 2.6 contract(s) per year in this segment.

The median amount of 368,864 EUR indicates the size of consultation to target first.

The median duration of 10 months shows how often these contracts return to tender.

The median is used rather than the average: a handful of very large contracts is enough to distort an average.

What the buyer evaluates in a VRD proposal

VRD contract evaluation focuses on: your earthworks and material laying methodology, your approach to existing utility management (DICT procedures, network detection), traffic management during works, quality control (compaction testing, material compliance), environmental management (water protection, dust and noise control), and your coordination with utility companies and other contractors.

The most common mistake: underestimating the complexity of working around existing utilities and not detailing your detection and protection procedures.

Recommended structure for a VRD proposal

A strong VRD proposal covers:

Earthworks and materials

Detail your earthworks methodology: excavation techniques, soil treatment, backfill specifications. Specify material sources (quarries, recycled aggregates) and compliance testing procedures. Include compaction and bearing capacity protocols.

Network installation

For each type of network (water, wastewater, stormwater, telecoms, electricity): describe installation methods, materials, jointing techniques, and testing procedures. Detail your approach to connections with existing networks.

Traffic management and site access

Present your traffic management plan: phasing, diversions, temporary signage, pedestrian access. This is critical for works in inhabited areas. Include communication plans for residents and businesses.

Quality control and testing

Describe your quality framework: material testing frequencies, compaction verification (plate load tests, dynamic cone), pressure testing for networks, CCTV inspection of drainage. Include your non-conformity management process.

Common mistakes in VRD proposals

No utility detection plan — Failing to detail your DICT and utility detection procedures is a major gap. Accidental damage to existing utilities is the buyer's primary concern.

Generic traffic management — A traffic plan that doesn't reference the specific site layout, traffic volumes, and sensitive receptors (schools, hospitals) is unconvincing.

Missing quality testing details — Not specifying testing frequencies, methods, and acceptance criteria weakens your technical credibility.

Ignoring environmental management — Not addressing water protection, dust control, and noise management during works is increasingly penalised.

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