Award

T0618 Product certification Scheme Review

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

21 Oct 2024 at 16:08

Summary of the contracting process

National Highways has awarded a contract titled "T0618 Product Certification Scheme Review" under the industry category of Research and Development Consultancy Services (CPV 73200000). The contract, beginning on 18th October 2024 and ending on 28th March 2025, is focused on reviewing and implementing recommendations for product certification schemes. The scope includes addressing issues like transparency, verification of product compliance, and potential conflicts of interest among certification bodies. The procurement stage is award, with the contracting authority located in Birmingham, England. The open procedure contract is valued at £6,810,708 GBP, and the award was announced on 21st October 2024.

This tender presents significant opportunities for business growth, particularly for firms specialising in engineering consultancy and technical services within the certification and compliance sector. SMEs are encouraged to participate, although the awarded contract went to Ove Arup & Partners Ltd - SPaTS, a large-scale supplier based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Businesses with expertise in product testing, standards compliance, and consultancy services would find this tender well-suited to their capabilities. The successful implementation of the contract can enhance a company's portfolio by showcasing its capability to manage and improve complex certification schemes across diverse regions, including the UK, Europe, and beyond.

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Notice Title

T0618 Product certification Scheme Review

Notice Description

Product Certification Scheme Review National Highways is looking to set up a contract for provision of engineering consultancy and technical services needed for review of Product Certification Schemes and subsequent implementation of recommendations. Key Concerns and/or Issues are around: - Lack of Transparency and Oversight: National Highways does not have visibility into the testing methods and criteria used by certification bodies like the British Board of Agrement (BBA) and BSI Assurance. This raises concerns about the reliability of their certifications and whether they meet end-user requirements. - Resource Constraints: The increasing number of certification bodies, coupled with limited resources, makes it difficult to maintain effective oversight. This increases the risk of overlooking critical issues or inconsistencies in product testing and certification. - Verification of Product Compliance: There is uncertainty about whether tier one contractors are effectively verifying product compliance with specified standards. - Client Influence: The potential conflict of interest between certification bodies and product manufacturers can compromise impartiality and public safety. There is a perception that certification bodies prioritise the interests of product manufacturers, their clients, over public safety and regulatory compliance. Instances like the Grenfell Fire tragedy highlight the potential consequences of such bias.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-5cfdaeb9-6d49-4d41-9e71-05403a2d7079
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4ac2ede5-ecd5-4d4d-9198-1891f4e3053a
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£6,810,708 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£6,810,708 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Oct 20241 years ago
Submission Deadline
30 Sep 2024Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
17 Oct 20241 years ago
Contract Period
17 Oct 2024 - 28 Mar 2025 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
spats2@nationalhighways.co.uk
Contact Phone
000

Buyer Location

Locality
BIRMINGHAM
Postcode
B1 1RN
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG31 Birmingham
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Birmingham
Electoral Ward
Ladywood
Westminster Constituency
Birmingham Ladywood

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LTD - SPATS

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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