Tender

Civils Examination Framework Agreement - Structures - Wales and Western

NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

09 Oct 2025 at 12:10

TenderUpdate

09 Oct 2025 at 12:04

Tender

09 Oct 2025 at 11:29

Planning

05 Mar 2025 at 15:10

Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited is seeking tenders for its Civils Examination Framework Agreement, focusing on structures like bridges, culverts, and tunnels across Wales and Western England. This public procurement, valued at an estimated £136 million over eight years, aims to manage and inspect the integrity of railway infrastructure. The process is currently at the tender stage, using a competitive flexible procedure. Important dates include an expression of interest deadline on 11th November 2025, and the final award period ending by 1st April 2026. The contract locations include regions in the United Kingdom and Poland, with the main industry focus on building surveying services within the utilities sector.

This initiative presents significant opportunities for businesses specializing in civil engineering, structural inspection, and railway infrastructure. With a robust budget allocation, suppliers have the prospect to engage in long-term partnerships, driving growth through active participation in critical infrastructure projects. The procurement method is selective, targeted at companies capable of completing technical and commercial evaluations, particularly those adept at handling complex infrastructure and offering innovative solutions aligned with safety and reliability. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, especially those that are agile, innovative, and experienced in the specific technicalities of civil examinations. The role of sustainability and efficiency is emphasised, providing a competitive edge for businesses with innovative approaches.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

Civils Examination Framework Agreement - Structures - Wales and Western

Notice Description

Civils examinations within Network Rail refer to the inspection, examination and reporting of structural assets to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of railway infrastructure. These examinations help identify defects, monitor structural integrity, and determine necessary maintenance or repair works to prevent failures and ensure continued safe operation of the rail network. The framework's scope, which will cover critical infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, retaining walls, coastal and estuary defences, underwater structures, and tunnels. Please note the estimated spend under this framework is PS113,000,000.00 Excluding VAT over the 8 year period of the framework. The value of the notice is PS136,000,000.00 excluding to allow fo an unexpected spend which may be required through the framework. All spend is estimated and may vary depending on demand and requirements.

Lot Information

Wales & Western Tunnels

Civils Examination of Tunnels

Renewal: Extension 2+1

Bridges, Culverts, Retaining Walls, Underwater, Coastal & Estuary, Ancillaries - Cvils Examinations

Civils Examinations of - Bridges, Culverts, Retaining Walls, Underwater, Coastal & Estuary, Ancillaries

Renewal: Extension 2+1

Planning Information

CEFA Structures Framework Renewal Supplier Engagement Day - 14th March Swindon Steam Museum We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Supplier Engagement Event as we prepare for the renewal of the Civils Examination Structures Framework. This engagement session is a key opportunity for suppliers to gain insight into the framework’s scope, which will cover critical infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, retaining walls, coastal and estuary defences, underwater structures, and tunnels. As we shape the next iteration of the framework, we are keen to engage with the market, understand supplier capabilities, and explore innovations that can drive efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. Join us to learn more about the procurement approach and how you can be part of this essential framework supporting the UK’s infrastructure. Civils examinations within Network Rail refer to the inspection, examination and reporting of structural assets to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of railway infrastructure. These examinations help identify defects, monitor structural integrity, and determine necessary maintenance or repair works to prevent failures and ensure continued safe operation of the rail network. The event will take place on the 14th March between 1pm and 3pm at Swindon Steam Museum (address below) - Please note we have a limit of 120 at this event. Parking is available in the adjacent outlet centre car park, Steam Museum staff will issue delegates with a QR code which will enable free exit from the car park. Please ensure you respond to this by the 28th February. If we find we are over the event limit we will look to reduce the number of attendees by supplier. If you have any questions prior to the event please email lily-may.roberts@networkrail.co.uk STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Fire Fly Avenue Swindon SN2 2EY Please fill out the below form to confirm attendance https://forms.office.com/e/WpUnL6FNzh

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04e9d9
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063707-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

71315300 - Building surveying services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£136,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£113,295,192 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
4 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
31 May 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Contact Name
Amy Slocombe
Contact Email
amy.slocombe@networkrail.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 8SW
Post Town
South East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI45 Lambeth
Delivery Location
TLI London, TLL Wales

Local Authority
Lambeth
Electoral Ward
Waterloo & South Bank
Westminster Constituency
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-04e9d9-2025-10-09T13:10:05+01:00",
    "date": "2025-10-09T13:10:05+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-04e9d9",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
            "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PNZN-9524-VCQJ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Waterloo General Office",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "SE1 8SW",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI45"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "amy.slocombe@networkrail.co.uk",
                "name": "Amy Slocombe"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.networkrail.co.uk/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ",
        "name": "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "CEFA Structures Framework Renewal Supplier Engagement Day - 14th March Swindon Steam Museum We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Supplier Engagement Event as we prepare for the renewal of the Civils Examination Structures Framework. This engagement session is a key opportunity for suppliers to gain insight into the framework's scope, which will cover critical infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, retaining walls, coastal and estuary defences, underwater structures, and tunnels. As we shape the next iteration of the framework, we are keen to engage with the market, understand supplier capabilities, and explore innovations that can drive efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. Join us to learn more about the procurement approach and how you can be part of this essential framework supporting the UK's infrastructure. Civils examinations within Network Rail refer to the inspection, examination and reporting of structural assets to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of railway infrastructure. These examinations help identify defects, monitor structural integrity, and determine necessary maintenance or repair works to prevent failures and ensure continued safe operation of the rail network. The event will take place on the 14th March between 1pm and 3pm at Swindon Steam Museum (address below) - Please note we have a limit of 120 at this event. Parking is available in the adjacent outlet centre car park, Steam Museum staff will issue delegates with a QR code which will enable free exit from the car park. Please ensure you respond to this by the 28th February. If we find we are over the event limit we will look to reduce the number of attendees by supplier. If you have any questions prior to the event please email lily-may.roberts@networkrail.co.uk STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Fire Fly Avenue Swindon SN2 2EY Please fill out the below form to confirm attendance https://forms.office.com/e/WpUnL6FNzh",
                "dueDate": "2025-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "008077-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008077-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-03-05T15:10:56Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-04e9d9",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Civils Examination Framework Agreement - Structures - Wales and Western",
        "description": "Civils examinations within Network Rail refer to the inspection, examination and reporting of structural assets to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of railway infrastructure. These examinations help identify defects, monitor structural integrity, and determine necessary maintenance or repair works to prevent failures and ensure continued safe operation of the rail network. The framework's scope, which will cover critical infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, retaining walls, coastal and estuary defences, underwater structures, and tunnels. Please note the estimated spend under this framework is PS113,000,000.00 Excluding VAT over the 8 year period of the framework. The value of the notice is PS136,000,000.00 excluding to allow fo an unexpected spend which may be required through the framework. All spend is estimated and may vary depending on demand and requirements.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71315300",
                        "description": "Building surveying services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "PL5",
                        "country": "PL",
                        "countryName": "Poland"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "PL5",
                        "country": "PL",
                        "countryName": "Poland"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "PL5",
                        "country": "PL",
                        "countryName": "Poland"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "PL5",
                        "country": "PL",
                        "countryName": "Poland"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71315300",
                        "description": "Building surveying services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "PL5",
                        "country": "PL",
                        "countryName": "Poland"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "PL5",
                        "country": "PL",
                        "countryName": "Poland"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "PL5",
                        "country": "PL",
                        "countryName": "Poland"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 163200000,
            "amount": 136000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "utilities"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "maximumParticipants": 3,
                "method": "withoutReopeningCompetition",
                "periodRationale": "Not Applicable",
                "type": "closed",
                "description": "The framework will operate under a schedule of rates. The schedule of rates will be used to determine the cost of an annual work bank. For the commercial evaluation of the framework each bidder will provide a range of costs within a pricing document which will then create a total cost to be used in evaluation. Lot 1 - Supplier will recieve 100% of the work bank for the lot Lot 2 - Supplier 1 / 2 will recieve 100% of the work bank for its allocated route within the region"
            }
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-07-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2031-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2034-06-30T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "status": "active",
                "title": "Wales & Western Tunnels",
                "description": "Civils Examination of Tunnels",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 11871276,
                    "amount": 9892730,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "ITT",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "ITT",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "secondStage": {
                    "minimumCandidates": 5,
                    "maximumCandidates": 5
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "description": "The top scoring 5 suppliers will be taken through from stage 1 PSQ to stage 2 ITT PSQ will be 100% technical follows by an ITT as per the below weightings",
                            "forReduction": true
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Extension 2+1"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Bridges, Culverts, Retaining Walls, Underwater, Coastal & Estuary, Ancillaries - Cvils Examinations",
                "description": "Civils Examinations of - Bridges, Culverts, Retaining Walls, Underwater, Coastal & Estuary, Ancillaries",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 124082954,
                    "amount": 103402462,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "ITT",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "cost",
                            "name": "ITT",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "secondStage": {
                    "minimumCandidates": 5,
                    "maximumCandidates": 5
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "description": "Top 5 scoring bidders will be taken through to ITT PSQ will be 100% technical follows by an ITT as per the below weightings",
                            "forReduction": true
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-07-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2031-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2034-06-30T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Extension 2+1"
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2025-05-31T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "procurementMethod": "selective",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure",
        "procedure": {
            "features": "Network Rail will carry out a conditions of participation stage (requiring completion of a procurement specific questionnaire) followed by a multi- stage tender process consisting of 2 stages down selecting each stage as follows: Stage 1 - PSQ - Technical - 100% Weighting - Top 5 Consultants to Progress Stage 2 - ITT - Technical 60% - Commercial 40% - No. Consultants awarded - Lot 1 - 1 Consultant - Lot 2 - 2 Consultants - 1 aligned to each route"
        },
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA",
            "CPTPP"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html PQQ_37727",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "expressionOfInterestDeadline": "2025-11-11T23:59:00+00:00",
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-11-04T23:59:00+00:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-04-01T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "future",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "accessDetails": "Bravo Project Reference - project_42363 - #40144 - CEFA Structures Examinations PQQ: pqq_3727 - W&W Civils Examination Framework Agreement"
            },
            {
                "id": "063689-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063689-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-10-09T12:29:03+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "063705-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063705-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-10-09T13:04:28+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "063707-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063707-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-10-09T13:10:05+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}