This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

31 Jul 2026 at 12:53

Summary of the contracting process

Transport for Wales has announced an active procurement opportunity titled "Independent Assessor Framework," focusing on civil engineering and consultancy services within the railway sector. This framework agreement, valued at approximately £4.95 million gross, falls under the services category and utilises an open procedure method. It is divided into three lots that cover various independent assessment and verification services, essential for railway safety and regulatory compliance. Interested parties must submit their tenders via the TfW Atamis Procurement Portal by 4th September 2026. The framework applies primarily to the UK region and operates under Welsh devolved regulations, with the award phase concluding by 12th October 2026. The contracts, commencing on 2nd November 2026, will span four years.

This tender presents significant opportunities for growth, especially for businesses specialising in consultancy services related to civil engineering, safety, and certification. The framework's division into lots caters to companies of varying expertise, from providing independent safety assessments to ensuring compliance with technical regulations. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, given their potential eligibility and suitability. By engaging in this framework, businesses can enhance their reputations within the rail industry and secure long-term projects aligned with regulatory compliance and innovative safety solutions, promoting business expansion and proficiency in delivering high-quality consultancy services.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Independent Assessor Framework

Notice Description

TfW is seeking to establish a Framework Agreement to cover Independent Assessor services. The proposed framework will provide specialist independent assessment and assurance services to verify compliance with railway safety, interoperability and regulatory requirements. The framework will be divided into three lots: Lot 1 - Assessment Body (AsBo): Independent assessment against Common Safety Method (CSM-REA) requirements. Lot 2 - AsBo / Approval Body (ApBo) / Designated Body (DeBo): Safety and interoperability assessment services against National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) and National Technical Rules (NTRs). Lot 3 - Independent Competent Person (ICP): Independent verification of compliance with ROGS requirements. The framework will support assurance activities across TfW rail infrastructure projects throughout the project lifecycle. Further information can be found in the Tender Documents published on the Atamis procurement portal.

Lot Information

Assessment Body (AsBo)

Provides independent verification of compliance with the Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-REA). Key activities: * Produce an Independent Assessment Plan at Preliminary Design (Stage C). * Review and assess: o Safety Plans o System Definitions o Hazard Records o Safety Justification Reports * Issue: o Progressive Assessment Records at Stages C and E. o Safety Assessment Records at Stage F (Construction, Commissioning and Handover).

AsBo, Approval Body (ApBo) and Designated Body (DeBo)

Provides: * AsBo services for CSM-REA compliance. * ApBo services for interoperability compliance against applicable National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs). * DeBo services for interoperability compliance against National Technical Rules (NTRs). Key activities: * Produce an Independent Assessment Plan at Stage C. * Review safety documentation (System Safety & Authorisation Plans, System Definition, Hazard Record, Safety Justification Report). * Assess NTSN compliance and supporting evidence. * Issue: o Progressive Assessment Records (Stages C and E). o Design Intermediate Statement of Verification (ISV-D) at Detailed Design (Stage E). o Production Intermediate Statement of Verification (ISV-P) at Construction/Commissioning (Stage F). o Safety Assessment Records at Stage F. o A final Technical File.

Independent Competent Person (ICP)

Provides independent verification of compliance with the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations (ROGS). Key activities: * Produce an Independent Assessment Plan at Stage C. * Review the Duty Holder's: o Safety Management System (SMS) o System Safety & Authorisation Plan o System Definition o Hazard Record o Safety Justification Report * Issue: o ICP Duty Holder SMS Report at Stage C. o ICP Preliminary Design Review Reports at Stage C. o ICP Design Review Reports at Stage E. o ICP Pre-Commissioning Review Reports at Stage F

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d8df
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072731-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

71311000 - Civil engineering consultancy services

71530000 - Construction consultancy services

72246000 - Systems consultancy services

79132000 - Certification services

79417000 - Safety consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£4,125,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£4,125,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Jul 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
4 Sep 20265 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Nov 2026 - 1 Nov 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
2030-01-30

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRANSPORT FOR WALES
Additional Buyers

TRANSPORT FOR WALES RAIL LTD

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PONTYPRIDD
Postcode
CF37 4TH
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL51 Central Valleys and Bridgend
Delivery Location
TLL Wales

Local Authority
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Electoral Ward
Pontypridd Town
Westminster Constituency
Pontypridd

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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-06d8df-2026-07-31T13:53:59+01:00",
    "date": "2026-07-31T13:53:59+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06d8df",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PPHD-4211-XYXJ",
            "name": "Transport for Wales",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PPHD-4211-XYXJ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "3 Llys Cadwyn",
                "locality": "Pontypridd",
                "postalCode": "CF37 4TH",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKL15"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Huw Thomas",
                "email": "procurement@tfw.wales"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    },
                    {
                        "id": "GB-WLS",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS",
                        "description": "Welsh devolved regulations apply"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PVJP-5451-JYWQ",
            "name": "Transport for Wales Rail Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PVJP-5451-JYWQ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "3 Llys Cadwyn",
                "locality": "Pontypridd",
                "postalCode": "CF37 4TH",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKL15"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Huw Thomas",
                "email": "procurement@tfw.wales"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    },
                    {
                        "id": "GB-WLS",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS",
                        "description": "Welsh devolved regulations apply"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PPHD-4211-XYXJ",
        "name": "Transport for Wales"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "Limited supply market"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "C001284.00",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Independent Assessor Framework",
        "description": "TfW is seeking to establish a Framework Agreement to cover Independent Assessor services. The proposed framework will provide specialist independent assessment and assurance services to verify compliance with railway safety, interoperability and regulatory requirements. The framework will be divided into three lots: Lot 1 - Assessment Body (AsBo): Independent assessment against Common Safety Method (CSM-REA) requirements. Lot 2 - AsBo / Approval Body (ApBo) / Designated Body (DeBo): Safety and interoperability assessment services against National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) and National Technical Rules (NTRs). Lot 3 - Independent Competent Person (ICP): Independent verification of compliance with ROGS requirements. The framework will support assurance activities across TfW rail infrastructure projects throughout the project lifecycle. Further information can be found in the Tender Documents published on the Atamis procurement portal.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71311000",
                        "description": "Civil engineering consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79132000",
                        "description": "Certification services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71530000",
                        "description": "Construction consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79417000",
                        "description": "Safety consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72246000",
                        "description": "Systems consultancy services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71311000",
                        "description": "Civil engineering consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79132000",
                        "description": "Certification services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71530000",
                        "description": "Construction consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79417000",
                        "description": "Safety consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72246000",
                        "description": "Systems consultancy services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71311000",
                        "description": "Civil engineering consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79132000",
                        "description": "Certification services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71530000",
                        "description": "Construction consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79417000",
                        "description": "Safety consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72246000",
                        "description": "Systems consultancy services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKL",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 4950000,
            "amount": 4125000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "utilities"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "method": "withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition",
                "type": "closed",
                "description": "Full details can be found in ITT Volume 2"
            }
        },
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Via the TfW Atamis Procurement Portal https://tfw.my.site.com/s/Welcome using code: C0216.Once you have registered, you will find the home screen with various access links. To view and register onto any Transport for Wales tender opportunities, click on the 'Find Opportunities' section on the home page. Once you have registered for the tenders you are interested in, return to the home page where you'll find the 'My Proposals and Quotes' button",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en",
                "cy"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-09-04T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-08-26T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-10-12T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Assessment Body (AsBo)",
                "description": "Provides independent verification of compliance with the Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-REA). Key activities: * Produce an Independent Assessment Plan at Preliminary Design (Stage C). * Review and assess: o Safety Plans o System Definitions o Hazard Records o Safety Justification Reports * Issue: o Progressive Assessment Records at Stages C and E. o Safety Assessment Records at Stage F (Construction, Commissioning and Handover).",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 2000000,
                    "amount": 1666667,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "description": "Hourly/Daily Rates",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "description": "Full details in tender pack",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-11-01T23:59:59+00:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "AsBo, Approval Body (ApBo) and Designated Body (DeBo)",
                "description": "Provides: * AsBo services for CSM-REA compliance. * ApBo services for interoperability compliance against applicable National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs). * DeBo services for interoperability compliance against National Technical Rules (NTRs). Key activities: * Produce an Independent Assessment Plan at Stage C. * Review safety documentation (System Safety & Authorisation Plans, System Definition, Hazard Record, Safety Justification Report). * Assess NTSN compliance and supporting evidence. * Issue: o Progressive Assessment Records (Stages C and E). o Design Intermediate Statement of Verification (ISV-D) at Detailed Design (Stage E). o Production Intermediate Statement of Verification (ISV-P) at Construction/Commissioning (Stage F). o Safety Assessment Records at Stage F. o A final Technical File.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 2000000,
                    "amount": 1666667,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "description": "Hourly/Daily Rates",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "description": "Full details in tender pack",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-11-01T23:59:59+00:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Independent Competent Person (ICP)",
                "description": "Provides independent verification of compliance with the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations (ROGS). Key activities: * Produce an Independent Assessment Plan at Stage C. * Review the Duty Holder's: o Safety Management System (SMS) o System Safety & Authorisation Plan o System Definition o Hazard Record o Safety Justification Report * Issue: o ICP Duty Holder SMS Report at Stage C. o ICP Preliminary Design Review Reports at Stage C. o ICP Design Review Reports at Stage E. o ICP Pre-Commissioning Review Reports at Stage F",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 950000,
                    "amount": 791666.67,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "description": "Hourly/Daily Rates",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "description": "Full details in tender pack",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-11-01T23:59:59+00:00"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "072731-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072731-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-31T13:53:59+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "dates": [
                {
                    "startDate": "2030-01-30T23:59:59+00:00"
                }
            ]
        }
    },
    "language": "en"
}