---
title: "T0618 Product certification Scheme Review"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-5cfdaeb9-6d49-4d41-9e71-05403a2d7079"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-5cfdaeb9-6d49-4d41-9e71-05403a2d7079"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-5cfdaeb9-6d49-4d41-9e71-05403a2d7079.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-5cfdaeb9-6d49-4d41-9e71-05403a2d7079.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NATIONAL HIGHWAYS"
published: "2024-10-21"
---

# T0618 Product certification Scheme Review

Buyer: NATIONAL HIGHWAYS  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-5cfdaeb9-6d49-4d41-9e71-05403a2d7079

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4ac2ede5-ecd5-4d4d-9198-1891f4e3053a |
| 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 |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 21 Oct 2024 |
| Submission deadline | 30 Sep 2024 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 17 Oct 2024 |
| Contract period | 17 Oct 2024 - 28 Mar 2025 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £6,810,708 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £6,810,708 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NATIONAL HIGHWAYS |
| Locality | BIRMINGHAM |
| Post town | Birmingham |
| Postcode | B1 1RN |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLG3 West Midlands |
| ITL 3 | TLG31 Birmingham |
| Local authority | Birmingham |
| Electoral ward | Ladywood |
| Westminster constituency | Birmingham Ladywood |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LTD - SPATS |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

## Release History

- 21 Oct 2024 at 16:08 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4ac2ede5-ecd5-4d4d-9198-1891f4e3053a

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4ac2ede5-ecd5-4d4d-9198-1891f4e3053a
  21st October 2024 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/9c89b609-dfc4-42d6-8416-afc198691bd6
  n/a

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-5cfdaeb9-6d49-4d41-9e71-05403a2d7079. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-5cfdaeb9-6d49-4d41-9e71-05403a2d7079.json.