--- title: "Rail Franchise Advisor Framework" ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-e64d8320-b7c0-4dec-9c5c-e8d468d8d165" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-e64d8320-b7c0-4dec-9c5c-e8d468d8d165" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e64d8320-b7c0-4dec-9c5c-e8d468d8d165.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e64d8320-b7c0-4dec-9c5c-e8d468d8d165.json" source: "Contracts Finder" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY" published: "2018-10-12" --- # Rail Franchise Advisor Framework Buyer: WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-b5fd17-e64d8320-b7c0-4dec-9c5c-e8d468d8d165 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-e64d8320-b7c0-4dec-9c5c-e8d468d8d165) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e64d8320-b7c0-4dec-9c5c-e8d468d8d165.json) ## Summary The West Midlands Combined Authority is planning a tender for a Rail Franchise Advisor Framework, aimed at supporting the future of rail services in the West Midlands region. The current franchise is set to expire in 2026, and the authority is seeking consultancy to guide the decision-making and business case development process. This initiative, classified under railway transport services, is located in the West Midlands, UK. Key dates to note include a planned Contract Notice expected to be issued on 7th December 2018, ahead of the intended contract period starting from 1st March 2019 and ending on 28th February 2022. This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses, particularly consultancy firms specialising in rail franchise design, financing, fare strategies, and risk management. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to participate, as the West Midlands Combined Authority is keen to engage diverse expertise to foster innovation and improve local rail services. The framework will enable firms to contribute to the forthcoming franchise, thereby playing a vital role in shaping the region's transport future and economic growth. ## Notice The current West Midlands Rail franchise expires in 2026. Ahead of procuring the next franchise, the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) (part of the West Midlands Combined Authority) is seeking advice in terms of the decision process and business case development. Rail matters in the West Midlands. It is vital that the West Midlands has rail services across the region that are fit for the future and able to support our ambitious plans for growth and economic prosperity; helping commuters get to work, businesses and communities to connect with each other and welcoming visitors to the heart of the country. In the past the area has not had the influence needed to make the right local decisions about local rail services. In recent years that has changed, with overall responsibility for the regional rail network being devolved from Whitehall to the West Midlands. Today WMRE is providing the leadership and drive to shape better rail services for the future by working with government, train operators, rail regulators and other partners to deliver the improvements that West Midlanders want and need. The evidence from elsewhere in the U.K. suggests that when devolution happens, train reliability and punctuality improves and passenger satisfaction levels increase. There is more innovation and investment. Rail services are planned with wider economic, social and environmental goals in mind. Consequently, WMRE intends to go with the grain of what has already been achieved, including by pressing ahead with exploring opportunities for full rail devolution for the West Midlands. To do this, WMRE intends on setting up a framework of advisors that it can call upon to provide advice on specific matters relating to rail franchise design, rail financing, rail fares, and financial risk sharing. Please note that this is for information only and interested parties do not need to respond or provide any information at this point. The WMRE is expecting to place a Contract Notice around 07/12/18 advising next steps and what potential bidders will need to provide to Express their Interest in this forthcoming framework ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Contracts Finder | | Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/21683663-3d3b-42f2-92e7-81fa39935f9d | | Notice type | Planned Procurement Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Not specified | | Procurement method | Not Specified | | Procurement method details | Not specified | | Tender suitability | SME, VCSE | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Planning | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 12 Oct 2018 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 7 Dec 2018 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 1 Mar 2019 - 28 Feb 2022 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | Not specified | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Planned | | Lots status | Not specified | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY | | Locality | BIRMINGHAM | | Post town | Birmingham | | Postcode | B19 3SD | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) | | ITL 2 | TLG3 West Midlands | | ITL 3 | TLG31 Birmingham | | Local authority | Birmingham | | Electoral ward | Newtown | | Westminster constituency | Birmingham Ladywood | | Delivery location | TLG West Midlands (England) | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport) ### Codes - 60200000 - Railway transport services ## Release History - 12 Oct 2018 at 14:33 - Planning - Planned Procurement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/21683663-3d3b-42f2-92e7-81fa39935f9d ## Documents - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/21683663-3d3b-42f2-92e7-81fa39935f9d 12th October 2018 - Future opportunity notice on Contracts Finder ## 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-e64d8320-b7c0-4dec-9c5c-e8d468d8d165. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e64d8320-b7c0-4dec-9c5c-e8d468d8d165.json.