---
title: "Independent Assessor Framework"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06d8df"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06d8df"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06d8df.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06d8df.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "TRANSPORT FOR WALES"
published: "2026-07-31"
---

# Independent Assessor Framework

Buyer: TRANSPORT FOR WALES  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06d8df

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072731-2026 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 31 Jul 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 4 Sep 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 2 Nov 2026 - 1 Nov 2030 |
| Recurrence | 2030-01-30 |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £4,125,000 |
| Lots value | £4,125,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | TRANSPORT FOR WALES |
| Additional buyers | TRANSPORT FOR WALES RAIL LTD |
| Locality | PONTYPRIDD |
| Post town | Cardiff |
| Postcode | CF37 4TH |
| Country | Wales |
| ITL 1 | TLL Wales |
| ITL 2 | TLL5 South East Wales |
| ITL 3 | TLL51 Central Valleys and Bridgend |
| Local authority | Rhondda Cynon Taf |
| Electoral ward | Pontypridd Town |
| Westminster constituency | Pontypridd |
| Delivery location | TLL Wales |

## CPV Codes

### 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

### Codes

- 71311000 - Civil engineering consultancy services
- 71530000 - Construction consultancy services
- 72246000 - Systems consultancy services
- 79132000 - Certification services
- 79417000 - Safety consultancy services

## Release History

- 31 Jul 2026 at 12:53 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072731-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072731-2026
  31st July 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://tfw.my.site.com/s/Welcome
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

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