Scope
Reference
Project_44202
Description
Network Rail (Wales & Western) are seeking market engagement to inform the procurement strategy of a framework agreement which will manage civil examinations on earthworks assets.
Civil 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. An Earthwork examination shall be sufficient to identify or determine and record information to enable Network Rail to manage the safety and performance of the Earthwork in accordance with NR/L3/CIV/065.
Asset types to be examined:
- Earthworks (as defined by NR/L3/CIV/065)
Five chain lengths of Earthwork slope: a soil cutting, rock cutting embankment, or natural slope
- Coastal and Estuarine Defences that are formed of earthworks
A Structure that protects railway infrastructure against erosion or flooding by tidal waters. It includes protection works, which protect land against erosion and encroachment by such waters and which perform no flood defence role; and defences, which protect against flooding or attack by such waters.
- Outside Party Slopes, whose failure may impact on Network Rail infrastructure, where the outside party is unable to provide a satisfactory management policy for the slope, will be, so far as is lawful, be subject to a cyclical examination.
A cutting, embankment or natural slope, outside of the Network Rail boundary, owned or managed by an outside party, which may impact on Network Rail infrastructure. Where the outside party is unable to provide a satisfactory management policy for the slope, or demonstrate by other means that it is being managed in a satisfactory manner, the slope will, so far as is lawful, be subject to a cyclical examination.
Examination Types:
- Cyclical Earthwork Examination
These examinations are cyclical in accordance with the Task Schedule or as otherwise instructed by Employer's representative.
The scope must adhere to SCHI, SEHI and/or RSHI in accordance with NR/L3/CIV/065
- Rapid Response Earthwork Examination
These examinations are for Emergency Situations as required.
The scope is as required by Network Rail.
- Geotechnical Incident Report
These examinations are as required by Network Rail.
The scope is in accordance with NR/L3/CIV/185.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £24,000,000 excluding VAT
- £28,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 29 June 2026 to 28 June 2030
- Possible extension to 27 June 2034
- 7 years, 11 months, 29 days
Main procurement category
Services
Additional procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 71631400 - Technical inspection services of engineering structures
Contract locations
- UKL - Wales
- UKK - South West (England)
- UKI7 - Outer London - West and North West
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 September 2025
Engagement process description
Please complete the questionnaire https://forms.office.com/e/MQg4HnttsN by 30th September 2025.
Responses will be reviewed to inform the design of the procurement strategy and framework documentation.
Completion of the questionnaire is not a prerequisite for future participation in the tender, but early engagement will help ensure the framework is structured to meet the needs of both Network Rail and the supply market.
If you have any questions regarding this notice please contact rhiah.mclean@networkrail.co.uk
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
21 November 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Contracting authority
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNZN-9524-VCQJ
Waterloo General Office
London
SE1 8SW
United Kingdom
Contact name: Rhiah McLean
Email: rhiah.mclean@networkrail.co.uk
Website: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government