Scope
Reference
ORR CT 25-52
Description
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) invites tenders for the provision of expert consultancy support to assist with its regulatory responsibilities concerning rail vehicle accessibility. The successful supplier will provide independent, evidence-based analysis of potential non-compliances with accessibility standards under the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011 and the Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2010. This support will be delivered under a call-off contract structure, with individual Statements of Work issued as required. The consultant will be expected to respond to reactive casework, often initiated by public complaints, and produce detailed reports to inform enforcement decisions. The contract will run for approximately 36 months.
Total value (estimated)
- £80,000 excluding VAT
- £96,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 December 2025 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2029
- 3 years, 3 months, 17 days
Description of possible extension:
The initial contract is expected to run for approximately 36 months, with a maximum budget of £80,000 (excluding VAT). While the contract is structured as a call-off agreement with no guaranteed volume of work, ORR reserves the right to extend the contract duration by upto 12months or increase the scope through additional Statements of Work (SoWs), subject to performance, budget availability, and evolving regulatory needs. Any extension would be contingent on mutual agreement and may involve revised service levels, updated charge rates, or additional deliverables.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71311200 - Transport systems consultancy services
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Conditions of participation
Suppliers must confirm their capability to evaluate compliance in respect of UK rail accessibility legislation and standards, including:
The Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011 (as amended)
The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2010
PRM TSI (2008-2014)
PRM NTSN (2021)
ACC NTSN (2025)
This includes the ability to interpret statutory requirements, evaluate technical and management system arrangements, and produce robust, evidence-based reports to support regulatory enforcement decisions.
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
12 November 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
21 November 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted via the ORR eTendering portal:
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
The contract will be awarded to the supplier submitting the most advantageous tender based on the following weighted criteria:
Methodology (30%) - Quality and robustness of the proposed approach to delivering the requirement.
Experience (40%) - Relevant expertise and track record in similar consultancy assignments.
Delivery (10%) - Ability to meet timelines, manage risks, and respond flexibly to reactive casework.
Cost/Value for Money (20%) - Competitive pricing based on day rates and overall cost effectiveness.
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
ORR CT 25-52 ITT Statement of Requirement - consultancy support for accessibility regulatory activities.pdf
ORR CT 25-52 Template - Disclaimer.docx
ORR CT 25-52 Template - Form of Tender - Day Rate.docx
ORR CT 25-52 Template Long-Form Services Agreement + Cover Sheet.docx
Contracting authority
Office of Rail and Road
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPH-6471-MDYY
25 Cabot Square
London
E14 4QZ
United Kingdom
Email: procurementteam@orr.gov.uk
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Organisation type: Public authority - central government