Scope
Reference
Project_44507
Description
Network Rail Southern Region are seeking market engagement to inform the procurement strategy of a framework agreement which will manage civil examinations on the following assets:
• Structures – overline bridges, underline bridges, tunnels, footbridges, side of line, intersections, culverts, retaining walls, ancillary assets;
• Earthworks – embankments, soil cuttings, rock cuttings and mixed soil and rock cuttings; and
• Buildings - lineside buildings, operational buildings (e.g. stations, depots, signal boxes, ROCS etc.), medium to high voltage sites.
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.
It should be noted within the estimated Contract Start Date (currently set at 01/04/2028) that there is an expected 6-8 months mobilisation prior to contract go live.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £360,000,000 excluding VAT
- £432,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2028 to 31 March 2033
- Possible extension to 31 March 2036
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Services
Additional procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 71315300 - Building surveying services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
19 November 2025
Engagement process description
We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Supplier Pre-Market Engagement Event as we prepare for the renewal of the Network Rail Southern Region Civils Examination Framework Agreement (CEFA). This engagement session is a key opportunity for suppliers to gain insight into the framework's scope, which will cover critical infrastructure within buildings, structures and earthworks. As we shape the next iteration of the framework, we are keen to engage with the market, understand supplier capabilities, and explore innovations that can drive efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
Join us virtually to learn more about the procurement approach and how you can be part of this essential framework supporting the UK's infrastructure.
Civils 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.
Registration
To register for the event - please complete the Microsoft Form below by 17:00 on 19/11/2025, which also includes some survey questions to help us understand the market better. Please note that submissions after the deadline will not be accepted. The form will request for a point of contact, a link to the virtual meeting will be sent to this email address no later than 2 working days prior to the event.
*** https://forms.office.com/e/Rmar8thi4G ***
Virtual Meeting
The virtual meeting will take place on 26/11/2025 at 13:00 - 15:00. A link will be sent to those who successfully register for the event using the form provided above. To manage the number of attendees, we ask that no more than 2 persons join from your organisation.
Any issues in the meantime, please do not hesitate to email: fiona.lee@networkrail.co.uk
Please note that this is not a call for competition, it is solely a market engagement exercise and no direct business will be awarded as a result of participating in this exercise. Further responding to this engagement will not in any way advantage or disadvantage any supplier in a future procurement exercise. All information contained within this notice and subsequent enagagement event is indicative at this stage and subject to change.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 May 2026
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
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government