Scope
Description
The purpose of this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is to initiate the engagement exercise for the procurement of an independent, expert-led Audit and Performance Oversight partner to support Westminster City Council (WCC) in the management and assurance of its Highways Contract.
The Council seeks to assess the capability and interest of the market in delivering high-quality, data-driven audit and performance assurance services, that ensure value for money, compliance, and continuous improvement across all Highways service areas. In addition these services may also be extended to include Parking, Communities and Environment functions.
The scope of services will include:
• Monthly and quarterly performance audits
• Thematic deep dives (e.g. responsible procurement, carbon impact, social value)
• Annual audit plan development and delivery
• Real-time assurance support during mobilisation and transition
• Use of digital tools (e.g. ASITE, data analytics, AI) for insight and reporting
• Collaboration with relevant internal teams (Strategic Transport, Legal, Procurement, Finance, Parking, Communities and Environment))
• Provision of specialist resources to meet assurance and technical needs
• Input into asset management and other built environment functions e.g. parking where relevant
Strategic objectives include:
• Performance Scrutiny: Evaluate delivery against KPIs, milestones, and service standards.
• Cost Assurance: Validate financial claims, assess cost-effectiveness, and identify inefficiencies.
• Risk & Compliance Monitoring: Ensure adherence to statutory, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
• Commercial Intelligence: Provide insights to support contract management and innovation.
• Support for Commercial Contract Model: Test and validate NEC4-based contractual mechanisms.
• Asset Management: Maintain strategic oversight of asset data and inform long-term investment decisions.
We are also looking to assess and utilise market innovation and continuous improvement practices. This will form a key part of the engagement, with expectations for:
• Bi-annual innovation reviews;
• Recommendations for digital integration and automation;
• Development of performance frameworks,KPIs and intelligence led decision making; and
• Proposals that support efficiency, cost reduction, and income generation.
WCC wishes to consult with organisations with relevant experience of delivering similar services. The purpose of this consultation is to seek the view of market participants on potential service delivery models available to WCC that best align with the above objectives. This will assist WCC in planning the future procurement procedures. WCC intends to commence the procurement procedure in the first half of 2026.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,150,000 excluding VAT
- £2,580,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2030
- Possible extension to 31 March 2032
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71311210 - Highways consultancy services
- 45233139 - Highway maintenance work
Contract locations
- UKI - London
Engagement
Engagement deadline
12 December 2025
Engagement process description
The Council will conduct a structured market engagement process to inform the forthcoming procurement strategy.
An initial online briefing session will be held to outline the Council's objectives on the 25th November 2025 to provide an overview of the proposed contract scope, and explain how suppliers can participate in the engagement. This session will also allow potential suppliers to raise early questions and share feedback on the draft approach.
An interactive supplier portal will be established within the Council's Jaggaer e-procurement system. The portal will serve as a secure platform for sharing additional information, discussion papers, and draft documentation. It will also enable suppliers to submit comments, suggestions, and clarification queries directly to the project team.
Please contact the Council at nsaunders@westminster.gov.uk to register your interest in attending the briefing sessions or register on the supplier portal https://wcc.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/go/73176532019A820FED77 .
Feedback gathered through this process will be used to refine the commercial model, performance framework, and procurement documentation prior to the formal launch of the tender.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 May 2026
Contracting authority
Westminster City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJVD-6261-BPPJ
64 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6QP
United Kingdom
Contact name: Nick Saunders
Email: nsaunders@westminster.gov.uk
Website: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government