Scope
Reference
ORR/CT/25-82
Description
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) seeks a specialist consultancy to deliver expert services for the development of our Digital Safety Strategy and accompanying Strategic Risk Chapter (SRC). This work will shape ORR's regulatory approach to digital systems and emerging technologies, ensuring health and safety risks are effectively managed across the rail industry.
Total value (estimated)
- £25,000 excluding VAT
- £30,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 January 2026 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 30 April 2026
- 3 months, 10 days
Description of possible extension:
This contract is intended to complete all deliverables by 31 March 2026 to ensure delivery within the current financial year. Extensions would only be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as:
Unforeseen delays caused by ORR dependencies (e.g., access to data or stakeholder availability).
If an extension is granted, it will be strictly limited to completing outstanding deliverables and will not exceed one additional month (April 2026). No additional budget will be provided unless agreed in writing by ORR.
Multiple extensions are not anticipated; however, if required, they would follow the same approval process and remain within the financial constraints of the original contract.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72222000 - Information systems or technology strategic review and planning services
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
15 December 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
14 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the ORR eTendering portal: https://orr.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/go/15297504019ACA5975CB
Submission Deadline: 14 January 2026, 12:00 noon (UK time).
Tenders uploaded after the closing date and time may not be accepted.
Bidders can upload revised versions until the deadline.
The tender must be submitted in two envelopes:
Technical Envelope: Quality response (Methodology, Delivery, Experience), Disclaimer, and Cyber Essentials or ISO27000 certification (or equivalent).
Commercial Envelope: Price and Form of Tender.
File formats accepted: PDF or Word (.docx).
No electronic auction will be used for this procurement.
Guidance on registering and using the portal can be found at:
https://www.orr.gov.uk/about/procuring-goods-and-services/e-tendering
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
The contract will be awarded to the supplier submitting the most advantageous tender based on quality and price. Tenders will be evaluated against the following weighted criteria:
Methodology (25%) - How well the proposed approach meets the project requirements and demonstrates innovative consultation methods.
Delivery (30%) - Ability to deliver within timescales, manage risks, and allocate resources effectively.
Experience (30%) - Relevant organisational and team experience, supported by CVs and examples of similar projects.
Cost / Value for Money (15%) - Fixed fee proposal with full breakdown of costs and day rates.
Responses will be scored from 0 (Unacceptable) to 5 (Excellent) for quality criteria, and price will be evaluated relative to the lowest bid.
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
ORR CT 25-82 ITT Statement of Requirement (General) 2022 - Digital Safety Strategy and SRC Final 28.11.pdf
ORR CT 25-82 Template - Disclaimer.docx
ORR CT 25-82 Template - Form of Tender - Fixed Fee.docx
ORR CT 25-82 Template Short-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