Scope
Reference
ORR CT 25-84
Description
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) requires consultancy services to review National Highways' culture, approach, and processes for promoting, incentivising, and embedding innovation. The appointed supplier will deliver a two-phase project:
Phase 1: Analyse past innovation projects funded under RIS1 and RIS2, assess lessons learned, and evaluate how benefits and efficiencies were measured.
Phase 2: Examine current processes and governance for embedding innovation, identify barriers, benchmark against comparable industries, and provide recommendations for improvement aligned with RIS3 objectives.
The services must include interim and final reports, workshops with ORR and National Highways, and a slide presentation of findings. All deliverables must comply with ORR's data protection, confidentiality, and accessibility requirements.
Total value (estimated)
- £80,000 excluding VAT
- £96,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 16 February 2026 to 31 January 2027
- Possible extension to 31 March 2027
- 1 year, 1 month, 13 days
Description of possible extension:
This contract is planned as a fixed-term engagement (February 2026 - January 2027). ORR does not currently anticipate any extensions, but reserves the right to extend the contract if required, subject to satisfactory performance, funding availability, and business need.
Possible circumstances for extension include:
Supporting implementation of recommendations after the final report.
Providing follow-up assurance or benefit validation.
Addressing delays outside the supplier's control (e.g., stakeholder access).
Additional benchmarking or analysis identified during Phase 2.
Any extension would be on the same terms and conditions as the original contract and agreed in writing before commencement.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 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
12 January 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
26 January 2026, 3:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the ORR eTendering portal: https://orr.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/go/40395068019AEA0F117B
Submission Deadline: 26 January 2026, 15:00 (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 'most advantageous tender' based on the following weighted criteria:
Methodology - 35%
Quality and robustness of the proposed approach, delivery mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement.
Delivery - 25%
Ability to meet timescales, manage risks, and allocate resources effectively.
Experience - 25%
Relevant organisational and team experience, including CVs and examples of similar projects.
Cost / Value for Money - 15%
Fixed fee proposal with full breakdown and day rates.
Responses will be scored using a 0-5 scale for quality criteria (Unacceptable to Excellent). Price will be scored relative to the lowest bid.
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
ORR CT 25-84 ITT Innovation consultancy.pdf
ORR CR 25-84 Template Short-Form Services Agreement + Cover Sheet.docx
ORR CT 25-84 Template - Disclaimer.docx
ORR CT 25-84 Template - Form of Tender - Fixed Fee.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