Official UK procurement notice
Civils Examination Framework Agreement - Structures - Wales and Western
Authority: NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED (Central government)
What is being bought2 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionCivils 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. The framework’s scope, which will cover critical infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, retaining walls, coastal and estuary defences, underwater structures, and tunnels.
Please note the estimated spend under this framework is £113,000,000.00 Excluding VAT over the 8 year period of the framework. The value of the notice is £136,000,000.00 excluding to allow fo an unexpected spend which may be required through the framework. All spend is estimated and may vary depending on demand and requirements.
- How the procedure runs: Network Rail will carry out a conditions of participation stage (requiring completion of a procurement specific questionnaire) followed by a multi- stage tender process consisting of 2 stages down selecting each stage as follows: Stage 1 - PSQ - Technical - 100% Weighting - Top 5 Consultants to Progress Stage 2 - ITT - Technical 60% - Commercial 40% - No. Consultants awarded - Lot 1 - 1 Consultant - Lot 2 - 2 Consultants - 1 aligned to each route
CPV: Building surveying services
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework
- Call-offs
- call-offs are awarded directly to appointed suppliers, without further competition
- Places
- up to 3 suppliers · 5 bids on the busiest of 2 lots (1.7 per place) · 3 appointed (full)
- Framework period
- 5 yrs · up to 8 yrs from 1 Jul 2026, Not Applicable
Published description of the framework
Lot 2 - direct award to allocated route
lot 1 - direct award
- UK6 Contract Award Notice - Western CEFA Lot 2 Structures Examinations CP7 Y3 · NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED · 11 Aug 2026
- Wales CEFA Lot 1 (Tunnels) & Lot 2 (Structures) - Direct Call off · NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED · 7 Aug 2026
Notices that name this framework as their framework in the official record. Many call-offs are never published, so this is a floor, not utilisation.
Lots and requirements (2)Procurement structure
2 lots · all with a published value · same evaluation weights on every lotLot #1Wales & Western TunnelsAwardedRenewalPublished value£9,892,730
The source published no individual description for this lot.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
The top scoring 5 suppliers will be taken through from stage 1 PSQ to stage 2 ITT
PSQ will be 100% technical follows by an ITT as per the below weightings
Lot #2Bridges, Culverts, Retaining Walls, Underwater, Coastal & Estuary, Ancillaries - Cvils ExaminationsAwardedRenewalPublished value£103,402,462
The source published no individual description for this lot.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Top 5 scoring bidders will be taken through to ITT
PSQ will be 100% technical follows by an ITT as per the below weightings
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published sub-criteria (2)
- ITT: 60%
- ITT: 40%
Published award criteria (2)
- ITT
- ITT
- Price carries 40 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 4 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
- “Civils Examination Framework Agreement - Structures - Wales and Western” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, up to 3 suppliers, not a single contract, and call-offs are awarded directly: getting appointed is the whole game.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Awarded
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Utilities
- Commercial structure
- Framework agreement
- Who may use this agreement
- Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA, CPTPP)
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 5 Mar 2025, 15:10 GMT
- Last source update
- 30 Jul 2026, 13:18 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 1 Apr 2026
- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-063689- Latest notice
- Contract details notice (UK7)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area in notice
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-04e9d9Find a Tender
- How it runs
Network Rail will carry out a conditions of participation stage (requiring completion of a procurement specific questionnaire) followed by a multi- stage tender process consisting of 2 stages down selecting each stage as follows:
Stage 1 - PSQ - Technical - 100% Weighting - Top 5 Consultants to Progress
Stage 2 - ITT - Technical 60% - Commercial 40% - No. Consultants awarded - Lot 1 - 1 Consultant - Lot 2 - 2 Consultants - 1 aligned to each route
How it was run
Official notice- Requests to participate (first stage)
- 11 Nov 2025, 23:59 GMT
- Appointment period ends
- 11 Nov 2025, 23:59 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- 4 Nov 2025, 23:59 GMT
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Timeline
5 Mar 2025 → 30 Jul 2026 · 11 dates- Planning notice published5 Mar 2025, 15:10 GMT
- Market engagement31 Mar 2025, 23:59 BST
CEFA Structures Framework Renewal Supplier Engagement Day - 14th March Swindon Steam Museum
We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Supplier Engagement Event as we prepare for the renewal of the Civils Examination Structures Framework. This engagement session is a key opportunity for suppliers to gain insight into the framework’s scope, which will cover critical infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, retaining walls, coastal and estuary defences, underwater structures, and tunnels. 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 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.
The event will take place on the 14th March between 1pm and 3pm at Swindon Steam Museum (address below) - Please note we have a limit of 120 at this event.
Parking is available in the adjacent outlet centre car park, Steam Museum staff will issue delegates with a QR code which will enable free exit from the car park.
Please ensure you respond to this by the 28th February. If we find we are over the event limit we will look to reduce the number of attendees by supplier. If you have any questions prior to the event please email [email protected]
STEAM - Museum of the
Great Western Railway
Fire Fly Avenue
Swindon
SN2 2EY
Please fill out the below form to confirm attendance
- Next notice expected31 May 2025, 23:59 BST
- Tender notice published377 days ago9 Oct 2025, 12:29 BST
- Clarification questions by351 days ago4 Nov 2025, 23:59 GMT
- Admission / appointment period ends344 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown11 Nov 2025, 23:59 GMT
- Award decision expected by203 days ago1 Apr 2026, 23:59 BST
- Assessment summaries sent175 days ago30 Apr 2026, 00:00 BST
- Standstill ends162 days ago12 May 2026, 23:59 BST
- Contract starts113 days ago1 Jul 2026, 00:00 BST
- Latest notice published83 days ago30 Jul 2026, 13:18 BST
Notice history
11 events · 6 releases on Find a Tender · since 5 Mar 2025- Preliminary market engagement notice published5 Mar 2025, 15:10 GMTUK2
- Tender notice published9 Oct 2025, 12:29 BSTUK4
- Published value updated to £136,000,0009 Oct 2025, 12:29 BSTwas £113,000,000
- Status changed to active9 Oct 2025, 12:29 BST
- Procurement method changed9 Oct 2025, 12:29 BST
- Tender notice published9 Oct 2025, 13:04 BSTUK4
- Tender notice published9 Oct 2025, 13:10 BSTUK4
- Contract award notice published30 Apr 2026, 12:16 BSTUK6
- Status changed to complete30 Apr 2026, 12:16 BST
- Contract signature expected29 May 2026, 23:59 BSTscheduled
- Contract details notice published30 Jul 2026, 13:18 BSTUK7
Routine re-releases (6)
- 2025-10: 2 releases · 9 Oct 2025, 9 Oct 2025
- 2025-03: 1 release · 5 Mar 2025
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 · Wales & Western Tunnels1 award | |||
| Inspire (Structures) LtdSMEW&W Tunnels Civils Examinations Framework1 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2031 · up to 30 Jun 2034Extensions: 2 + 1 | £9,892,730 | 14 Apr 2026 | Awarded |
| Lot 2 · Bridges, Culverts, Retaining Walls, Underwater, Coastal & Estuary, Ancillaries - Cvils Examinations1 award | |||
| Ground Control Limited, XEIAD LimitedLot 2 - CEFA Structures Examination Framework1 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2031 · up to 30 Jun 2034Extensions: 2+1 | £103,402,462 | 14 Apr 2026 | Awarded |
Contracts
W&W Tunnels Civils Examinations Framework · Inspire (Structures) LtdSME
- Signed
- 29 May 2026
- Value
- £9,892,730
- Period
- 1 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2031 · up to 30 Jun 2034 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- 2 + 1
Lot 2 - CEFA Structures Examination Framework · Ground Control Limited, XEIAD Limited
- Signed
- 29 May 2026
- Value
- £103,402,462
- Period
- 1 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2031 · up to 30 Jun 2034 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- 2+1
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Lot | Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Wales & Western Tunnels | 4final-stage tenders | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2 · Bridges, Culverts, Retaining Walls, Underwater, Coastal & Estuary, Ancillaries - Cvils Examinations | 5final-stage tenders | 0 | 0 | — |
Who bid
- did not winBridgeway Consulting Ltd · East Midlands · all lots
- did not winFrankham Consultancy Group LtdSME · Greater London · 2
- did not winAmey Rail Services Limited · Greater London · all lots
- wonXEIAD Ltd. · South West England · 2
- wonInspire (Structures) LtdSME · Yorkshire and the Humber · 1
- wonGround Control Ltd · East of England · all lots
Bidders as named on the Procurement Act 2023 award notice. “Won” means the bidder holds an award on this notice.
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Framework contractors & participating bidders
6 commercial parties on the notice · 3 awarded- Amey Rail Services LimitedBidder / tenderer
- Bridgeway Consulting LtdBidder / tenderer
- Frankham Consultancy Group LtdBidder / tenderer
- Ground Control LtdFramework contractor
- Inspire (Structures) LtdFramework contractor
- XEIAD Ltd.Framework contractor
Official documents & specifications (12)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
- Signed contract
- Bidding documents and specificationsAccess: Bravo Project Reference - project_42363 - #40144 - CEFA Structures Examinations PQQ: pqq_3727 - W&W Civils Examination Framework Agreement
- Signed contract
- Signed contract
Notices published for this procedure
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender