Modular Lift, Design, Manufacture, Installation, Testing and Commissioning

Following market analysis, supplier engagement and technical assessment, Network Rail has concluded that it has not identified any reasonable alternative supplier capable of delivering a fully integrated off-site manufactured modular lift solution that satisfies its operational, safety, installation, programme delivery and standardisation requirements. Network Rail therefore considers that competition is absent for technical reasons and that a direct award is justified.

The proposed contract term is limited to 18 months and includes a break clause exercisable by Network Rail after 12 months. The inclusion of the break clause reflects Network Rail's intention to undertake further market testing and assess whether effective competition has emerged for future requirements.

Procurement Act 2023 Compliance Statement

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited considers that the proposed direct award satisfies the conditions for direct award set out in Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 and relies upon the justification contained within Schedule 5 Paragraph 1 (absence of competition for technical reasons).

This Transparency Notice is being published in accordance with Section 44 of the Procurement Act 2023 prior to the proposed award of the contract.

Evidence supporting the direct award decision, including market analysis, supplier engagement records and technical assessments, is retained within the procurement file.

Network Rail will continue to review market developments throughout the contract term and will utilise the contractual break clause and ongoing market testing to inform future procurement decisions.

Break Clause

Undertake further market analysis

Assess emerging modular lift solutions and suppliers

Review continued value for money

Determine whether future requirements should be subject to a competitive procurement process

Transparency Statement

This notice is published pursuant to Section 44 of the Procurement Act 2023 and provides advance notification of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited's intention to award a contract to Explore 2050 (Trading as Vertiq) using a direct award ground permitted under the Procurement Act 2023. The publication of this notice is intended to provide transparency regarding the Authority's proposed procurement approach.