Wales & Western: Civils Delivery Contract EOI

Network Rail intends to establish a multi-lot framework for the delivery of geotechnical and civil engineering works across the Wales and Western Region. The framework will primarily support rock cutting remediation, earthwork drainage improvements, and burrowing management activities, delivered through a design-and-build approach. Suppliers will undertake investigation, design, construction, and handback activities, acting as Principal Contractor, and where applicable, Principal Designer The Framework is divided into the following Lots:

Bidders may submit a tender for both Lot 1 and Lot 2; however, no bidder may be awarded more than one Lot under this Framework Agreement

The framework shall be delivered through a 3 year with a +1+1 option to extend.

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Where projects are at an early stage of development, Network Rail may instruct suppliers to undertake surveys, investigations, feasibility studies, outline design and detailed design services. Following completion of these activities, the appointment to undertake surveys or design activities does not guarantee award of subsequent construction works.

Where an outline scope or performance requirement has already been established, Network Rail may instruct Suppliers on a Design and Build basis. In these circumstances, the Supplier shall be responsible for completing the design and delivering the construction works in accordance with the agreed scope and contractual requirements.

Where suitable designs already exist, including schemes previously developed under the Intelligent Client model, Network Rail may issue build-only instructions under the Framework

Complex and Bespoke Schemes - Mini Completion

Where a scheme is of a complex, bespoke or specialist nature and cannot reasonably be priced using the Schedule of Rates, Network Rail reserves the right to seek a standalone price from one or more Framework Suppliers or undertake a further competition between Framework Suppliers, where this is considered necessary to demonstrate value for money and achieve the optimal delivery outcome.

Route to Market

Following RISQS becoming a Dynamic Market from 1 April 2026, Network Rail intends to invite all suppliers registered on RISQS and holding the relevant category codes listed within this notice to participate in the procurement process.

Eligibility Requirements:

. Must be registered onto RISQS and be qualified within all the codes:

Suppliers must demonstrate CDM Principal Contractor capability as part of this procurement. A valid Network Rail Principal Contractor (PC) Licence will be required prior to ITT launch for any supplier shortlisted following the PSQ stage. The anticipated ITT launch date is 16 November 2026. Suppliers shortlisted for ITT that do not hold a valid PC Licence by this date will not be eligible to progress further in the procurement process.

This requirement is necessary due to the safety-critical nature of the works and the need to demonstrate the capability to undertake the Principal Contractor role within the operational railway environment from the outset of the contract.

Reason for new PME notice

The initial RISQS supplier selection exercise excluded a number of Tier 2 suppliers due to not holding the required PC licence at the point of selection. Following further consideration, the requirement has been amended to allow suppliers to obtain the relevant PC licence by the ITT submission date.

The estimated framework value has been amended to reflect the new intended framworks role in supporting, rather than replacing, existing delivery routes.