The framework will initially be for the five years of Control Period 7 (CP7), 2024 to 2029. There will then be an option to extend two more periods of one year.

The framework is divided into four lots and the values that the rail infrastructure operator has assigned are estimates. “These are based on CP7 Strategic Business Plan budgets rather than delivery plan values,” Network Rail explains. “As such, they are not guaranteed and do not act as a minimum or maximum workbank value for the control period or a volume guarantee.”

It also notes that the maximum value of the framework exceeds the combined value of the lots. “This is so as the value is inclusive of the estimated values of optional extensions for the framework,” Network Rail says.

The types of work to be delivered under the scope of the framework are:

• Geotechnical – small scheme emerging works (from reactive), Maintain KVLs
• Maintenance of foot bridges, under bridges, overbridges, tunnels, culverts, structural integrity
• Rock cuttings, soil cuttings, earthworks first response etc
• Buildings – small scheme emerging works (from reactive)
• Structures – small scheme emerging works (from reactive), Structural integrity

Interested parties can tender for all four lots, but will be awarded a maximum of two.

The lots are divided up such:

Lot 1: Civil Assets (North & East, East Coast and East Midlands) – £372M

Lot 2: Civil Assets (Anglia) – £102M

Lot 3: Buildings (North & East, East Coast and East Midlands) – £199M

Lot 4: Buildings (Anglia) – £96M

The deadline for requests to participate is 15 January and Network Rail anticipates that it will send invitations to tender to selected candidates on 2 February.

Network Rail is also currently engaging the supply chain for procurement on its £30M civils framework in the Eastern region.

It is also currently advanced in procurement for its £3.5bn Eastern Routes Partnership framework for CP7.

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