Assessment of Highways England's cost estimation approach for RIS2

Work is underway to develop the Road Investment Strategy for England's motorways and major 'A' roads for 2020-2025 (RIS2). ORR has an important role in advising on RIS2, including advising on the deliverability and affordability of the Draft RIS and Highways England's response to it, the Draft Strategic Business Plan (Draft SBP). As part of that, we need to understand the robustness of Highways England's processes for estimating the costs put forward in the SBP. We are seeking consultancy support in two phases:  Phase I: Assessment of Highways England's cost estimation approach for Major Projects / significant capital projects used for RIS2. (This work is expected to commence in July 2018.)  Phase II: Reviewing how Highways England has applied its cost estimation approach in developing its Draft SBP costs. (This work is expected to commence in October 2018.) The two phases are scheduled separately and phase II will not start until the completion of phase I and not earlier than October 2018. Bidders are required to submit a complete bid for both phases and this will be assessed against the award criteria as stated in section 2 below. Bidders are to note that the ORR is only intending to award Phase I initially. Phase II will be subject to continued funding and satisfactory completion by the supplier of Phase I. The placement of Phase II is at the sole discretion of the ORR.