Network Rail Eastern Routes Partnership Framework

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd (NR) has sought Partners to appoint to the Eastern Routes Partnership (ERP) framework. The ERP is the main route to market for the Eastern Region to support the delivery of projects under NR's Strategic Business Plan (SBP), as well as other projects with a core technical discipline. The geographical scope of the ERP is the Eastern Region. (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-regions/eastern/). The initial term of the ERP is 5 years (plus a 2 month mobilisation) with an option to extend the ERP by yearly increments up to a further 5 years. The ERP comprises two levels: Generalist and Specialist. The process for allocating projects is set out at Section VI.3. NR has actively encouraged SMEs, new entrants and/or discipline experts to participate in the process for the Specialist level. For the Generalist level, NR has engaged suppliers able to take on projects with increased complexity/stakeholder management, which possess the ability to deliver the volumes required against the desired unit rates to deliver the SBP. The values for each Lot are estimates only, based on SBP budgets rather than delivery plan values. As such, they are not guaranteed and do not act as a minimum or maximum workbank value for the control period nor a guarantee as to volume split of work-type. A Partnership Agreement sits alongside the ERP and comprises NR and the Generalist contractors. Specialist contractors may join the Partnership if the ERP is extended beyond the initial 5 years. The core Partnership aims are to: a) create a collaborative environment; b) hold NR and all Partner-contractors to account; and c) undertake the efficiency challenge in delivering the ERP workbank safely. The ERP includes a pain-gain incentive mechanism, based on the difference between the Annual Actual Cost and the Annual Project Target cost. The Annual Project Target Costs are all derived from the Client’s budget. A Portfolio Incentivisation Fund will also be set up at a Partnership Level, distributing savings across Partner-contractors.