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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Aggregate supply and track excavated waste

NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED · Tender notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 22 Sept 2026, 16:46.

Opportunity overview

Network Rail is seeking to establish a national framework for the supply of aggregates (including blended ballast), the management of track excavated waste (hazardous and non-hazardous), and associated rail haulage services to and from Network Rail Aggregate Handling Depots (AHDs). The framework will support the provision of materials and services required for the maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the railway infrastructure across Great Britain. The procurement is divided into two Lots, each comprising a group of AHD locations. Tenderers may submit a bid for one or both Lots. Network Rail intends to award two framework contracts, with one supplier appointed to each Lot. Where the same Tenderer achieves the highest overall score for both Lots, the Tenderer's stated Lot preference will be applied and the remaining Lot will be awarded to the next highest-scoring eligible Tenderer. Further details of the Lot structure and AHD locations are set out in the procurement documents. The framework also includes provision for the future implementation of Aggregate Handling Depot (AHD) operational services at designated locations. These services will not commence automatically at the framework start date. Where Network Rail elects to introduce AHD operational services during the framework term, the scope, implementation arrangements and associated charges will be agreed in accordance with the framework contract provisions. Further details are set out in the procurement documents. Network Rail reserves the right to amend the composition of the Lots during the procurement process, including the removal of an AHD where required. Any such change will be communicated through the procurement documentation and conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. NOTE: The estimated framework value represents the total potential value across all Aggregate Handling Depots (AHDs) and the maximum framework term, including any extension option. The value is based on forecast demand and includes appropriate contractual headroom. It does not represent a guaranteed spend, minimum volume commitment, or value payable to any individual supplier. Following award, requirements will be allocated between the successful suppliers in accordance with their awarded Lot.

Classification

  • CPV14210000 — Gravel, sand, crushed stone and aggregates
  • CPV14212310 — Ballast

Lots

  • AHD Group A£1.1bn
  • AHD Group B£1.1bn

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
SR40325
Status
active
Procurement Method
selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Main Procurement Category
goods
Above Threshold
Yes
Expression Of Interest Deadline
21 Oct 2026, 17:00

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Procedure

Features
Network Rail will undertake a Competitive Flexible Procedure comprising a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) stage followed by a single tender stage. Tenderers may submit a bid for Lot 1, Lot 2 or both Lots. Following evaluation of technical and commercial submissions in accordance with the published evaluation methodology, Tenderers will be ranked based on their combined technical and commercial scores for each Lot. A maximum of one Lot may be awarded to any Tenderer. Where the same Tenderer achieves the highest score for both Lots, the Tenderer’s stated Lot preference will be applied and the remaining Lot will be awarded to the next highest-scoring eligible Tenderer. Two framework contracts will be awarded, one for each Lot. Further details are set out in the procurement documents.

Special regime

utilities

Covered By

GPA
CPTPP

Techniques

Has Framework Agreement
Yes

Framework Agreement

Maximum Participants
2
Method
withoutReopeningCompetition
Period Rationale
The framework term exceeds the standard eight-year maximum due to the substantial capital and infrastructure investment required from suppliers to establish and maintain the rail-linked processing, blending and recycling capabilities necessary for contract delivery. Market engagement identified that suppliers would be unlikely to recover these investments within an eight-year term. A framework term of ten years, with an option to extend for up to a further five years, is therefore considered necessary to support investment, ensure ongoing market participation and competition, and facilitate the achievement of the framework's operational and sustainability objectives.
Type
closed
Description
The framework will operate on a direct award basis. Two suppliers will be appointed, with each supplier allocated responsibility for a defined Lot comprising several Aggregate Handling Depots (AHDs). Contracts under the framework will be awarded directly to the supplier responsible for the relevant Lot and associated AHDs. Pricing will be established through the tender process, with Tenderers submitting pricing for each Lot bid for in accordance with the Pricing Document. Pricing will include rates broken down by individual Aggregate Handling Depot (AHD), together with other pricing components specified in the procurement documents. The agreed prices will form the framework charges and will apply to Contract Orders issued under the framework, subject to any price adjustment mechanism set out in the framework terms and conditions. Network Rail will issue Contract Orders under the framework to instruct the relevant Deliverables. A Contract Order will be issued on commencement of the framework to facilitate ordering and payment, with a new Contract Order issued for each Contract Year. Forecast quantities will be provided at the start of each Contract Year but will be indicative only and will not constitute a guarantee of demand or a commitment to purchase any minimum volume. No further competition will be undertaken for the award of contracts under the framework.

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Enquiry period

Ends
13 Oct 2026, 17:00

Expected award period

Ends
21 Jun 2027, 23:59

Lot Details

Maximum Lots Awarded Per Supplier
1

Award criteria

Description
A maximum of one Lot may be awarded to any Tenderer. Tenderers may submit bids for one or both Lots and will be required to state a Lot preference where bidding for multiple Lots. Where the same Tenderer achieves the highest evaluated score for more than one Lot, the Tenderer's stated Lot preference will be applied and the remaining Lot will be awarded to the next highest-scoring eligible Tenderer. The same principle may be applied where a Tenderer is eligible to be offered zero-value framework arrangements in respect of more than one Lot.

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
AHD Group A
Description
Provision of aggregate supply, track excavated waste management and associated rail haulage services for the following Aggregate Handling Depots (AHDs): Kingmoor, Doncaster, Crewe and Bescot.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
1,276,800,000
Amount
1,064,000,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical
Description
Assessment of the tenderer's technical submission, including future operational delivery model, management of ballast supply and track excavated waste services, sustainability, social value, safety, resilience, capability and delivery arrangements, in accordance with the procurement documents.

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
50
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
price
Name
Price
Description
Tenderers shall submit pricing for each Lot bid for, in accordance with the Pricing Document. Prices will include rates broken down by individual Aggregate Handling Depot (AHD), together with the other pricing components and volume-based pricing requirements specified in the Pricing Document. Commercial scores will be calculated using the published proportional pricing methodology, whereby the lowest priced compliant submission for each Lot receives the maximum commercial score and all other compliant submissions are scored proportionally against it.

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
50
Weight
percentageExact

Second Stage

Minimum Candidates
1
Maximum Candidates
6

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Description
Suppliers will be shortlisted based on the outcome of the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ). Only suppliers that satisfy the exclusion grounds checks, meet all conditions of participation and achieve a pass on all pass/fail questions will be considered. The six highest-scoring suppliers, ranked according to their total weighted PSQ score, will be invited to participate in the tender stage.
For Reduction
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Apr 2028, 00:00
Ends
31 Mar 2038, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Mar 2043, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The framework will have an initial term of ten (10) years. Network Rail may, at its sole discretion, extend the framework for a further period of up to five (5) years, giving a maximum potential framework term of fifteen (15) years.

Options

Description
The framework includes an option for Network Rail to introduce Aggregate Handling Depot (AHD) operational services at designated locations during the framework term. These services do not form part of the initial scope at commencement of the framework. Any implementation will be undertaken in accordance with the framework agreement and the associated contractual provisions.
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
AHD Group B
Description
Provision of aggregate supply, track excavated waste management and associated rail haulage services for the following Aggregate Handling Depots (AHDs): Westbury, Whitemoor, Eastleigh and Toton.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
Yes

Value

Including VAT
1,276,800,000
Amount
1,064,000,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical
Description
Assessment of the tenderer's technical submission, including future operational delivery model, management of ballast supply and track excavated waste services, sustainability, social value, safety, resilience, capability and delivery arrangements, in accordance with the procurement documents.

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
50
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
price
Name
Price
Description
Tenderers shall submit pricing for each Lot bid for, in accordance with the Pricing Document. Prices will include rates broken down by individual Aggregate Handling Depot (AHD), together with the other pricing components and volume-based pricing requirements specified in the Pricing Document. Commercial scores will be calculated using the published proportional pricing methodology, whereby the lowest priced compliant submission for each Lot receives the maximum commercial score and all other compliant submissions are scored proportionally against it.

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
50
Weight
percentageExact

Second Stage

Minimum Candidates
1
Maximum Candidates
6

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Description
Suppliers will be shortlisted based on the outcome of the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ). Only suppliers that satisfy the exclusion grounds checks, meet all conditions of participation and achieve a pass on all pass/fail questions will be considered. The six highest-scoring suppliers, ranked according to their total weighted PSQ score, will be invited to participate in the tender stage.
For Reduction
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Apr 2028, 00:00
Ends
31 Mar 2038, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Mar 2043, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The framework will have an initial term of ten (10) years. Network Rail may, at its sole discretion, extend the framework for a further period of up to five (5) years, giving a maximum potential framework term of fifteen (15) years.

Options

Description
The framework includes an option for Network Rail to introduce Aggregate Handling Depot (AHD) operational services at designated locations during the framework term. These services do not form part of the initial scope at commencement of the framework. Any implementation will be undertaken in accordance with the framework agreement and the associated contractual provisions.

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
14210000
Description
Gravel, sand, crushed stone and aggregates
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
14212310
Description
Ballast

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
14210000
Description
Gravel, sand, crushed stone and aggregates
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
14212310
Description
Ballast

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
conflictOfInterest
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Description
Not published
Entry 2
Id
future
Document Type
biddingDocuments
Access Details
Additional procurement documents may be issued during the procurement process through the Network Rail Sourcing Platform (Bravo). This includes documents to be provided to shortlisted suppliers at the tender stage, together with the Lease and Sub-Lease documents referenced within the procurement documentation.
Entry 3
Id
089760-2026
Document Type
tenderNotice
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Published
22 Sept 2026, 15:34
Format
text/html

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Id
GB-PPON-PNZN-9524-VCQJ

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PNZN-9524-VCQJ

Address

Street Address
Waterloo General Office
Locality
London
Postal Code
SE1 8SW
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKI45

Contact

Name
Shazea Hussain

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
publicAuthorityCentralGovernment
Description
Public authority - central government

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · London · UKI45 · SE1 8SW · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UK · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. 089760-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·