Provision of Contingent Labour Services for Transport for Wales Infrastructure Maintenance Activities (Future Operating Model)

Procurement description

Transport for Wales (TfW) is developing a new multi-lot Framework agreement for the provision of Contingent Labour to support Transport for Wales (TfW) in fulfilling their Infrastructure Maintenance (IM) obligations on the Core Valley Lines (CVL).

To support in fulfilling the Infrastructure Maintenance (IM) obligations, TfW require a compliant and efficient route to market to secure Contingent Labour to supplement its directly employed workforce to support the delivery of routine, planned maintenance activity for safety critical and off-track requirements across the CVL network with occasion reactive and emergency maintenance activity.

Transport for Wales (TfW) is scheduled to assume the role of Infrastructure Manager (IM) in February 2028. This Framework will commence in September 2027 to support TfW's mobilisation activities and ensure operational readiness from Day One (February 2028) of the Infrastructure Manager (IM) transition.

The Framework is intended to provide TfW with access to approved and compliant, temporary maintenance labour providers who can provide reliable, competent and appropriately assured labour in line with the volumes and response times required to meet maintenance demands, including short-notice and out-of-hours labour requirements.

The multi-lot Framework will be structured to reflect requirements for Contingent Labour specialisms utilising on-track (safety critical) and off-track labour requirements to reflect market specialisms, delivery capability, and the range of requirements required to support the TfW Infrastructure Maintenance (IM) programme.

The Framework is expected to comprise of a multi-lot structure, potentially including:

Lot 1 – On-Track Operatives & Protection Staff

Lot 2 – On-Track Plant (OTP) Operators & Machine / Crane Controllers

Lot 3 – Electrification (OLE/OHLE) Operatives & Isolation Staff

Lot 4 – Civils, Construction & General Trade Operatives

Lot 5 – Plant Operators (Labour only)

Lot 6 – Vegetation Management & Lineside Clearance Operatives

Lot structure is subject to change following market engagement.

The proposed framework structure, scope, and lotting structure is currently under development and will be presented to the market through a supply-chain engagement workshop to support the finalisation of the scope and procurement strategy to ensure it aligns to industry knowledge and capability, emerging trends, and customer needs.

Transport for Wales intends to undertake a formal procurement exercise following completion of its supply chain market engagement activities.

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Total value (estimated)

4600000.00 GBP Excluding VAT

5500000.00 GBP Including VAT

Contract dates (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM to 31 August 2030, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 August 2031

Is a framework being established?

Yes

Transport for Wales (TFW)

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Utilities

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 45100000 - Site preparation work
• 45210000 - Building construction work
• 45220000 - Engineering works and construction works
• 45230000 - Construction work for pipelines, communication and power lines, for highways, roads, airfields and railways; flatwork
• 45300000 - Building installation work
• 45400000 - Building completion work
• 45500000 - Hire of construction and civil engineering machinery and equipment with operator
• 50225000 - Railway-track maintenance services
• 77211400 - Tree-cutting services
• 77211500 - Tree-maintenance services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2030, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2031, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Engagement process description

The Authority is inviting the market to participate in a pre-procurement supply chain engagement event to support the development of a new Framework agreement for the provision of Contingent Labour to support Transport for Wales (TfW) in fulfilling its Infrastructure Maintenance (IM) obligations on the Core Valley Lines (CVL).

The engagement will provide an opportunity for Transport for Wales (TfW) to present its draft Framework strategy and seek feedback on the proposed scope, lot structure and procurement approach. Through this process, Transport for Wales (TfW) aims to ensure the Framework is attractive to the market, supports operational requirements, is commercially viable and capable of meeting the future needs of the transport sector.

Transport for Wales (TfW) is particularly interested in understanding market appetite, anticipated participation across the proposed lots, and any factors that may influence supplier involvement in the future procurement.

Feedback received during the engagement may be used to inform the final Framework design, including its scope, lot structure and procurement documentation. Participation in this engagement will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement process.

Event Objectives

Transport for Wales (TfW) will use this engagement event to:

- Present its draft Framework strategy and procurement approach.

- Explain the proposed Framework lotting model and structure.

- Test the level of market interest and supplier appetite.

- Present the proposed procurement programme and timescales.

- Gather market intelligence to refine the final procurement strategy.

- Ensure the Framework is structured to maximise competition, innovation, value for money, and operational effectiveness across the rail transport sector.

This engagement forms an important part of Transport for Wales (TfW) procurement planning process and will help ensure the framework is designed to meet both customer requirements and market capability over its intended term.

Transport for Wales (TfW) will be hosting a market engagement event on the morning of Monday 5th October 2026 in TfW’s Head Office in Pontypridd.

Organisations wishing to attend are invited to register their interest by emailing Procurement@tfw.wales. Registrations should include the name and contact email address of each attendee and the name of their organisation. Please note, there will be a maximum of 2 attendees per organisation. Further information on the event will follow via email to registered suppliers.

Due date

01 October 2026, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

30 January 2027