Public procurement notice: Contract Award Notice
Published: 2020-11-11
Buyer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Country: UK
Contract type: Services
Procedure: Negotiated without a prior call for competition
CPV classification: 70122200 | 71242000 | 71322000: Civil engineering design services | 71322300
Estimated value: 1091590 GBP
Award criteria: Lowest price

Technical requirements: Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) has been working in partnership with Network Rail since June 2018 to agree detail and scope for a replacement bridge, allowing the high risk Lindsells Crossing to the north of Biggleswade to be permanently closed. The level crossing currently forms part of the Biggleswade Green Wheel Bridleway and is used by walkers, cyclists and some equestrians. Network Rail have mitigated risks as far as possible and installed lights and a phone but objected through the Local Plan process to any further housing growth in the Biggleswade area until such a time as a solution was found to create a safe crossing via a bridge. Their fear being increased housing leading to increased use of the bridleway and danger increasing beyond acceptable risk levels.
Network Rail will develop, design, procure and deliver the bridge project on behalf of CBC, and will enter into an ORR (Office of Rail and Road) approved Third Party Agreement to govern the delivery of services. Network Rail has a suite of Third-Party Agreements available to use, which are nationally utilised, and the templates held centrally by NR’s Corporate Commercial team. The chosen Third-Party Agreements for this project are a Development Services Agreement, followed by an Implementation Agreement.
This award is for the Development Services Agreement (DSA) which covers development and design work undertaken by Network Rail on behalf of CBC. The agreement allows Network Rail to undertake surveys and investigations, and complete detailed design. The DSA covers GRIP Stages 1-5 inclusive with the potential to cover GRIP Stage 5, which is what the project will utilise, in preparation for going into a construction agreement.
During this phase Network Rail will negotiate to purchase land required for the footbridge and negotiate for access and associated compensation for survey works and works compounds. While it is expected agreements will be reached with land owners, if necessary, Network Rail will use their authority under section 71 of the Railways Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845 for survey access and under the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to acquire land. The TWAO process seeks powers to secure the land by compulsory purchase from the Secretary of State for Transport.
This award is to Network Rail primarily due to the requirement for the powers Network Rail have to acquire and access land — in particular their authority under section 71 of the Railways Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845 for survey access and under the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to acquire land. However Network Rail will use their framework contractors where required to deliver the services within the Development Services Agreement. This project falls on NR’s Eastern Region, the framework will complete a wide range of projects including replacing and refurbishing structures across the route and delivering improvements at stations. A framework contractor will comply with all relevant company standards and processes and will have a close collaborative relationship with Network Rail and CBC. Network Rail will manage the contract with the construction partner.


Winner: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Award value: 1091590
Number of bids: 1