East West Rail Programme Support Works Framework

East West Railway Company is establishing a multi-lot framework to deliver enabling, survey, and early-stage works that prepare the route for the East West Rail main construction programme. The framework will coordinate a range of activities including ground investigation, site surveys, environmental and ecological assessments and mitigation, utilities surveys and diversions, archaeological investigations, and early site establishment works such as compounds and access routes. The framework is designed to accelerate programme readiness, reduce delivery risk, and enable efficient mobilisation of future main works. The estimated total value is up to £450m ex VAT over 8 years (4-year core term plus optional 2, 1, and 1-year extensions), though this is indicative and not committed spending. The framework comprises six specialised lots to encourage SME and Tier 2/3 participation: Lot 0 (Principle Contractor/Integrator - single award), Lot 1 (Historic Environment), Lot 2 (Ground Investigation & Monitoring), Lot 3 (Environmental & Ecological Surveys), Lot 4 (Environmental & Ecological Works), and Lot 5 (Enabling Works). Bidders may tender for multiple lots subject to interaction rules that maintain functional independence, avoid conflicts of interest, prevent service concentration, ensure commercial oversight, and verify adequate capacity and capability. Refer to Appendix Q for specific lot and contract restrictions.