Published date: 21 October 2024

Awarded contract - This means that the contract has been awarded to a supplier.


Closing: 30 September 2024, 7pm

Contract summary

Industry

  • Research and development consultancy services - 73200000

Location of contract

Any region

Value of contract

£6,810,708

Procurement reference

tender_462734/1417175

Published date

21 October 2024

Closing date

30 September 2024

Closing time

7pm

Contract start date

18 October 2024

Contract end date

28 March 2025

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Open procedure (above threshold)

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

Product Certification Scheme Review
National Highways is looking to set up a contract for provision of engineering consultancy and technical services needed for review of Product Certification Schemes and subsequent implementation of recommendations. Key Concerns and/or Issues are around:
- Lack of Transparency and Oversight: National Highways does not have visibility into the testing methods and criteria used by certification bodies like the British Board of Agrément (BBA) and BSI Assurance. This raises concerns about the reliability of their certifications and whether they meet end-user requirements.
- Resource Constraints: The increasing number of certification bodies, coupled with limited resources, makes it difficult to maintain effective oversight. This increases the risk of overlooking critical issues or inconsistencies in product testing and certification.
- Verification of Product Compliance: There is uncertainty about whether tier one contractors are effectively verifying product compliance with specified standards.
- Client Influence: The potential conflict of interest between certification bodies and product manufacturers can compromise impartiality and public safety. There is a perception that certification bodies prioritise the interests of product manufacturers, their clients, over public safety and regulatory compliance. Instances like the Grenfell Fire tragedy highlight the potential consequences of such bias.

More information

Attachments

Award information

Awarded date

18 October 2024

Contract start date

18 October 2024

Contract end date

28 March 2025

Total value of contract

£6,810,708

This contract was awarded to 1 supplier.

Ove Arup & Partners Ltd - SPaTS

Address

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Reference

No reference - other

Supplier is SME?

No

Supplier is VCSE?

No

About the buyer

Address

The Cube
Birmingham
B1 1RN
England

Telephone

000

Email

SPaTS2@nationalhighways.co.uk