East West Rail contract opportunities
More than just a rail project, East West Rail will stimulate economic development and opportunities, both during construction and operation.
As part of this, we want to work with businesses along the East West Rail route and nationally who have the same passion for customer focus as we do: organisations who are innovative, bold, and can be trusted to deliver.
We also want to ensure local businesses and suppliers can really benefit from the design and construction of East West Rail.
All money spent by East West Railway Company on goods, services and works procurements is covered by the below principles.
What is the Procurement Act 2023?
The Procurement Act 2023 is new legislation designed to transform the way suppliers engage with public sector contracts, making procurement simpler, more flexible, and more transparent. The Act goes live on 24 February 2025, the Act aims to open up opportunities for businesses of all sizes, including small enterprises and social enterprises by streamlining procedures, increasing visibility of upcoming contracts, and embedding fairness into procurement processes.
In preparation for the transition, we are actively updating our personnel, systems, and processes to align with the requirements of the new Act. There will be no impact to existing contracts, or live procurements.
To work with East West Rail, from 24 February 2025 suppliers must register on the Central Digital Platform before bidding for contracts. These changes are designed to make it easier for businesses to compete, win contracts, and contribute to public sector projects.
To support suppliers during this transition, the Cabinet Office have produced a dedicated supplier information page with key updates, guidance, ‘how to videos’ and knowledge drops on the government’s website
Key benefits for suppliers
A central digital platform will allow suppliers to register once, store details, and access multiple tenders in one place.
Public sector buyers, including East West Rail, will publish commercial pipelines on the Find a Tender Service (FTS) and their own websites, providing early visibility of upcoming work. Also, a specific preliminary market engagement notice will be published to inform the supply chain of engagement scheduled to happen. As well as engagement carried out to date.
Fewer procurement procedures, including direct awards, open frameworks, and competitive flexible procedures, allowing suppliers to compete more effectively.
Open frameworks that can be joined during their lifespan and a Dynamic Market where suppliers can register at any time for quick competitions.
Our principles
You can expect us to treat you, your team, your time and your resources with respect and fairness.
Show us the best and most innovative ideas you’ve got, and we’ll show you a receptive, collaborative environment to build on them: let’s see what we can create together
We will work hard to build trust on both sides of our relationship so you know not just what we’re doing, but why, and feel comfortable challenging us when you need to.
Respect for the environment is a fundamental part of how we operate and we’ll go out of our way to recognise suppliers who champion this approach while demonstrating value for money respect and fairness.
How can you find out about new contract opportunities?
Our chosen e-tendering system is Jaggaer. You can register to be kept up to date with new contract opportunities as they come up via the East West Rail portal.
For more information on payment for suppliers please click here.