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

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.