Eastern Region Permanent Way Minor Works Framework

Written by Kim Frater

Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience

"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

4 minute read  •  Updated September 2026

A practical guide to understanding what Network Rail really wants and how to build a winning response.

The real focus isn't on the work — it's on the trust

When you're looking at this framework, it's easy to fixate on the tasks: re-railing, rail stressing, re-sleepering and the like.

But that's not what Network Rail is truly buying.

They're buying peace of mind.

A reliable partner who can handle low-value, maintenance-focused work across the East Coast, East Midlands and North & East Routes.

That's the mindset.

The framework covers a wide range of Permanent Way activities, and the framework's value is estimated at £48 million, with an anticipated annual spend between £6 and £7 million across four suppliers.

So, think about what makes you a partner they can rely on day in and day out.

Don't underestimate the importance of being adaptable

Permanent Way work is unpredictable by nature.

Yes, there's a list of tasks.

But when you're on the ground, conditions change.

If I were evaluating bids, I'd look for a company that demonstrates flexibility.

Adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Network Rail is managing vast routes, and they need partners who can adapt to changing circumstances without missing a beat.

Remember who you're trying to convince

Network Rail's infrastructure is the backbone of the UK's rail network.

Their priority is maintaining and improving that infrastructure efficiently.

Your response should speak to the concerns of rail operators, maintenance teams and the public who rely on these tracks.

Safety, reliability and minimal disruption are paramount.

Will your work keep trains running smoothly?

Can you manage work with minimal impact on daily operations?

Those are the questions Network Rail will be asking.

Pay attention to what they say

The framework document is clear.

This is a nil value commitment framework with an average order value of less than £25,000.

They're not looking for grand plans or massive projects.

They want competence in handling smaller, critical tasks consistently well.

Network Rail is clear that they're not obliged to accept the lowest price—quality carries weight.

That means your submission should focus on demonstrating the quality and reliability of your work.

Evidence always beats promises

One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.

Few proved it.

For this framework, evidence is your best friend.

• Documented case studies of similar work
• Certifications and accreditations relevant to Permanent Way activities
• Testimonials from previous clients, especially in rail infrastructure
• Statistics on past project delivery times and safety records
• Examples of how you've handled unexpected challenges

If you have evidence, use it.

Consistency over the whole term matters

It's not just about winning a place on the framework.

It's about maintaining standards over its entire duration, potentially up to 2033.

Network Rail will be looking at how you plan to ensure consistency in staffing and quality.

How will you handle staff absences or peaks in demand?

What's your plan for regular performance reviews and inspections?

I'd want to see exactly what happens when someone calls in sick.

And what's your strategy for training and upskilling your team over the years?

Don't get distracted by the size of the contract

This isn't a headline-grabbing project, but it's vital work.

The framework's value may be £48 million, but with orders averaging under £25k, you need to focus on efficiency.

How do you streamline operations for small, frequent jobs?

What's your plan for quick turnarounds and maintaining high standards on each task?

Think about the people behind the decisions

One thing I'd keep reminding myself is that every decision maker is a real person.

Someone with bosses, deadlines and pressures.

Your submission should make their life easier.

Explain how your communication style, project management and problem-solving approach will make it simple for Network Rail to work with you.

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

• Focus solely on technical details without addressing reliability and adaptability
• Lack evidence of past performance on similar projects
• Overpromise on capabilities without backing them up
• Fail to address how you'll manage consistency over the framework's term
• Ignore the importance of safety and minimal disruption
• Present weak plans for dealing with staff absences or unexpected challenges
• Overlook the buyer's emphasis on quality over low pricing
• Don't reflect an understanding of the specific needs of the East Coast, East Midlands and North & East Routes

My Final Thoughts

Network Rail isn't just looking for contractors.

They're looking for partners they can trust to deliver on essential maintenance work across key rail routes.

With a framework value of £48 million and annual spending between £6 and £7 million across four suppliers, the focus is on quality and reliability.

Quality carries weight here, and it's crucial to demonstrate that in your written submission.

The prize is a place on the framework.

The real work begins with the call-offs.