Economic analysis of access applications
The contract covers consultancy services to provide economic analysis supporting the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in assessing four applications for track access rights on the national rail network. ORR is the UK rail regulator responsible for approving track access contracts between train operators and Network Rail under the Railways Act 1993, including determining applications where the parties cannot agree. The supplier will analyse the economic considerations relevant to ORR’s decisions, including rail capacity availability, effects on performance and safety, competition, and impacts on government funding, and provide evidence and advice for the four assessments. The estimated contract value is £95,000, with the available information not specifying the contract duration or delivery timetable. The work will be delivered in the United Kingdom. The critical qualification is demonstrable consultancy expertise in economic analysis relevant to rail access decisions and the regulatory assessment of track access applications.
Buyer: Office of Rail and Road. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 21 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £95k
- Bids close: 4 Nov 2026
- Location: Tower Hamlets
- Procedure: Below threshold - open competition
- Contract period: 9 Nov 2026 to 8 Nov 2027
- Category: Research and development services and related consultancy services (73000000)
From the official notice
This invitation to tender sets out ORR's requirement for consultants to carry out economic analysis in support of ORR's assessment of track access rights decisions for four access applications. ORR is responsible for regulating access to the national rail network. A train operator seeking rights to operate services on Network Rail infrastructure must enter into a track access contract, which requires ORR approval under the Railways Act 1993. ORR is required to approve contracts where the parties have reached agreement. Where the parties are unable to agree, an operator may apply to ORR for a determination. In reaching track access decisions, ORR weighs all its relevant duties under the Railways Act 1993. This is done by exploring a range of considerations, such as availability of capacity, impact on performance and safety, competition and the impact on Secretary of State's funds. ORR is assessing four applications on which we are seeking consultancy support for economic analysis
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 4 Nov 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £95k.
Who can apply?
The buyer has marked it as suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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