Network Rail Infrastructure Limited has issued a tender notice for a Market Research Services framework valued at £44.87 million including VAT. The framework covers research services across communications, commercial property and retail, with requests to participate due by 20 July 2026 at 12:00pm.
This is a strong opportunity for market research agencies and insight consultancies with experience in B2C, B2B, customer experience, stakeholder, employee, passenger, retail or commercial property research. Thornton & Lowe can help you assess your suitability and prepare a compliant, focused response.
What the Framework Covers
The framework is split into two lots:
- Lot 1 - Communications: Research with passengers, the general public, employees, businesses, industry stakeholders, politicians and journalists. Services include qualitative and quantitative research, passenger experience tracking, employee engagement, communications testing, brand and reputation research, mystery shopping, behavioural insight, segmentation, public health and safety research, policy evaluation and technology insights.
- Lot 2 - Commercial Property & Retail: Research into passenger and consumer behaviour, travel retail, customer experience, profiling, segmentation, retail trends, thought leadership and actionable insight for commercial decision-making.
The framework will be available to Network Rail, Great British Railways, Department for Transport Operator Limited and their subsidiaries, successor organisations and affiliates. That gives successful suppliers a route into a high-profile rail and transport buyer group during a period of sector reform.
Important Submission Points
The procurement has a PSQ stage followed by ITT submissions for shortlisted participants. Suppliers need to complete the mandatory common PSQ and the relevant lot-specific PSQs. Network Rail states that failure to complete the common requirements alongside the lot-specific submissions may result in an incomplete bid.
- Accreditation matters. Suppliers must have Market Research Society Company Partner Accreditation, or equivalent, and ISO 27001 covering the relevant business activities.
- Target the right lot. Lot 1 is stronger for communications, stakeholder, employee, passenger and behavioural insight specialists. Lot 2 is more appropriate for retail, commercial property and consumer trend specialists.
- Prepare for quality-led scoring. The award criteria are 70% quality and 30% price.
- Understand call-off routes. The framework can use direct award, RFQs and competitive selection, with different value thresholds by lot.
Quick Facts
- Authority: Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
- Estimated value: £44,867,306.40 including VAT
- Lots: Communications; Commercial Property & Retail
- Maximum suppliers: 6
- Term: Framework stated as 8 years, with published contract dates from 5 February 2027 to 5 February 2036
- Award criteria: 70% quality, 30% price
Key Dates
- Enquiry deadline: 13 July 2026 at 5:00pm
- PSQ deadline: 20 July 2026 at 12:00pm
- Provisional ITT deadline for shortlisted suppliers: 30 September 2026 at 5:00pm
- Estimated award decision: 18 January 2027
- Notice: Find a Tender - 058401-2026
With a strong buyer, a quality-led evaluation and a limited number of places, this framework needs a carefully targeted response. Contact Thornton & Lowe for a review of your lot strategy and submission readiness. Our professional services tenders support page is also useful context.
