Transport for Wales is developing a new Transport Infrastructure, Maintenance & Enhancements (TIME) Framework for works and services supporting rail infrastructure and associated transport assets.
The proposed framework is estimated at £250 million excluding VAT / £300 million including VAT and could run for up to six years. TfW is currently engaging with suppliers before finalising the scope, lot structure and procurement approach.
If your organisation is considering the TIME Framework, contact Thornton & Lowe for practical help assessing the opportunity and preparing for the eventual tender.
What could the TIME Framework include?
The framework is intended to support the maintenance, renewal, improvement and enhancement of rail infrastructure and related assets.
The classifications published so far point towards opportunities involving:
- railway construction;
- civil engineering;
- engineering design;
- electrical installation;
- fencing and safety equipment;
- geotechnical engineering;
- site preparation;
- land management;
- tree and vegetation works;
- refurbishment; and
- works to buildings associated with transport infrastructure.
The final lotting model has not yet been confirmed. TfW intends to use market feedback to make sure the structure reflects supplier specialisms and delivery capability.
For suppliers operating in this market, our guide to rail tenders provides broader guidance on bidding for UK rail opportunities.
TfW is seeking input from the supply chain
The market engagement is specifically intended to test:
- the proposed framework strategy;
- lot structure;
- supplier appetite;
- procurement approach;
- programme and timescales;
- commercial viability; and
- how to maximise competition, innovation and value for money.
TfW has also highlighted safety, sustainability, social value and wider economic and environmental benefits as objectives for the framework.
Two engagement events are planned:
- 24 September 2026 – Pontypridd
- 29 September 2026 – Wrexham
Both sessions will cover the same material. Interested suppliers are asked to register with TfW's supply-chain team.
What should suppliers prepare now?
Businesses considering TIME should begin with capability mapping rather than trying to second-guess the eventual lots.
Useful preparation includes:
- identifying relevant rail and infrastructure case studies;
- mapping specialist technical capabilities;
- reviewing safety performance;
- assessing Welsh delivery capacity;
- identifying potential delivery partners;
- preparing sustainability and carbon evidence;
- strengthening social value proposals; and
- documenting mobilisation and supply-chain arrangements.
The framework is expressly expected to support a diverse supplier base, including SMEs.
Quick facts
- Buyer: Transport for Wales Rail / Transport for Wales
- Estimated value: £250m excluding VAT / £300m including VAT
- Potential term: Up to six years
- Expected start: November 2027
- Main category: Works
- SME suitability: Yes
- Market engagement: September 2026
- Estimated tender notice: 30 January 2027
- View the official Find a Tender notice
Build your evidence before the tender
TIME covers a wide potential spectrum of infrastructure work, but the eventual opportunity for each supplier will depend heavily on the final lots.
Use the market-engagement period to identify where your strongest evidence sits and where partnerships could broaden your capability without weakening your proposition.
Thornton & Lowe supports rail and infrastructure suppliers with framework strategy, bid writing and tender review. Contact our bid team if you're preparing for the TIME Framework.
