Network Rail Physiotherapy Services and Functional Rehabilitation Programme

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited is seeking a supplier to deliver a comprehensive, UK-wide physiotherapy and functional rehabilitation service for its employees. The contract aims to improve musculoskeletal health, support employees returning to work and reduce work-related ill health through evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation.

The opportunity has an estimated value of £5.1 million excluding VAT and will run for seven years, from October 2027 to September 2034.

Service Requirements

The successful supplier will provide a nationwide service supporting employees experiencing musculoskeletal conditions through work-focused treatment and rehabilitation pathways.

The services will include:

• Telephone initial assessments.
• Face-to-face and remote physiotherapy treatment.
• Guided self-help and digital or online resources.
• Functional Restoration Programmes.
• Clinical case management.
• Employee outcome reporting and associated management information.
• Evidence-based rehabilitation to improve health outcomes, support return to work and reduce musculoskeletal ill health.

The supplier will also need to demonstrate effective reporting, mobilisation and communication, business continuity, resource management and staff retention, alongside its approach to social value and service delivery.

Contract Information

• Buyer: Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
• Estimated contract value: £5,100,000 excluding VAT (£6,120,000 including VAT)
• Contract period: 1 October 2027 to 30 September 2034
• Duration: Seven years
• Service location: United Kingdom
• Reference: Not disclosed in the supplied notice
• Enquiry deadline: 13 November 2026, 12:00pm GMT
• Deadline for requests to participate: 23 November 2026, 12:00pm GMT
• Tender stage launch: 10 February 2027
• Tender submission deadline: 10 March 2027, 3:00pm GMT
• Estimated award decision: 27 May 2027
• Procurement procedure: Competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023
• Submission portal: Network Rail Bravo Supplier Portal

This is a two-stage procurement process, beginning with a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ). Network Rail intends to shortlist a maximum of four candidates for the tender stage. Compliant tenderers meeting the required technical thresholds will be invited to participate in an electronic auction.

Supplier Requirements

Candidates must meet Network Rail’s legal, financial and technical conditions of participation.

Legal and financial requirements

• Confirm the legal capacity to perform the contract under the laws of England and Wales.
• Be registered on the Central Digital Platform (CDP).
• Meet the applicable exclusion-ground requirements and not be listed on the debarment list.
• Confirm compliance with UK data protection law, including UK GDPR, by contract award.
• Complete Network Rail’s Financial and Economic Standing Model and achieve a pass score.
• Provide financial information for the previous three years, including Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet figures.
• Be prepared to provide a parent company guarantee or alternative security if required.

Technical requirements

Candidates must demonstrate their capabilities in service delivery, reporting, mobilisation and communication, business continuity, resource management and retention, and social value. Minimum pass marks apply to the relevant technical requirements, and additional accreditations are mandatory for the successful candidate. Full details are provided in the Instructions to Participants.

The opportunity is identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Evaluation Criteria

The published award criteria are weighted as follows:

• Quality: 70%
• Price: 30%

The technical evaluation will cover themes including safety, social value, sustainability, ethical workforce delivery, reporting and service delivery. The commercial assessment will consider the service lines specified for physiotherapy and the Functional Restoration Programme.

Candidates must first pass the applicable PSQ requirements and meet the minimum technical scoring thresholds before progressing through the procurement stages.

Commercial Relevance

This opportunity may suit established physiotherapy providers, occupational health specialists and rehabilitation organisations with the capacity to deliver a UK-wide service. The seven-year contract offers potential for a long-term relationship with Network Rail, but bidders will need to demonstrate strong financial standing, appropriate accreditations, clinical delivery capability and robust reporting and business continuity arrangements.

Interested suppliers should review the participation documentation and submit their requests to participate through the Network Rail Bravo Supplier Portal before the deadline.

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