The firms will be on standby ready to get on site rapidly rather than waste time bidding in a change which will cut delivery times “from months to weeks”.
The work will mainly be ‘multi asset framework agreement’ projects, which combine signalling, track and civils and have been divided up into five regions.
The winning list of six replaces the 14 firms who were on the previous framework.
- Balfour Beatty Rail: Scotland
- Buckingham: London North West
- Carillion: London North East
- Colas/Morgan Sindall: West
- C Spencer and Volker Fitzpatrick: South East
MAFA Winners
The first contract under the new programme is already under way in Manchester where Buckingham is building 22 station extensions.
Simon Walkley, rail director for Buckingham Group, said: “We welcome the move to much earlier involvement in these projects.
“The early signs are good. We have already been given some early challenges and we have seen a more co-operative and open approach by a Network Rail team that is showing the necessary open approach and positive attitude to deliver the projects safely whilst securing the targeted efficiencies.”
Simon Kirby, Network Rail’s managing director investment projects, said: “This us our commitment to changing the way that we work with our suppliers.”
Mark Davies, managing director Carillion Rail and Civil Engineering said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract for work associated with the East Coast main line upgrade, Midland main line line-speed improvement and other key enhancement projects, including freight upgrades.
“This opportunity allows Carillion to continue its strong working relationship with Network Rail, delivering targeted efficiency savings with world class safety standards.”
Alan McCarthy-Wyper, director and general manager Balfour Beatty Rail, said: “The recasting of MAFA frameworks has the potential to significantly enhance the industry’s ability to deliver this type of work.
“Partnering with its supply chain in this manner will provide the framework for Network Rail to improve safety culture and deliver project efficiencies across its national work bank.”
The Colas Rail Morgan Sindall joint venture will deliver all works on the Western route, an area between Paddington, the west of England and South Wales.
Running until April 2014, the anticipated revenue for this framework is around £200m.