Independent Assessor Framework

TfW is seeking to establish a Framework Agreement to cover Independent Assessor services.
The proposed framework will provide specialist independent assessment and assurance services to verify compliance with railway safety, interoperability and regulatory requirements.
The framework will be divided into three lots:
Lot 1 – Assessment Body (AsBo): Independent assessment against Common Safety Method (CSM-REA) requirements.
Lot 2 – AsBo / Approval Body (ApBo) / Designated Body (DeBo): Safety and interoperability assessment services against National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) and National Technical Rules (NTRs).
Lot 3 – Independent Competent Person (ICP): Independent verification of compliance with ROGS requirements.
The framework will support assurance activities across TfW rail infrastructure projects throughout the project lifecycle.
Further information can be found in the Tender Documents published on the Atamis procurement portal.

Provides independent verification of compliance with the Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-REA).
Key activities:
• Produce an Independent Assessment Plan at Preliminary Design (Stage C).
• Review and assess:
o Safety Plans
o System Definitions
o Hazard Records
o Safety Justification Reports
• Issue:
o Progressive Assessment Records at Stages C and E.
o Safety Assessment Records at Stage F (Construction, Commissioning and Handover).

Provides:
• AsBo services for CSM-REA compliance.
• ApBo services for interoperability compliance against applicable National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs).
• DeBo services for interoperability compliance against National Technical Rules (NTRs).
Key activities:
• Produce an Independent Assessment Plan at Stage C.
• Review safety documentation (System Safety & Authorisation Plans, System Definition, Hazard Record, Safety Justification Report).
• Assess NTSN compliance and supporting evidence.
• Issue:
o Progressive Assessment Records (Stages C and E).
o Design Intermediate Statement of Verification (ISV-D) at Detailed Design (Stage E).
o Production Intermediate Statement of Verification (ISV-P) at Construction/Commissioning (Stage F).
o Safety Assessment Records at Stage F.
o A final Technical File.

Provides independent verification of compliance with the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations (ROGS).
Key activities:
• Produce an Independent Assessment Plan at Stage C.
• Review the Duty Holder's:
o Safety Management System (SMS)
o System Safety & Authorisation Plan
o System Definition
o Hazard Record
o Safety Justification Report
• Issue:
o ICP Duty Holder SMS Report at Stage C.
o ICP Preliminary Design Review Reports at Stage C.
o ICP Design Review Reports at Stage E.
o ICP Pre-Commissioning Review Reports at Stage F