scope:

This document applies to all Network Rail employees and Network Rail expenditure on suppliers where the contract value is above defined risk and expenditure thresholds.

NOTE - For guidance on the latest thresholds and the application of Qualification activities, see the Contracts and Procurement/Strategic Sourcing pages on 'Connect'.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to specify the arrangements for the 'qualification' activity within the Network Rail Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Assurance Framework. See NR/L1/CPR/103 Supplier Assurance Framework.

It describes the qualification activities that shall provide assurance suppliers have met the minimum pre-determined qualification criteria to supply a specific product category, and that the requirements of the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2006 are met.

NOTE - Further specific criteria shall be applied during the selection stage of the procurement process to differentiate between suppliers in similar categories.