Highways Audit & Assurance and Monitoring (A&AM) Contract

Description

The purpose of this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is to initiate the engagement exercise for the procurement of an independent, expert-led Audit and Performance Oversight partner to support Westminster City Council (WCC) in the management and assurance of its Highways Contract. The Council seeks to assess the capability and interest of the market in delivering high-quality, data-driven audit and performance assurance services, that ensure value for money, compliance, and continuous improvement across all Highways service areas. In addition these services may also be extended to include Parking, Communities and Environment functions. The scope of services will include: • Monthly and quarterly performance audits • Thematic deep dives (e.g. responsible procurement, carbon impact, social value) • Annual audit plan development and delivery • Real-time assurance support during mobilisation and transition • Use of digital tools (e.g. ASITE, data analytics, AI) for insight and reporting • Collaboration with relevant internal teams (Strategic Transport, Legal, Procurement, Finance, Parking, Communities and Environment)) • Provision of specialist resources to meet assurance and technical needs • Input into asset management and other built environment functions e.g. parking where relevant Strategic objectives include: • Performance Scrutiny: Evaluate delivery against KPIs, milestones, and service standards. • Cost Assurance: Validate financial claims, assess cost-effectiveness, and identify inefficiencies. • Risk & Compliance Monitoring: Ensure adherence to statutory, regulatory, and contractual obligations. • Commercial Intelligence: Provide insights to support contract management and innovation. • Support for Commercial Contract Model: Test and validate NEC4-based contractual mechanisms. • Asset Management: Maintain strategic oversight of asset data and inform long-term investment decisions. We are also looking to assess and utilise market innovation and continuous improvement practices. This will form a key part of the engagement, with expectations for: • Bi-annual innovation reviews; • Recommendations for digital integration and automation; • Development of performance frameworks,KPIs and intelligence led decision making; and • Proposals that support efficiency, cost reduction, and income generation. WCC wishes to consult with organisations with relevant experience of delivering similar services. The purpose of this consultation is to seek the view of market participants on potential service delivery models available to WCC that best align with the above objectives. This will assist WCC in planning the future procurement procedures. WCC intends to commence the procurement procedure in the first half of 2026.