Tender

RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock

RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderAmendment

05 Jul 2018 at 08:36

Tender Notice
Tender

26 Jun 2018 at 08:37

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited (RSSB) has issued a tender for a feasibility study exploring the implementation of High Voltage (HV) couplers on rolling stock. The contract, which falls within the services category, has a total value of £80,000 and a minimum threshold of £70,000. The tender period closes on 17 July 2018, with the contract expected to commence on 30 August 2018 and extend until 29 March 2019. This open procurement process aims to optimise electrification systems in the UK rail industry, primarily located in London (postcode EC2M 2RB).

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in feasibility studies, engineering services, and consultancy within the rail and electrification sectors. Companies with expertise in high voltage systems, rolling stock engineering, and those familiar with operational and economic analyses in transport technology would be particularly well-suited to compete for this contract. Engaging with the tender could enhance a business's profile and contribute to advancements in rail technologies, fostering growth and innovation within the sector.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Start Free Trial Book a Demo
All Features Pricing

Notice Information

Notice Title

RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock

Notice Description

Optimising the performance and reliability of existing and new electrification/pantograph systems remains a key focus for the rail industry. In recent years to increase capacity the use of electric multiple units formed of up to 3 units (for example a 12-car train formation) has become more widespread . At the same time opportunities have been taken to increase the speeds of services to fully utilise the capabilities of modern rolling stock, reduce journey times and essentially keep up with high speed services. It is understood that several Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) systems in GB were designed for single pantograph compatibility but have been progressively shown to be compatible with two and three pantograph operations with some constraints. The use of multiple pantographs is potentially sub optimal and perhaps limits the train maximum speed due to multiple pantograph/contact wire performance. One of the potential methods of avoiding the need to use two or three pantographs per train is to use high voltage (HV) couplers distributing energy between the multiple units. Whilst this does not reduce the cost of directly introducing electrification, as is discussed below, there are other benefits that this could bring to the network. There has been some preliminary experimentation in controlled climatic conditions, where the capabilities of a HV coupler design for railway use has been proven, with the findings patented. High voltage couplers are also used in other industries such as mining and there are a number of proprietary designs available but probably intended for different applications. The case for using HV couplers has so far not been fully investigated and this project through a thorough desk-based feasibility study will provide a report on the potential application and use of the technology. At the November 2017 Pantograph to OLE working group meeting it was recognised that the DfT aspire to operate multiple units, with up to three pantographs raised. However, on some routes with legacy OLE infrastructure the potential maximum speed is limited which means the potential path might not be available or the train has to run with only two units. This is due to the disturbance from each pantograph on the contact wire and resulting in each following pantograph needing to track a moving wire. At higher speeds, and shorter pantograph spacing, there is less time for the contact wire to stabilise between pantographs. This study is split into three separate chains of feasibility analysis: 1. Operation and performance 2. Safety 3. Economic Most importantly, this study will analyse the operational feasibility of using a HV coupler. Considerations for the operation of the HV coupler will need to consider the reliability of the technology to withstand frequent connection and disconnection in line with carriage(s) usage across timetables. The study will need to consider differences in rolling stock design for physical placement of the cables

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b069ebc9-1643-4e0e-8d67-1e68fc91a53f
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (below threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

71241000 - Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£80,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Jul 20187 years ago
Submission Deadline
17 Jul 2018Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
29 Aug 2018 - 29 Mar 2019 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED
Contact Name
R&D Business Partner
Contact Email
shareditt@rssb.co.uk
Contact Phone
020 3142 5300

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
EC2M 2RB
Post Town
Central London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI43 Haringey and Islington
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Islington
Electoral Ward
Bunhill
Westminster Constituency
Islington South and Finsbury

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080-2018-07-05T09:36:39+01:00",
    "date": "2018-07-05T09:36:39+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-b5fd17-14acb59c-2c2b-46f8-a718-e80677514080",
    "language": "en",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock",
        "title": "RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock",
        "description": "Optimising the performance and reliability of existing and new electrification/pantograph systems remains a key focus for the rail industry. In recent years to increase capacity the use of electric multiple units formed of up to 3 units (for example a 12-car train formation) has become more widespread . At the same time opportunities have been taken to increase the speeds of services to fully utilise the capabilities of modern rolling stock, reduce journey times and essentially keep up with high speed services. It is understood that several Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) systems in GB were designed for single pantograph compatibility but have been progressively shown to be compatible with two and three pantograph operations with some constraints. The use of multiple pantographs is potentially sub optimal and perhaps limits the train maximum speed due to multiple pantograph/contact wire performance. One of the potential methods of avoiding the need to use two or three pantographs per train is to use high voltage (HV) couplers distributing energy between the multiple units. Whilst this does not reduce the cost of directly introducing electrification, as is discussed below, there are other benefits that this could bring to the network. There has been some preliminary experimentation in controlled climatic conditions, where the capabilities of a HV coupler design for railway use has been proven, with the findings patented. High voltage couplers are also used in other industries such as mining and there are a number of proprietary designs available but probably intended for different applications. The case for using HV couplers has so far not been fully investigated and this project through a thorough desk-based feasibility study will provide a report on the potential application and use of the technology. At the November 2017 Pantograph to OLE working group meeting it was recognised that the DfT aspire to operate multiple units, with up to three pantographs raised. However, on some routes with legacy OLE infrastructure the potential maximum speed is limited which means the potential path might not be available or the train has to run with only two units. This is due to the disturbance from each pantograph on the contact wire and resulting in each following pantograph needing to track a moving wire. At higher speeds, and shorter pantograph spacing, there is less time for the contact wire to stabilise between pantographs. This study is split into three separate chains of feasibility analysis: 1. Operation and performance 2. Safety 3. Economic Most importantly, this study will analyse the operational feasibility of using a HV coupler. Considerations for the operation of the HV coupler will need to consider the reliability of the technology to withstand frequent connection and disconnection in line with carriage(s) usage across timetables. The study will need to consider differences in rolling stock design for physical placement of the cables",
        "datePublished": "2018-06-26T09:37:59+01:00",
        "status": "active",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "71241000",
            "description": "Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis"
        },
        "additionalClassifications": [
            {
                "scheme": "CPV",
                "id": "73000000",
                "description": "Research and development services and related consultancy services"
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "postalCode": "EC2M 2RB"
                    },
                    {
                        "postalCode": "EC2M 2RB"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "minValue": {
            "amount": 70000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "value": {
            "amount": 80000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure (below threshold)",
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2018-07-17T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2018-08-30T00:00:00+01:00",
            "endDate": "2019-03-29T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "suitability": {
            "sme": true,
            "vcse": false
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "description": "Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder",
                "url": "https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b069ebc9-1643-4e0e-8d67-1e68fc91a53f",
                "datePublished": "2018-07-05T09:36:39+01:00",
                "format": "text/html",
                "language": "en"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Commercial Pricing Schedule",
                "url": "https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/9baafb1a-488e-4b4f-969f-ff05db894626",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock - T and C's",
                "url": "https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/e1c3b423-d974-43e4-8470-20189bc9d537",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock - I.T.T",
                "url": "https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/eb5daf2f-dfe5-42b8-aaad-98193ec4eb60",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "documentType": "clarifications",
                "description": "RSSB2711 - T1150 - A feasibility study into the use of High Voltage couplers on rolling stock - Tender Q & A -5th July",
                "url": "https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/3988ec9c-b301-409d-8ffc-094c9e3ac270",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            }
        ]
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-GOR-OT1207",
            "name": "RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED",
                "scheme": "GB-GOR",
                "id": "OT1207"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "THE HELICON 1 SOUTH PLACE",
                "locality": "LONDON",
                "postalCode": "EC2M2RB",
                "countryName": "England"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "R&D Business Partner",
                "email": "Shareditt@rssb.co.uk",
                "telephone": "020 3142 5300"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-GOR-OT1207",
        "name": "RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED"
    }
}