Planning

Supply of Escalator Steps (Fabricated and Die-Cast)

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Planning

21 Jul 2025 at 11:00

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

23 May 2025 at 13:30

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

19 May 2025 at 22:07

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Transport for London is seeking views from potential suppliers on capabilities and interest in a supply contract for die-cast escalator steps. The procurement process is currently at the planning stage, with Transport for London acting as the buyer from their London offices. This contract falls under the category of construction structures and materials. A key milestone is the completion of responses to a market sounding questionnaire by 15 August 2025. The procurement method is initiated as a tender aiming to fulfil the requirements for the escalator steps used across TfL-operated escalators. Interested parties should prepare for future tender notices anticipated on 3 November 2025.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in escalator component manufacturing, particularly those skilled in die-cast fabrication. As TfL transitions more of its escalator step fleet to die-cast components, businesses offering expertise in mould design, prototype testing, and quality assurance stand to benefit. Notably, enterprises that can produce and deliver within specified constraints and have an established UK storage capability will be well-positioned to compete. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with relevant experience might find the scope and duration of this contract—spanning ten years—advantageous for sustainable business growth.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Supply of Escalator Steps (Fabricated and Die-Cast)

Notice Description

In the last decades the vast majority of the world of escalator steps production has been migrating to die casting. TfL's present die-cast step fleet is at 43%. The introduction of die-cast steps has been primarily through our main escalator contractors during escalator replacement or refurbishment works. TfL are looking to accelerate the percentage of the step fleet which is die-cast by proactively replacing fabricated steps on our internally maintained legacy fleet with interchangeable die-cast steps. The MH-B step is deemed to be the most appropriate candidate to begin the conversion: today more than 18,000 MH-B steps are installed in MH-B, MY-A, and MH-A Otis escalators. Their replacement is intended to contribute by 21% to the whole fleet conversion. The scope of the contract is summarised below: 1. Desktop study a. Design of Escalator Steps to meet specification b. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of step to meet load cases in specs c. Feasibility of mould design to verify that the step geometry be achieved within constraints of moulding technology available 2. Die Cast Moulding a. Mould Design b. Manufacture of mould c. Prototype testing and quality assurance against BS EN 115 and SPC-LAE-421479903 3. Manufacturing of Escalator Steps a. Ability to die-cast steps b. Minimum production runs per order c. Number of shots for life of mould 4. Delivery and Storage of Escalator Step a. Typical lead time b. UK storage A first study for the new die cast design has been performed (drawing 564-12031 Rev.A) and the set of requirements for the step supply has been collected in the SPC-LAE-421479903. The Contractor will be asked to follow the SPC document as a technical reference.

Planning Information

As part of this market sounding exercise, TfL wishes to seek your views on the extent of your capabilities and appetite for TfL MH-B Die-Cast Step Supply Contract. TfL would appreciate your feedback in the form of a response to a questionnaire, with the specific questions to be answered in the blank tables/boxes provided. Should you consider a particular question is not applicable to your organisation, please state "not applicable" in the tables/boxes provided. There is no limit to the amount of feedback that can be provided. Please email RfLIProcurement@tfl.gov.uk if you are interested in completing this questionnaire. Structure: The questionnaire covers the Design Desktop Study, the Quality Assurance, and the Mould Manufacturing for an Escalator Die Cast Step. Whilst it is understood that some suppliers operate their business providing all the services, some may not, and we may adopt different strategies for the different services. If you provide services relating only to one of these types, please advise in your response to this MSQ.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0517bb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041586-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

44 - Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus)

CPV Codes

44000000 - Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Jul 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
3 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 1 Jan 2037 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON
Contact Name
Matthew Raven
Contact Email
rfliprocurement@tfl.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E20 1JN
Post Town
East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI41 Hackney and Newham
Delivery Location
TLI London
Local Authority
Newham
Electoral Ward
Stratford Olympic Park
Westminster Constituency
Stratford and Bow

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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. 

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