This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

27 Jul 2026 at 08:26

Award

03 Jun 2026 at 12:44

Tender

25 Jul 2025 at 09:29

Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited procured the collection, overhaul and delivery of approximately 2,500 wheelsets a year across its UK fleet. The services cover rolling-stock and locomotive wheelset maintenance, including overhaul of wheelsets and components such as axles, bearings, brake discs and gearboxes. Work must follow Network Rail technical specifications and supports five operational groupings: Y25/27 & VNH1, Y33 RDT MPV T2 & OLET, MPV T1, Y33 RHTT, and Mixed Wheelset Types. The requirement is structured as a multi-supplier framework, with call-offs issued through purchase orders. It covers the whole of the United Kingdom and is relevant to rail engineering, rolling-stock maintenance, wheelset overhaul and associated component refurbishment businesses.

The procurement is complete and has been awarded through a selective competitive flexible procedure under a framework agreement. DB Cargo (UK) Limited was awarded lots Y25/27 & VNH1, Y33 RHTT and Mixed Wheelset Types; Pullman Rail Ltd was awarded Y25/27 & VNH1, Y33 RDT MPV T2 & OLET, MPV T1 and Y33 RHTT; Lucchini Unipart Rail Limited was awarded Y25/27 & VNH1 and Y33 RHTT; and Arlington Fleet Services Ltd was awarded Y25/27 & VNH1, Y33 RHTT and Mixed Wheelset Types. Each award is valued at £30.9 million excluding VAT (£37.08 million including VAT). Awards were dated 2 June 2026. Contracts were signed between 2 and 22 July 2026, with periods ending between 1 and 21 July 2031 and possible extensions to July 2034. Evaluation weighted technical quality at 65% and commercial price at 35%.

This outcome shows sustained Network Rail demand for high-volume wheelset overhaul across varied fleet types, with resilience supported by multiple suppliers and primary, secondary and approved-supplier roles. A credible future competitor would need demonstrable capacity for different wheelset types, dependable collection, overhaul and delivery arrangements, and turnaround times suited to operational requirements. Evidence should cover technical methodology, delivery planning, risk management, operational readiness, contract organisation and strong reporting and issue-resolution processes. RISAS or equivalent accreditation, compliance with Network Rail standards, robust health and safety controls, and suitably qualified key personnel are central requirements. Environmental management, carbon reduction, circular-economy measures and social value also influence selection, alongside competitive unit rates and sound financial standing.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Supply and Overhaul of Fleet Wide Wheelsets

Notice Description

This procurement is for the collection, overhaul, and delivery of approximately 2,500 wheelsets per year across Network Rail's fleet. It will be delivered under a multi-supplier, zero-value framework agreement structured into five lots based on operational groupings and technical complexity. The scope includes overhaul of wheelsets and subcomponents (e.g. axles, bearings, brake discs, gearboxes) in accordance with Network Rail technical specifications. The framework will be governed by the NR13(E) Framework Agreement and NR18(S) PO Conditions, with call-offs issued via Purchase Orders. NOTE: The Contract Value stated in this notice is not represented per Lot but total value across all Lots and Contracts.

Lot Information

Y25/27 & VNH1

Options: The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or RFQs among Framework Approved Suppliers if the primary options are unavailable. This ensures flexibility and continuity of supply.

Renewal: The framework includes two extensions: one for 2 years and one for 1 year. These may be used to maintain continuity of service, allow suppliers to deliver improvements, or align with future fleet strategies or re-procurement timelines. Extensions will be exercised based on supplier performance, operational needs, and market conditions.

Y33 RDT MPV T2 & OLET

Options: The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or RFQs among Framework Approved Suppliers if the primary options are unavailable. This ensures flexibility and continuity of supply.

Renewal: The framework includes two extensions: one for 2 years and one for 1 year. These may be used to maintain continuity of service, allow suppliers to deliver improvements, or align with future fleet strategies or re-procurement timelines. Extensions will be exercised based on supplier performance, operational needs, and market conditions.

MPV T1

Options: The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or RFQs among Framework Approved Suppliers if the primary options are unavailable. This ensures flexibility and continuity of supply.

Renewal: The framework includes two extensions: one for 2 years and one for 1 year. These may be used to maintain continuity of service, allow suppliers to deliver improvements, or align with future fleet strategies or re-procurement timelines. Extensions will be exercised based on supplier performance, operational needs, and market conditions.

Y33 RHTT

Options: The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or RFQs among Framework Approved Suppliers if the primary options are unavailable. This ensures flexibility and continuity of supply.

Renewal: The framework includes two extensions: one for 2 years and one for 1 year. These may be used to maintain continuity of service, allow suppliers to deliver improvements, or align with future fleet strategies or re-procurement timelines. Extensions will be exercised based on supplier performance, operational needs, and market conditions.

Mixed Wheelset Types

Options: The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or RFQs among Framework Approved Suppliers if the primary options are unavailable. This ensures flexibility and continuity of supply.

Renewal: The framework includes two extensions: one for 2 years and one for 1 year. These may be used to maintain continuity of service, allow suppliers to deliver improvements, or align with future fleet strategies or re-procurement timelines. Extensions will be exercised based on supplier performance, operational needs, and market conditions.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-056600
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070532-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

50220000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to railways and other equipment

50221300 - Repair and maintenance services of locomotive wheelsets

50222000 - Repair and maintenance services of rolling stock

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£30,900,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£30,900,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
£30,900,000 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
£30,900,000 £10M-£100M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Jul 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
15 Aug 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
2 Jun 20262 months ago
Contract Period
10 Jul 2026 - 9 Jul 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 8SW
Postcode Area
South East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI45 Lambeth
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Lambeth
Electoral Ward
Waterloo & South Bank
Westminster Constituency
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
4
Supplier Names

Arlington Fleet Services Ltd

DB Cargo (UK) Limited

Lucchini Unipart Rail Limited

Pullman Rail Ltd

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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