Award

Ultrasonic Rail Testing Sticks

NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

29 Oct 2025 at 10:56

Award

16 Oct 2025 at 14:03

Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited, a central government authority located in London, is managing the procurement process titled "Ultrasonic Rail Testing Sticks" under the utilities regime. This process involves awarding a contract directly to TrackSYS Non Destructive Testing Limited, based in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, to replace and upgrade ultrasonic testing devices critical for rail infrastructure safety. The tender, identified as Project 43839, is already at the award stage as of October 2025, with key dates like a milestone for signature scheduled for 14 November 2025 and the standstill period ending on 7 November 2025. The contract is set to start on 1 April 2026 and could extend up to 2029, serving regions within the United Kingdom.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in non-destructive testing equipment, particularly those capable of innovating and complying with rigorous technical standards. The scope includes potential for renewal depending on maintenance needs and options for delivering additional technological innovations developed collaboratively with Network Rail’s Technical Authority. Such opportunities are especially suitable for large-scale enterprises with capabilities in advanced testing apparatus, with the procurement employing a direct award method based on exclusive rights and technical concerns. With a focus on rail safety and reliability, firms involved in testing, manufacturing, and technological advancements can leverage the agreement for business expansion and strategic partnerships.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Ultrasonic Rail Testing Sticks

Notice Description

Network Rail (Wales & Western) intends to award a contract via direct award under the Procurement Act (2023) to TrackSYS Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Limited to replace and upgrade the existing fleet of Ultrasonic Testing Sticks. Network Rail uses Ultrasonic Rail Testing Sticks, also known as Pedestrian Rail Detection Systems, to detect internal flaws in rail infrastructure. These devices are critical to the broader non-destructive testing (NDT) strategy aimed at maintaining rail safety and reliability. Due to the specific standards required for non-destructive testing, and the current fleet of products entering an End-of-Life phase, Product Acceptance was achieved on the TrackSYS UT Lite Pedestrian Ultrasonic Rail Tester in collaboration with TrackSYS NDT Ltd and Network Rail's Technical Authority. Not proceeding with this procurement could put the Network Rail Wales Route at significant risk of not being able to equip inspection teams with functioning, compliant equipment.

Procurement Information

To meet regulatory standards, Network Rail requires Product Acceptance through our Technical Authority to utilise products of this nature. This is a lengthy, collaborative process, the result of which being that TrackSYS had the most effective product. Schedule 5, Paragraph 5: "The following conditions are met in relation to the public contract-- (a) due to a particular supplier having intellectual property rights or other exclusive rights, only that supplier can supply the goods, services, or works required; and (b) there are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services, or works." Schedule 5, Paragraph 6 : "The following conditions are met in relation to the public contract-- (a) due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, only a particular supplier can supply the goods, services or works required, and (b) there are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services or works."

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ce18
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069267-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)


CPV Codes

38500000 - Checking and testing apparatus

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£1,547,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Oct 20251 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
16 Oct 20251 months ago
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
wandwrouteprocurement@networkrail.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 8SW
Post Town
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
1
Supplier Name

TRACKSYS NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

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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