Planning

DLR Thamesmead Extension - Major Project Delivery

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

02 Feb 2026 at 10:09

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

06 Nov 2025 at 15:22

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Transport for London (TfL) is progressing with the planning stage of the DLR Thamesmead Extension (TEX) Programme, aimed at extending the Docklands Light Railway network by 3 km from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. Currently in the planning phase, the programme involves significant infrastructure works including a cross-river tunnel, new stations, and a turnback siding. As the process stands, preliminary market engagement has commenced with a focus on harnessing industry expertise. Key upcoming events include a Supplier Industry Day on 25 February 2026, to be followed by a Market Sounding Questionnaire ending on 10 April 2026, giving industry participants a chance to shape the procurement strategy. The initiative spans industry categories such as construction, engineering, and telecommunications, with indicative procurement planned from March 2027 to December 2033, and an estimated project value of £1.35 billion gross.

This procurement process represents a notable opportunity for businesses specialising in construction, civil engineering, and transport system development to engage with major public infrastructure projects. Companies that can provide innovative solutions, especially those focusing on reducing carbon footprints and improving whole-life costs, would be well-suited to compete. SMEs and large enterprises experienced in complex infrastructure projects stand to gain from early involvement, offering the potential to not only participate in the preliminary engagement but also to contribute to and eventually execute the extensive works involved. Given the planned phased nature of the project, businesses across related industries such as mechanical, electrical, and telecommunication services can find growth opportunities with this significant transport infrastructure development.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

DLR Thamesmead Extension - Major Project Delivery

Notice Description

The TEX Programme proposes to construct a 3 km cross-river extension of the DLR existing network from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. The indicative scope of the works is as outlined below: * tie-in to existing DLR East Route, grade separated junction and viaduct, dropping down to grade level approaching Beckton Riverside station * new station at centre of Beckton Riverside development * cross river tunnel, twin bore tunnel circa 1.5 km * new station at Thamesmead * new turnback siding to the west of the extension to facilitate a future uplift in services on Thamesmead branch and east route. The contracting entity for this procurement is expected to be Docklands Light Railway Limited, which is a 100% owned subsidiary of Transport for London (TfL). TfL is in the process of defining the scope of requirements for the goods, services and construction works under the proposed TEX programme. The following outlines the indicative scope at this stage. Scope of services includes: * civil and building design; * mechanical, electrical, sanitary and security design; * ground investigations; and * design lead and co-ordination. Scope of construction works includes: * enabling works; * general building and civil engineering works; * mechanical, electrical, security and sanitary installations; * train traction power system; * telecommunication systems; * permanent ways and tracks; * station buildings; and * landscaping. Scope of goods includes: * associated mechanical, electrical/electronic equipment; and * associated construction materials. It is expected that the works may be phased and currently planned to commence 2028 and planned completion by 2033.

Planning Information

Transport for London ("TfL") has commenced Preliminary Market Engagement ("PME") in respect of the proposed DLR Thamesmead Extension ("TEX") Programme. The intention is to establish appetite and to harness expertise from the industry to help develop a suitable strategy for delivering all the works comprised in this Programme. The initial pre-procurement strategy at this stage anticipates a multi-stage procurement process with an early contractor involvement. To prepare the TEX Programme procurement strategy, TfL is seeking contributions from suppliers with experience in delivering works of a similar magnitude (scale and complexity) to that of the TEX Programme to assist in developing a suitable delivery model for delivering the works. In this respect, advice and suggestions on general buildability of the scheme, concept design, phasing, packaging and sequencing of works, contractual arrangements for the work packages will be invaluable to TfL. TfL has embarked on implementing a new delivery model to drive improvement, capture construction efficiencies to reduce cost, is seeking innovative techniques to reduce carbon to meet the net zero gain and improve whole life costs. Industry Engagement Development of the TfL Delivery Model has been supported by an Industry Day held on 2 December 2025 and a subsequent Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) in accordance with 'UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 2025/S 000-071722 6 November 2025'. A summary output from this will be shared with the all PME participants. This UK2 notice is being published to confirm the next stages of preliminary market engagement. This includes a further Industry Day to be held on 25 February 2026 and a MSQ to focus on the commercial and contracting model. TfL may opt to subsequently hold one-to-one sessions with a selection suppliers having the capability and experience for the scope of works or delivery model. Further details on timeframes and registration are provided below. TfL e-Tendering Future procurement events relating to the DLR Thamesmead Extension will be conducted using TfL's e tendering portal, SAP Ariba. Interested parties are to register on SAP Ariba in the first instance. SAP Ariba Registration The following instructions explain TfL's e-Tendering portal and provide guidance on how interested parties will be able to communicate with TfL in relation to this exercise. If you have already registered previously on SAP Ariba and TfL's SAP Ariba, there is no requirement repeat steps (1) - (3) and proceed to step (4) below. (1) To register or to check if you are already registered to SAP Ariba, log on to https://service.ariba.com/Supplier.aw . Interested parties must read the instructions carefully before proceeding with registration. (2) Once you have registered on SAP Ariba (or are already registered), you must also register on TfL's SAP Ariba system through the following link https://s1-eu.ariba.com/Sourcing/Main/ad/selfReigstration?realm=TfL Guidance on registering is available through the following link: here https://content.tfl.gov.uk/supplier-registration.pdf (3) Upon completion of steps 1 and/or 2, interested parties must email to: TEXPartnerSupport@tfl.gov.uk titling the email "TEX Supplier Industry Day" with the following details: • your organisation name as registered in SAP Ariba; • your applicable supplier ID associated with TfL in SAP Ariba, in the form of SM Vendor ID, or ERP ID, or AN ID, or ACM ID; • your single point of contact registered on SAP Ariba; first name and surname; • your email address registered with SAP Ariba; and • your role in the organisation as registered with SAP Ariba. [end process] or (4) Where you have previously been submitted SAP Ariba registration details to TEXPartnerSupport@tfl.gov.uk, in accordance with the registration process set out in the earlier UK02: Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - Procurement Act 2023 (2025/S 000 071722, published 6 November 2025), please provide in an email to: TEXPartnerSupport@tfl.gov.uk, titling the email "TEX Supplier Industry Day 2": • the date when the SAP ARIBA registration details were previously provided; and • confirming your intention to attend the event. These expressions of interest will then be administered using TfL's events management portal (CVENT). Successful completion of these steps will enable TfL to invite interested parties to future procurement events in SAP Ariba and register for attendance to the Industry Day. Please contact Ariba_Supplier_Enablement in the first instance should you experience any problems with the portal for issues related to items 1 and 2 above. Industry Day Registration: TfL invites suppliers interested in participating in this event to register on TfL's e Tendering portal, SAP Ariba (as referenced above), and to complete step (3) or/ step (4) no later than 17:00 on 18 February 2026. This will enable TfL to consolidate these expressions of interest and, in turn, to issue individual invitations to each interested party to register their attendance at the Supplier Industry Day. The event invitation and registration process will be administered using TfL's events management portal, CVENT. To manage expectations, attendance will be limited to a maximum of three (3) representatives per organisation. The Supplier Industry Day is scheduled to take place on 25 February 2026, from 09:30 to 12:30, at The Cumberland, Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London, W1H 7DL Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) Details: The MSQ will be issued by 27 February 2026 following the above Supplier Industry Day. The deadline for responses is 10 April 2026 at 17:00. If you wish to be considered for inclusion into the one-to-one sessions, which will focus on the commercial and procurement model, your completed MSQ must be received by 17:00, 27 March 2026. These sessions are currently planned between 13-30 April 2026 but this may be subject to change. This Notice is for information only This is a pre-procurement activity and does not imply any commitment to any future procurement process or at all. The purpose is to seek feedback on TfL's initial approach, appetite from industry and information on alternative solutions that are being developed in the marketplace for similar schemes. Participation in this PME and any subsequent engagements are not a prerequisite to, and will not prejudice, participation in any future competitive process. Information relating to the nature and scope of the requirements, the estimated value and the list of CPV codes, is indicative of current thinking and is neither exhaustive nor binding and TfL reserves the right at its absolute discretion to amend it at the time of issue of any further notices or at any other time. Additionally, any information contained in this notice and/or in any communication made between TfL and any supplier in connection with this notice should not be relied upon as constituting a contract, agreement, or representation that any contract will be offered as a result of this PME and/or any subsequent engagements. If TfL decides to progress with any procurement exercise for the Programme, TfL will publish a separate UK4 tender notice. TfL shall not be liable to any respondent for any costs whatsoever incurred in participating in this pre-procurement activity.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05dc06
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008797-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

42 - Industrial machinery

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

45 - Construction work

48 - Software package and information systems

50 - Repair and maintenance services

51 - Installation services (except software)

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment

34000000 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

42000000 - Industrial machinery

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

45000000 - Construction work

48000000 - Software package and information systems

50000000 - Repair and maintenance services

51000000 - Installation services (except software)

60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

71000000 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,350,000,000 £1B-£10B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Feb 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Jun 20264 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Mar 2027 - 31 Dec 2033 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
texpartnersupport@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
Not specified
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

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-h6vhtk-05dc06-2026-02-02T10:09:18Z",
    "date": "2026-02-02T10:09:18Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05dc06",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PHMT-6197-NWNZ",
            "name": "Transport for London",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PHMT-6197-NWNZ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "5 Endeavour Square",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "E20 1JN",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI41"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "TEXPartnerSupport@tfl.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.tfl.gov.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PHMT-6197-NWNZ",
        "name": "Transport for London"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "Transport for London (\"TfL\") has commenced Preliminary Market Engagement (\"PME\") in respect of the proposed DLR Thamesmead Extension (\"TEX\") Programme. The intention is to establish appetite and to harness expertise from the industry to help develop a suitable strategy for delivering all the works comprised in this Programme. The initial pre-procurement strategy at this stage anticipates a multi-stage procurement process with an early contractor involvement. To prepare the TEX Programme procurement strategy, TfL is seeking contributions from suppliers with experience in delivering works of a similar magnitude (scale and complexity) to that of the TEX Programme to assist in developing a suitable delivery model for delivering the works. In this respect, advice and suggestions on general buildability of the scheme, concept design, phasing, packaging and sequencing of works, contractual arrangements for the work packages will be invaluable to TfL. TfL has embarked on implementing a new delivery model to drive improvement, capture construction efficiencies to reduce cost, is seeking innovative techniques to reduce carbon to meet the net zero gain and improve whole life costs. Industry Engagement Development of the TfL Delivery Model has been supported by an Industry Day held on 2 December 2025 and a subsequent Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) in accordance with 'UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 2025/S 000-071722 6 November 2025'. A summary output from this will be shared with the all PME participants. This UK2 notice is being published to confirm the next stages of preliminary market engagement. This includes a further Industry Day to be held on 25 February 2026 and a MSQ to focus on the commercial and contracting model. TfL may opt to subsequently hold one-to-one sessions with a selection suppliers having the capability and experience for the scope of works or delivery model. Further details on timeframes and registration are provided below. TfL e-Tendering Future procurement events relating to the DLR Thamesmead Extension will be conducted using TfL's e tendering portal, SAP Ariba. Interested parties are to register on SAP Ariba in the first instance. SAP Ariba Registration The following instructions explain TfL's e-Tendering portal and provide guidance on how interested parties will be able to communicate with TfL in relation to this exercise. If you have already registered previously on SAP Ariba and TfL's SAP Ariba, there is no requirement repeat steps (1) - (3) and proceed to step (4) below. (1) To register or to check if you are already registered to SAP Ariba, log on to https://service.ariba.com/Supplier.aw . Interested parties must read the instructions carefully before proceeding with registration. (2) Once you have registered on SAP Ariba (or are already registered), you must also register on TfL's SAP Ariba system through the following link https://s1-eu.ariba.com/Sourcing/Main/ad/selfReigstration?realm=TfL Guidance on registering is available through the following link: here https://content.tfl.gov.uk/supplier-registration.pdf (3) Upon completion of steps 1 and/or 2, interested parties must email to: TEXPartnerSupport@tfl.gov.uk titling the email \"TEX Supplier Industry Day\" with the following details: * your organisation name as registered in SAP Ariba; * your applicable supplier ID associated with TfL in SAP Ariba, in the form of SM Vendor ID, or ERP ID, or AN ID, or ACM ID; * your single point of contact registered on SAP Ariba; first name and surname; * your email address registered with SAP Ariba; and * your role in the organisation as registered with SAP Ariba. [end process] or (4) Where you have previously been submitted SAP Ariba registration details to TEXPartnerSupport@tfl.gov.uk, in accordance with the registration process set out in the earlier UK02: Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - Procurement Act 2023 (2025/S 000 071722, published 6 November 2025), please provide in an email to: TEXPartnerSupport@tfl.gov.uk, titling the email \"TEX Supplier Industry Day 2\": * the date when the SAP ARIBA registration details were previously provided; and * confirming your intention to attend the event. These expressions of interest will then be administered using TfL's events management portal (CVENT). Successful completion of these steps will enable TfL to invite interested parties to future procurement events in SAP Ariba and register for attendance to the Industry Day. Please contact Ariba_Supplier_Enablement in the first instance should you experience any problems with the portal for issues related to items 1 and 2 above. Industry Day Registration: TfL invites suppliers interested in participating in this event to register on TfL's e Tendering portal, SAP Ariba (as referenced above), and to complete step (3) or/ step (4) no later than 17:00 on 18 February 2026. This will enable TfL to consolidate these expressions of interest and, in turn, to issue individual invitations to each interested party to register their attendance at the Supplier Industry Day. The event invitation and registration process will be administered using TfL's events management portal, CVENT. To manage expectations, attendance will be limited to a maximum of three (3) representatives per organisation. The Supplier Industry Day is scheduled to take place on 25 February 2026, from 09:30 to 12:30, at The Cumberland, Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London, W1H 7DL Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) Details: The MSQ will be issued by 27 February 2026 following the above Supplier Industry Day. The deadline for responses is 10 April 2026 at 17:00. If you wish to be considered for inclusion into the one-to-one sessions, which will focus on the commercial and procurement model, your completed MSQ must be received by 17:00, 27 March 2026. These sessions are currently planned between 13-30 April 2026 but this may be subject to change. This Notice is for information only This is a pre-procurement activity and does not imply any commitment to any future procurement process or at all. The purpose is to seek feedback on TfL's initial approach, appetite from industry and information on alternative solutions that are being developed in the marketplace for similar schemes. Participation in this PME and any subsequent engagements are not a prerequisite to, and will not prejudice, participation in any future competitive process. Information relating to the nature and scope of the requirements, the estimated value and the list of CPV codes, is indicative of current thinking and is neither exhaustive nor binding and TfL reserves the right at its absolute discretion to amend it at the time of issue of any further notices or at any other time. Additionally, any information contained in this notice and/or in any communication made between TfL and any supplier in connection with this notice should not be relied upon as constituting a contract, agreement, or representation that any contract will be offered as a result of this PME and/or any subsequent engagements. If TfL decides to progress with any procurement exercise for the Programme, TfL will publish a separate UK4 tender notice. TfL shall not be liable to any respondent for any costs whatsoever incurred in participating in this pre-procurement activity.",
                "dueDate": "2026-04-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "071722-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071722-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-11-06T15:22:16Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "008797-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008797-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-02-02T10:09:18Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "WS2668230143",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "DLR Thamesmead Extension - Major Project Delivery",
        "description": "The TEX Programme proposes to construct a 3 km cross-river extension of the DLR existing network from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. The indicative scope of the works is as outlined below: * tie-in to existing DLR East Route, grade separated junction and viaduct, dropping down to grade level approaching Beckton Riverside station * new station at centre of Beckton Riverside development * cross river tunnel, twin bore tunnel circa 1.5 km * new station at Thamesmead * new turnback siding to the west of the extension to facilitate a future uplift in services on Thamesmead branch and east route. The contracting entity for this procurement is expected to be Docklands Light Railway Limited, which is a 100% owned subsidiary of Transport for London (TfL). TfL is in the process of defining the scope of requirements for the goods, services and construction works under the proposed TEX programme. The following outlines the indicative scope at this stage. Scope of services includes: * civil and building design; * mechanical, electrical, sanitary and security design; * ground investigations; and * design lead and co-ordination. Scope of construction works includes: * enabling works; * general building and civil engineering works; * mechanical, electrical, security and sanitary installations; * train traction power system; * telecommunication systems; * permanent ways and tracks; * station buildings; and * landscaping. Scope of goods includes: * associated mechanical, electrical/electronic equipment; and * associated construction materials. It is expected that the works may be phased and currently planned to commence 2028 and planned completion by 2033.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "32000000",
                        "description": "Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "34000000",
                        "description": "Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "42000000",
                        "description": "Industrial machinery"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "44000000",
                        "description": "Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus)"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "45000000",
                        "description": "Construction work"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "48000000",
                        "description": "Software package and information systems"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "50000000",
                        "description": "Repair and maintenance services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "51000000",
                        "description": "Installation services (except software)"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71000000",
                        "description": "Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72000000",
                        "description": "IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 1620000000,
            "amount": 1350000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "works",
        "additionalProcurementCategories": [
            "services"
        ],
        "specialRegime": [
            "utilities"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2027-03-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2033-12-31T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "status": "planning"
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-06-01T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "planning"
    },
    "language": "en"
}