Tender

Design, Removal, and Re-Livery of Locomotives

DIRECT RAIL SERVICES LIMITED

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Tender

07 Jan 2026 at 10:31

PlanningUpdate

12 Nov 2025 at 14:33

Planning

11 Nov 2025 at 14:21

Summary of the contracting process

Direct Rail Services Limited, based in Carlisle, United Kingdom, is currently in the tender stage for a project titled "Design, Removal, and Re-Livery of Locomotives." This procurement falls under the services industry category, specifically focusing on the repair and maintenance of locomotives. The procurement process has an open procedure, meaning any interested qualified party can submit a bid. Key dates in this process include the tender submission deadline of 6 February 2026 and an enquiry period ending on 28 January 2026. The contract is anticipated to commence on 2 March 2026 and conclude on 1 February 2030, with a contract value of £420,000, subject to flexibility and aligning with certain aspects of the Procurement Act 2023.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for businesses specializing in locomotive repair and maintenance services, as well as those with capabilities in resource management and quality assurance. The contract will involve a comprehensive three-year livery programme, requiring expertise in both the removal of existing locomotive livery and the design and installation of new ones. Companies that excel in project execution, maintain rigorous safety standards, and possess robust health, safety, and environmental management systems will find this opportunity particularly conducive to business growth. Furthermore, the tender method allows for transparency and fair competition, paving the way for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate actively.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Design, Removal, and Re-Livery of Locomotives

Notice Description

Design, removal and re-livery of Locomotives DRS does not consider itself bound by the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) and associated procurement legislation (together the "UK procurement legislation") on the basis that, operating commercially, it is not a public authority, nor does it carry out any utility activities. Accordingly, this Procurement is not, and does not purport to be, subject to UK procurement legislation. For the avoidance of doubt, Tenderers are put on notice that the publication of this document and any other document that relates to this Procurement (including the relevant tender notice) is published voluntarily and nothing in this document, or any other document that DRS publishes in relation to this Procurement, should be construed as purporting to give rise to rights or obligations under UK procurement legislation. That said, DRS intends to operate a fair process which broadly aligns with certain key aspects of the competitive flexible procedure under the PA23 and which aligns with the objectives of section 12(1)-(3) of the PA23.

Planning Information

RFI for livery issued on Atamis

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05dec4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000943-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

50221000 - Repair and maintenance services of locomotives

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£420,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£420,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Jan 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
6 Feb 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
1 Dec 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Mar 2026 - 1 Feb 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DIRECT RAIL SERVICES LIMITED
Contact Name
Sian Young
Contact Email
sian.young@ntsglobal.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
CARLISLE
Postcode
CA6 4SJ
Post Town
Carlisle
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD1 Cumbria
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD13 Cumberland
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Cumberland
Electoral Ward
Dalston and Burgh
Westminster Constituency
Carlisle

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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