Planning

Purchase of Railway Signalling Training Unit

NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

05 Jan 2026 at 14:31

Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited is beginning the procurement process for a Railway Signalling Training Unit, as detailed in their preliminary market engagement notice dated 5th January 2026. This procurement falls under the 'electrical signalling equipment for railways' industry category and is aimed at enhancing the training resources for Signal Engineers and Technicians. The location for delivery is within Network Rail's premises, with the procurement currently in the planning stage. A key milestone is scheduled for 19th January 2026, indicating relevant deadlines for potential bidders. The project, valued at £100,000, is intended to supply a robust, relocatable unit outfitted with mechanical signalling equipment and operational for up to 10 years. The procurement method involves a competitive tender consistent with Network Rail's procurement standards.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in the provision of railway signalling equipment, particularly those experienced in working with Network Rail's current track infrastructure equipment. Companies that offer robust, durable, and easily relocatable solutions with minimal maintenance requirements can benefit from this contract. Furthermore, the tender is open to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), providing diverse opportunities for those able to meet the specified technical and delivery requirements. The project offers a niche market entry point for suppliers aiming to establish or expand their footprint in the UK railway infrastructure sector.

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Notice Title

Purchase of Railway Signalling Training Unit

Notice Description

Network Rail Southern Region Market Enquiry Network Rail would like to purchase a Railway Signalling Training Unit for Signal Engineers and Technicians for periodic familiarisation, training and general simulated know-how for operating signals on the Network Rail infrastructure. Purpose There will be a wide range of users for this equipment; from new employees starting off on their railway career up to advanced Signalling Technicians who will need occasional refresher opportunities and development of skills for new processes and methodologies or because of a change in the track access. Operatives need a good knowledge and skills with signals which will improve safety and operational performance. Operatives are likely to use the facility 2 or 3 times a month for familiarisation and testing and generally will use it for relatively short periods of time - maybe up to 90 minutes a time. Often it will be a single person entering but occasionally there will also be a supervisor and maybe a third person so the design should consider space for up to 3 or 4 persons at a time. Network Rail standard NR/L2/SIG/10027/F02: Surveillance of Signal Engineering Faulting and Maintenance Activities should be considered for the training requirements of the specialists. Structure The structure needs to be a stand-alone unit that can be placed at a specific location at a Network Rail depot or operational site. The unit needs to be strong, robust and able to be relocated should Network Rail wish to move the unit over time. The unit can be a strong shed, converted shipping container or something similar. The unit must have a reasonable finish both inside and out including the flooring and it will need to be watertight. It must have an access facility such as a door which must be able to be securely locked when not in use. There is no need necessarily for windows, but they could be considered, however there should be sufficient lighting provided so users can use the unit in a safe environment and work in a comfortable manner. Air vents should be included to enable suitable ventilation. There is no need for heating units to be included although again they could be considered. Electricity connections with existing Network Rail infrastructure will be provided but the structure will need power connection and suitable wiring, switches sockets etc. embedded within the structure fabric. The electricity connection needs to be safe and suitable for an external location. Maintenance of the structure should be minimal although the unit should be suitable for use for between 5-10 years. Fit Out The unit is to be fitted out with signal equipment provided by the supplier. Hence the supplier should be familiar with the standard type of signalling equipment used on Network Rail track infrastructure. Obviously, the range of signalling equipment is quite wide and so Network Rail would like the supplier to propose a series of design options for Network Rail to consider and select what exactly they would like to see included within the unit. No software is required for this equipment which can be described as mechanical. There is no need to include furniture such as a desk or seat to be included in the fit out but there should be sufficient space available should Network Rail wish to add them. Utilities As stated, an electrical connection point is required to be included in the design. There is no requirement for natural gas or water. On-Going Maintenance Other than during the given warranty where the supplier would be required to make good any defects or omissions, the on-going maintenance including the fit out equipment will be undertaken by Network Rail. Other Items There may be the need for some signage such as "Property of Network Rail" and maybe a safety sign for the electric connection. This can be discussed during design clarification. Delivery The supplier will be responsible for the delivery and lift of the unit to the specific allocated site on Network Rail's premises.

Planning Information

Please see attached document.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ff73
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000357-2026
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, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation


CPV Codes

34632200 - Electrical signalling equipment for railways

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
20 Jan 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Mar 2026 - 27 Mar 2026 30 days
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
deomar.manning@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

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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