Award

Class 158 Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) Modification

NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

27 Jan 2026 at 19:05

Award

27 Jan 2026 at 18:58

Summary of the contracting process

Northern Trains Limited has awarded a contract to Siemens Mobility Limited for the "Class 158 Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) Modification." This procurement process, involving direct award under the rationale of critical safety requirements, focuses on the design, supply, and certification of a proven SVRS for Northern's Class 158 fleet, consisting of eight three-car and forty-five two-car units. The modification is a response to past incidents impacting railway safety. The project is valued at approximately £1.8 million, with a gross amount of about £2.1 million, and is situated in the services industry category, particularly concerning railway maintenance and modification services. The procurement is under the utilities regime, with a special focus on addressing safety critical matters, and will commence in February 2026, lasting until August 2028, with key locations in the UK including the regions UKC, UKD, and UKE.

This award presents significant opportunities for businesses in the railway services and maintenance sector, particularly those with experience in safety-critical rail modifications and supply chain capabilities. The selection of Siemens Mobility Limited underscores the importance of proven expertise and the ability to meet tight regulatory deadlines. This contract highlights potential growth for businesses able to innovate in safety solutions and adapt to stringent technical requirements set by regulatory bodies like the Office of Rail and Road and the Department for Transport Operator. Smaller and medium enterprises with niche capabilities could potentially explore subcontracting or partnership opportunities with major contract stakeholders.

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Notice Title

Class 158 Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) Modification

Notice Description

The design, supply and certification of a proven Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) for Northern's Class 158 fleet, consisting of eight three car and forty five two car units, with fitment commencing August 2026.

Procurement Information

Northern Trains Limited (NTL) is required to procure and install a fully certified and previously proven SVRS system by leaf fall 2026, ensuring fleet safety of NTL's Class 158 rolling stock. The following incidents on the GB rail network has required NTL to install SRVS on its cl.158 fleet: The Salisbury collision (Oct 21) due to poor adhesion, involving Great Western Railway and South Western Railway trains, the Powys collision (Oct 24) involving Transport for Wales trains and multiple station overruns in 2024 and 2025. Given these incidents, there is a need to enhance the stopping capability of the Class 158 as a safety imperative. Siemens is the only provider whose SVRS solution has proven to positively impact breaking in low-adhesion conditions on Class 158s while in passenger service and is permitted for use by the asset-owner. This has been demonstrated at ScotRail. Any alternative would not meet the timelines required by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and Department for Transport Operator (DFTO), making Siemens the only viable supplier for the Autumn 2026 deadline. In conclusion, NTL's procurement under Schedule 5 paragraph 6 is justified due to the following reasons: a. There are no alternative suppliers with a tested solution meeting the technical requirements for Class 158s in the timeframe required by the ORR to address a safety critical matter. b. There are no reasonable alternative goods meeting the technical requirements for Class 158s in the timeframe required by the ORR to address a safety critical matter.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-061041
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007337-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
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

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£1,790,898 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Contract Period
6 Feb 2026 - 28 Aug 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@northernrailway.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
YORK
Postcode
YO1 6JT
Post Town
York
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE2 North Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE21 York
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
York
Electoral Ward
Micklegate
Westminster Constituency
York Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SIEMENS MOBILITY

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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