Award

Class 158 Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) Modification

NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

05 Mar 2026 at 15:27

Award

27 Jan 2026 at 19:05

Award

27 Jan 2026 at 18:58

Summary of the contracting process

Northern Trains Limited, a central government public authority, has completed a procurement process for the modification of its Class 158 fleet with a Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) system, awarding the contract directly to Siemens Mobility Limited. This procurement, categorised under utilities services, addresses the railway industry, specifically focusing on repair, maintenance, and safety enhancements. Fitting of the SVRS system, aimed at improving the safety of Class 158 trains in low-adhesion conditions, is set to commence in August 2026. Siemens Mobility Limited, the sole viable provider of this solution within the required timeframe, is tasked with both supply and certification, addressing recent safety incidents on the GB rail network. The contract period extends from 6th February 2026 to 28th August 2028, highlighting key procurement stages such as the award and signing in early February 2026.

This contract presents substantial growth opportunities for related businesses, particularly those in railway maintenance and safety equipment sectors. By being involved with a large-scale provider like Siemens, SMEs could potentially collaborate on ancillary services or components related to the procurement. Although the contract specifies a direct award due to technical requirements, businesses specialising in railway safety enhancements could gain insights and develop compatible solutions for future tenders involving similar safety systems. Companies within the repair and maintenance industry, possessing expertise in railway equipment, may position themselves as key suppliers or subcontractors in subsequent related procurements or technological advancements.

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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/020027-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details 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
£1,790,898 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Mar 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Jan 20262 months 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
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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)

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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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