Award

Track Buckling - MxV Testing Collaboration

NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

26 Feb 2026 at 10:44

Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited has completed a procurement process titled "Track Buckling – MxV Testing Collaboration" aimed at enhancing railway resilience to climate change. The procurement, which falls under the services category, involves a collaboration with the University of Huddersfield Institute of Railway Research. This follows previous work with the University of Southampton and leverages a testing programme in the USA. As of 26th February 2026, the contract was awarded directly under a framework agreement related to the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN). The contract, valued at £29,295, will run from 26th February 2026 until 31st May 2026, focusing on methods to justify the easing of speed restrictions during hot weather conditions across the UK, with activities mainly in London.

This tender offers substantial growth opportunities for businesses involved in railway research and development services. Companies that specialise in providing innovative solutions for railway infrastructure and possess expertise in climate resilience and operational safety would be well-suited to compete. The procurement method allows for direct award under the UKRRIN framework, giving preference to businesses already part of the network. Engaging in this tender not only aids in securing grants but also enhances the credibility of participating businesses in the field of railway technology and innovation.

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Notice Title

Track Buckling - MxV Testing Collaboration

Notice Description

Outlines how the University of Huddersfield Institute of Railway Research (IRR) can provide further support to Network Rail (NR) in justifying the relaxation of speed restrictions and operational constraints applied during periods of hot weather, to ensure that the GB railway is more resilient to climate change. It builds on previous work carried out by the IRR and the University of Southampton (UoS), and takes advantage of a testing programme being planned by MxV in the USA. This international collaboration will enhance the understanding of track buckle formation and the accuracy of models used to predict it.

Procurement Information

This is a framework call-off (direct award) under the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Research & Development Framework. Competition was undertaken at framework award stage and the framework permits direct award of commissions below PS100k. This procurement is therefore not a UCR direct award and no statutory derogation is being relied upon.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065cc6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017199-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£29,295 Under £100K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
26 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
26 Feb 2026 - 31 May 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE 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
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD

Further Information

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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