Planning

Locomotive and Wagon Tyre Turning Services

DIRECT RAIL SERVICES LIMITED

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

31 Mar 2026 at 09:31

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

13 Mar 2026 at 11:01

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Direct Rail Services Limited, a sub-central governmental public authority based in Carlisle, UK, is in the planning stage of a tender process for "Locomotive and Wagon Tyre Turning Services." The procurement involves repair and maintenance services specifically for locomotive wheelsets, with a total estimated value of £1.44 million. As of the latest update on 31st March 2026, a Request for Information (RFI) has been issued to gather insights into the market capacity, geographic coverage, and supplier flexibility for this service. Suppliers have until 7th April 2026 to provide their inputs, following an extension to address document submission issues. The planned contract period is from 1st October 2026 to 30th September 2030.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity for businesses capable of providing robust locomotive and wagon maintenance solutions. Companies that specialise in railway engineering services, particularly those with experience in locomotive wheelset maintenance and established compliance with railway standards, would be well-placed to compete. Engaging in this project could not only enhance a firm's portfolio by associating with Direct Rail Services but also provide long-term business sustainability through a four-year contract. The buyer seeks suppliers who can offer flexible capacity models and ensure the availability of reserved service slots, presenting further business growth opportunities for adaptable and responsive enterprises.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Locomotive and Wagon Tyre Turning Services

Notice Description

The contracting authority (DRS) are seeking to contract with a supplier who is able to provide tyre turning services for their fleet of wagons and locomotives, including but not limited to: * Pre-tyre turning inspection and confirmation of scope in line with NTS control documentation. * Tyre Turning on a wheel lathe * Associated inspection and measurement activities * Compliance with applicable railway standards * 1 fixed slot Jan - October increasing to 2 fixed slots October-December DRS is, on a voluntary basis, operating under the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) for this procurement and is therefore advertising this opportunity on the Central Digital Platform. By doing so, it does not become a public authority and DRS reserve the right to deviate from the PA23 at its discretion but will preserve the principles of fairness and transparency. The RFI document can be found on our Atamis Portal: https://atamis-2464.my.site.com/s/Welcome Atamis Reference: C30232

Planning Information

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued to understand the market capability, capacity and geographic coverage for the provision of Locomotive and Wagon tyre turning services. The RFI also seeks to understand supplier appetite for flexible capacity models, including reserved slots available on a pay only if used basis.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-066983
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029476-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services

CPV Codes

50221300 - Repair and maintenance services of locomotive wheelsets

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,200,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Mar 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
7 Apr 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DIRECT RAIL SERVICES 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
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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