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IPDR - Turbostar - Onboard ETCS Fleet Fitment Framework

NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Planning

07 Aug 2026 at 11:46

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

31 Mar 2026 at 17:11

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

27 Mar 2026 at 17:03

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited intends to procure a national, long-term single-supplier framework for fitting digital signalling equipment, including European Train Control System (ETCS) technology, to Turbostar passenger trains, together with associated works. The programme supports the replacement of traditional lineside signals with in-cab signalling, providing drivers with continuous real-time information and enabling safer, more reliable and higher-capacity rail operations. The work covers railway rolling stock, traffic-control equipment, signalling works and installation of signalling equipment (CPV 34600000 and related codes). The planned fleet comprises Class 168, 170, 171 and 172 diesel multiple units, operated by six train operating companies. Up to 172 units are planned for fitment, across fleets owned by Porterbrook, Beacon Rail Leasing and Angel Trains. Delivery is across the United Kingdom.

This procurement is at the planning stage: Network Rail has stated its intention to procure, but there is no invitation to tender yet. A tender notice and bidder pack are expected on 14 October 2026, with a virtual tender launch event planned for 22 October 2026. The proposed procurement is a selective, competitive flexible procedure with an initial participation stage, a single tender stage and optional negotiation with a preferred supplier. It is planned as a single-lot framework with one participant, for a contract period from 3 February 2028 to 2 February 2043. The estimated value is £165,772,356 excluding VAT, or £198,926,828 including VAT. The framework may include ScotRail and Northern fleets. Network Rail has undertaken preliminary market engagement, including a supplier event planned for 28 April 2026 and a market-sounding questionnaire.

This will suit rail engineering and rolling-stock specialists able to design, approve, install and support ETCS equipment across multiple Turbostar vehicle classes. Relevant capability is likely to include onboard signalling integration, railway systems engineering, rolling-stock modification, installation of signalling equipment, testing, commissioning and early-life support. Suppliers will need to manage fleet fitment at national scale and coordinate with Network Rail, train operating companies, rolling-stock owners and the approval process. The buyer highlights the need for FiC design completion, APIS approval, fleet fitment, type design and associated tooling, training, resources and supply-chain investment. The opportunity is marked as suitable for SMEs and voluntary, community or social enterprises, although the technical scope and single-supplier structure indicate that smaller firms may be best placed as specialist delivery or supply-chain partners. Businesses should use the planning and engagement period to share capability, intellectual property and delivery-model feedback.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

IPDR - Turbostar - Onboard ETCS Fleet Fitment Framework

Notice Description

Network Rail is introducing digital signalling, which will see traditional lineside signals removed and replaced with European Train Control Systems (ETCS) in-cab technology on GB rolling stock. The implementation will enable continuous, real-time information to the train driver's cab, enabling more responsive, reliable, and safer train operations. ETCS enables trains to run closer together, safely and to travel at their optimal speeds. To implement ETCS, it requires changes to signalling infrastructure. For passengers, this means fewer delays, increased capacity, and a more resilient service. For operators, it offers reduced costs, streamlined renewals, and a modernised approach to managing the network. Network Rail intends to procure a national, long-term single supplier framework for the onboard fitment of digital signalling system equipment, European Train Control Systems (ETCS), and associated works on to Turbostar passenger trains.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: Potential to include fleets from Scotrail and Northern

Planning Information

Network Rail intends to procure a national, long-term contract for the onboard fitment of digital signalling system equipment, European Train Control Systems (ETCS), and associated works on to IPDR Turbostar passenger trains. The IPDR Turbostar fleet has been identified as the next priority procurement due to the required delivery dates to achieve fitment completion and driver training before the anticipated ‘signals away’ date for the Grantham Scheme on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). The Turbostar fleet are diesel multiple units (DMUs) built by Adtranz and later Bombardier (now Alstom) in Derby between 1997 and 2011. The family consists of 206 units of Class 168, Class 170, Class 171, Class 172, of which 172 are planned to be fitted owned by Porterbrook (145), Beacon Rail Leasing (12) and Angel Trains (12). The fleet to be fitted is operated across 6 Train Operating Companies (TOCs). As such there is a significant opportunity to implement a consolidated sourcing strategy which will drive value, economies of scale and consistency into the procurement and delivery of the works over this proposed fifteen 15 year contract period. Network Rail is planning to conduct a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) to develop the procurement approach and provide the market with the opportunity to input. Responding to the notice is an excellent opportunity to engage with the programme, share relevant information and provide vital feedback to inform the procurement approach. Should your organisation wish to respond to this notice please follow the instructions below. 1. Supplier Engagement Event NR intends to hold a virtual online supplier engagement session for registered parties in relation to the procurement of the IPDR - Turbostar - Onboard ETCS Fleet Fitment Contract on the 28 April 2026, via Microsoft Teams. NR encourages your organisation to attend this event and hear about this very exciting opportunity and the start of changing the GB Rail Industry for the future of ETCS. This event will have a greater level of detailed information provided on our proposed approaches, and we encourage attendance therefore to help shape the requirements and contracting strategy. Our team will be on hand to take away any questions which will answered by publishing the Q&A in the BRAVO sourcing portal after the event. All supply chains are encouraged to attend (large or small) to understand how your organisation can become engaged and involved. To register for the event please follow the instructions below: 1. Follow the link https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html 2. From the welcome screen, access the "View Current Opportunities" link and select “IPDR - Turbostar - Onboard ETCS Fleet Fitment Contract” (Login is not required). 3. Then follow the instructions in the "Responding to the Preliminary Market Engagement Notice" section of the attached document titled “IPDR - Turbostar - Onboard ETCS Fleet Fitment Contract Supplier Briefing Document” in the Opportunity Attachments section in BRAVO. Should you have any difficulties in registering for the event or have any clarifications or questions in respect of this market engagement they should be directed to: PFP@networkrail.co.uk 2. Market Sounding Questionnaire In conjunction with the publication of this PME Notice and the supplier briefing document, NR has published a Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) in the Opportunity Attachments section in BRAVO which invites all participants to provide feedback on key areas to help shape the requirements and contracting strategy for the IPDR - Turbostar - Onboard ETCS Fleet Fitment Contract. 3. Supplier Clarification Question (CQ) process NR shall run a full clarification question process throughout this whole market engagement process via the NR BRAVO sourcing portal messaging function. Where no Unique Selling Points (USP’s) or Intellectual Property Rights are disclosed then in these cases our responses and the original question will be shared with all potential participants via BRAVO. NR therefore request that should anything be considered a USP and IPR to your organisation that this is marked (CONFIDENTIAL & COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE) on the clarification or email at the very top of the clarification or email, so that NR can consider ensuring protection of the same.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06771d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075226-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

34600000 - Railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock and associated parts

34620000 - Rolling stock

34630000 - Parts of railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; railways traffic-control equipment

34631000 - Parts of locomotives or rolling stock

34632000 - Railways traffic-control equipment

45234115 - Railway signalling works

45316200 - Installation of signalling equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£165,772,356 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£165,772,356 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Aug 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
14 Oct 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 Feb 2028 - 2 Feb 2043 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Additional Buyers

NETWORK RAIL (HIGH SPEED) 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
Postcode Area
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)

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