Planning

Overhaul of London Underground Spoil and Ballast (S&B) Wagons

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Planning

11 May 2026 at 14:17

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

27 Apr 2026 at 13:26

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

26 Apr 2026 at 19:57

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Transport for London is in the planning stage for a procurement process titled "Overhaul of London Underground Spoil and Ballast (S&B) Wagons," aiming to find a supplier to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of these wagons. This falls under the services category, specifically targeting railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock. Located in London, this procurement is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the London Underground's maintenance and track renewal regime. Key dates for interested suppliers include a deadline to register their interest by 12 noon on 1 June 2026, with further market engagement activities to follow. The initial contract term is set for three years starting on 20 May 2027, with a potential one-year extension, subject to performance criteria.

This procurement represents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in railway maintenance and repair services to showcase their expertise and secure a valuable contract with a major public authority. Companies with capabilities in overhauling railway vehicles, especially those experienced with specialist rail vehicles, will find this project well-suited to their services. Additionally, the contract encourages participation from SMEs, indicating an inclusive competitive environment. Engaging in this tender could provide long-term growth opportunities by aligning with Transport for London's technical requirements and potentially setting a precedent for future collaborations in the public transportation sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Overhaul of London Underground Spoil and Ballast (S&B) Wagons

Notice Description

Transport for London (TfL), on behalf of London Underground, is seeking a supplier to undertake the overhaul of the Spoil and Ballast (S&B) wagon fleet, which is critical to delivering the London Underground maintenance and track renewal regime. S&B wagons support track renewal programmes across the London Underground network by enabling the efficient delivery of materials and the removal of waste ballast during possessions, within both tunnelled and surface sections, helping to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the railway. The scope of works comprises a full and comprehensive overhaul of all S&B wagons, including but not limited to brake equipment, drawgear, bogies, bodywork, fittings, gauging, and brake performance testing, together with any repair works identified through condition assessments carried out during the overhaul process. All works must be delivered in accordance with TfL's mandatory technical requirements and applicable London Underground standards, using approved methods and suitably competent personnel experienced in the maintenance of specialist rail vehicles. The fleet consists of 52 wagons, originally procured in 1996. While the S&B wagons have previously undergone a successful life extension programme, a full overhaul is now required to mitigate reliance on an interim Case for Continued Safe Operation (CCSO) and to support their continued operation. The S&B wagons overhaul works include, but are not limited to: * Brake equipment overhaul (distributors, brake cylinders, handbrake, etc.) * Drawgear overhaul (drawgear, buffers & couplers) * Bogie overhaul (bogie frames, suspension, brake rigging, etc.) * Body (corrosion repair, box protection/ renewal, damage repair, paint, etc.) * Fittings (cover plates etc.) * Gauging & brake performance checks. * Repair works arising from condition assessment during overhaul. The objective of the overhaul programme is to return all Spoil and Ballast (S&B) wagons to a condition that reliable and safe operation for a minimum period of eight years following completion of the works. The contract will be let for an initial term of three years, with an option for TfL to extend for a further one year period, subject to ongoing operational and performance requirements.

Planning Information

"Interested suppliers are invited to register their interest by 12 noon on Monday 01 June 2026 responding to this notice. A market sounding questionnaire will then be issued. Transport for London may also hold optional follow-up clarification meetings. Participation will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement."

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068b28
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043087-2026
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
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

50 - Repair and maintenance services

CPV Codes

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

50000000 - Repair and maintenance services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 May 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
19 Nov 20267 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
19 May 2027 - 19 May 2030 3-4 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
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON
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
E20 1JN
Post Town
East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI41 Hackney and Newham
Delivery Location
TLI London
Local Authority
Newham
Electoral Ward
Stratford Olympic Park
Westminster Constituency
Stratford and Bow

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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