Planning

RFI for provision of Terminal Ground staff & Train Driver Duties

DIRECT RAIL SERVICES LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

15 May 2026 at 12:13

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Direct Rail Services Limited is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process, titled "RFI for provision of Terminal Ground staff & Train Driver Duties". The purpose is to identify market capabilities for supplying competent personnel for rail services, specifically for Train Preparation, Shunting, Driver Operator duties at rail terminals, and hiring Mainline Train Drivers throughout the UK. This procurement falls under the services category, with industry classifications in support services for railway transport and supply of personnel. It occurs in various locations across the UK, with a key milestone of market engagement scheduled for 9th June 2026. Potential contracts are set to commence on 1st January 2027, lasting until 31st December 2028.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specializing in railway support services and personnel supply. Given its inclusive suitability for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), a wide range of businesses can participate. With a focus on baseline scope for ground staff duties and flexible hiring of train drivers, companies adept in staffing and logistical rail operations are well-suited to compete, potentially leading to long-term growth and collaboration with a sub-central government public authority like Direct Rail Services.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

RFI for provision of Terminal Ground staff & Train Driver Duties

Notice Description

To support our Intermodal rail services NTS is currently seeking to understand the capabilities of the market for the provision of competent personnel for the following requirements: * Competent personnel to perform ground staff duties covering Train Preparation, Shunting and Driver Operator duties at various rail terminals * Competent personnel ad-hoc hire of Mainline Train Driver duties throughout the UK.

Planning Information

To support our Intermodal rail services NTS is currently seeking to understand the capabilities of the market for the provision of competent personnel for the following requirements: • Competent personnel to perform ground staff duties covering Train Preparation, Shunting and Driver Operator duties at various rail terminals • Competent personnel ad-hoc hire of Mainline Train Driver duties throughout the UK.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0699f8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044897-2026
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
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

63711000 - Support services for railway transport

79620000 - Supply services of personnel including temporary staff

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
9 Jun 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 31 Dec 2028 2-3 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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