Market Engagement Questionnaire for T1418 How can batteries make the DC network safer and more cost effective?

Notice Information

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Notice Title

Notice Description

DC electrification is a system used to provide electric traction power to trains via an exposed conductor rail, commonly described as the '3rd rail'. The 3rd rail system is predominantly used in the south of England but is also used by the Merseyside commuter rail network in the North-West. Because of its accessible position on the ground next to the running rails, 3rd rail systems pose an electrical safety risk to the public and railway staff. To address these concerns in a cost-effective way, small retrofittable batteries could be used to allow trains to run between modest gaps in 3rd rail. This would allow removal of live 3rd rail at higher risk location such as stations, level crossing, and junctions. Elimination of certain sections of the DC network, such as at switch and crossing junctions, could also result in maintenance productivity gains. RSSB project T1272 'Compatibility and optimisation considerations for rolling stock traction batteries and battery charging' (T1272 Phase 1b Report FINAL - Page 64) indicated that a modest sized battery of 100 kWh could potentially remove larger parts of the DC network and allow a train to move through up to two kilometres of traction power disruptions. The introduction of batteries for these aims must consider capital and operational costs, the engineering and operational controls that would be needed, and the transition strategy for both rolling stock and infrastructure. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-London:-Research-services./F3ZBDSMB6C To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/F3ZBDSMB6C

Planning Information

24/06/2026

Notice Details

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Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID: ocds-h6vhtk-06b002
Publication Source: Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053890-2026
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: 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
CPV Codes: 73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value: £180,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value: Not specified
Awards Value: Not specified
Contracts Value: Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date: 8 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline: Not specified
Future Notice Date: 24 Jun 2026Expired
Award Date: Not specified
Contract Period: 31 Aug 2026 - 1 Jun 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence: Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

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Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer: RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS BOARD (RSSB)
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: EC3M 5AD
Post Town: Central London
Country: England
Major Region (ITL 1): TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2): TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3): TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location: Not specified
Local Authority: City of London
Electoral Ward: Aldgate
Westminster Constituency: Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053890-2026
8th June 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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JSON Markdown

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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