This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

26 Jun 2026 at 10:41

Award

17 Jun 2026 at 15:57

Summary of the contracting process

The Mk4 Wheelset Overhaul Contract, awarded by London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), involves the extensive refurbishment and maintenance of Mk4 wheelsets for the IC225 fleet. LNER, based in York, has engaged Wabtec UK Limited, headquartered in Doncaster, to handle this crucial task. This contract is rooted in technical necessity due to the proprietary nature of the Mk4 wheelset systems managed by Wabtec, justifying the direct award. The procurement aligns with the legal standards set by the Procurement Act 2023. The overhaul process, which includes various maintenance and testing tasks, is set to commence on 8th July 2026 and aims to conclude by 1st December 2027, with a possibility for extension. The industry category is focused on services and goods related to railway operations in the United Kingdom, specifically in the regions of York and Doncaster.

This tender presents significant opportunities for business growth, particularly for companies involved in railway equipment repair and maintenance. Given the technical requirements and the need for OEM-approved standards, businesses with a strong track record in managing safety-critical railway components stand the best chance to compete. The contract's ongoing nature and the need for adherence to technical and safety standards suggest further opportunities for firms capable of providing innovative maintenance solutions and ensuring efficient delivery against tight timelines. As the scope includes potential adjustments, businesses equipped to handle dynamic contracts and offer flexible support will find this procurement beneficial for long-term growth.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Mk4 Wheelset Overhaul Contract

Notice Description

The contract covers the overhaul and refurbishment of Mk4 wheelsets to support the continued operation of the IC225 fleet. The scope includes the removal, overhaul, repair, re-profiling, inspection, testing and reinstallation of wheelsets, together with the supply of associated materials, components and consumables required to return units to service in accordance with the applicable maintenance standards and technical documentation. The works will be delivered on a planned and call-off basis over the contract term, aligned to fleet maintenance requirements, with wheelsets transported to and from the supplier's facilities for overhaul and reconditioning prior to return to service. The contract covers an estimated programme of wheelset overhauls across the fleet, with volumes and timing driven by operational demand and maintenance planning. All works will be carried out in accordance with the agreed maintenance plan, technical specifications and safety requirements, with delivery and performance monitored against defined quality and turnaround expectations. The contract includes provision for adjustments to scope where required, with any changes or additional works managed through the agreed contractual mechanisms.

Procurement Information

The contract is awarded without competition pursuant to Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 on the basis that competition is absent for technical reasons and no reasonable and deliverable alternative exists. The requirement concerns the overhaul of Mk4 wheelsets, which is a safety-critical activity requiring compliance with fleet-specific engineering standards, approved technical specifications, validated component interfaces and established maintenance processes. The overhaul scope includes safety-critical components and interfaces that are subject to OEM-controlled technical requirements, proprietary specifications and approved validation processes. Delivery of the requirement requires access to the relevant technical information, approved engineering capability, fleet-specific tooling and established supply chain arrangements associated with the Mk4 wheelset system. Wabtec UK Limited is the OEM and approved system authority for safety-critical elements within the Mk4 wheelset system, including the axle-mounted segmented brake disc arrangement. The company holds the relevant technical specifications, design requirements and interface controls necessary to undertake the overhaul and validation of these components in accordance with approved standards. Delivery of the requirement is such that no reasonable and deliverable alternative exists. Any alternative approach would require substantial reengineering, reapproval and validation of safety-critical components, processes and interfaces, creating unacceptable safety, certification, operational and programme risks. Accordingly, competition is absent for technical reasons and the direct award is necessary and proportionate under Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06b75f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/060176-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

50220000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to railways and other equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£1,860,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Jun 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
17 Jun 20262 months ago
Contract Period
8 Jul 2026 - 1 Dec 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LONDON NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY 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
YORK
Postcode
YO1 6GA
Postcode Area
York
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE2 North Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE21 York
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
York
Electoral Ward
Micklegate
Westminster Constituency
York Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

WABTEC UK LIMITED

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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