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CHILTERN RAILWAYS - Train Planning & Rostering System Replacement

THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

27 Jul 2026 at 16:44

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

27 Jul 2026 at 16:40

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Chiltern Railway Company Limited, a private utility based in Sunderland, is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process. They are seeking to replace their existing Train Planning and Rostering System. The procurement focuses on the services industry category, specifically software packages and system support services. Preliminary market engagement is scheduled from 27 July 2026 to 21 August 2026. Potential suppliers are invited to participate electronically via Market Dojo. Key deadlines include the submission of clarification questions by 14 August 2026 and the final submission of responses by 21 August 2026. This stage aims to test the feasibility and market readiness of Chiltern Railways' requirements without a commitment to undertake a full procurement process at this time.

This tender offers significant opportunities for software development firms and system support service providers, particularly those specialising in railway operations and rostering solutions. Businesses well-suited to compete will have the capability to deliver innovative and integrated train planning systems, robust support services, and software implementation expertise. Suppliers will gain insights into the procurement needs of a major UK rail operator, possibly securing long-term partnerships or contracts upon successful engagement. This engagement process provides a strategic platform for companies aiming to expand their influence in the transport sector while shaping the final tender requirements to align with industry best practices.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

CHILTERN RAILWAYS - Train Planning & Rostering System Replacement

Notice Description

Chiltern Railways is undertaking preliminary market engagement in relation to the potential replacement of its existing Train Planning and front-line staff Rostering solutions. The engagement is intended to test whether Chiltern Railways' draft requirements are clear, complete and feasible within the current market, and to identify any requirements that suppliers consider should be amended, clarified, added or removed. Chiltern Railways is also seeking non-binding indicative five-year pricing, including details of supplier pricing models, key cost components, assumptions and factors that may materially affect the overall cost. This information will be used to inform the expected contract value and internal budget for any future procurement. This preliminary market engagement does not constitute a call for competition or a commitment by Chiltern Railways to undertake a procurement.

Planning Information

The preliminary market engagement will run from 27 July 2026 to 21 August 2026 and will be conducted electronically through Market Dojo, with no in-person events currently planned. The engagement will test the clarity, completeness and feasibility of Chiltern Railways' draft Train Planning and Rostering requirements and obtain non-binding indicative pricing to inform the expected contract value and internal budget. Suppliers wishing to participate should email frank.molloy@chilternrailways.co.uk to express their interest and receive access to the Market Dojo event. Any clarification questions must be submitted through Market Dojo by 14 August 2026, with completed responses submitted by 21 August 2026.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d4a7
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070963-2026
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

48 - Software package and information systems

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

72250000 - System and support services

72263000 - Software implementation services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
21 Aug 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Apr 2027 - 1 May 2032 Over 5 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
THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY 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
SUNDERLAND
Postcode
SR3 3XP
Post Town
Sunderland
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC44 Sunderland
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Sunderland
Electoral Ward
Doxford
Westminster Constituency
Houghton and Sunderland South

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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