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Provision and Maintenance of Ultrasonic Rail Flaw Detection Devices

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

29 Jul 2026 at 15:06

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited intends to procure ultrasonic rail flaw detection devices and associated maintenance and support. The equipment is used to identify flaws in railway infrastructure, replacing approximately 30 existing devices that are approaching the end of their operational lifespan. The requirement is primarily for new error-monitoring equipment, with ongoing technical support and maintenance delivered alongside the devices. Replacement is expected to take place in phases, with equipment called off from a framework as operational requirements arise. The work concerns Network Rail’s rail infrastructure and is managed by the company from London. This is a utilities procurement for suppliers operating in rail inspection, non-train-borne ultrasonic testing, rail safety equipment, specialist engineering support or related asset-maintenance services.

The process is at the planning and preliminary market-engagement stage; it is not yet an invitation to tender. Network Rail expects to run a mini-competition through RISQS, using the Ultrasonic Testing (Non-Train-Borne) / Service category, followed by a combined Procurement Specific Questionnaire and Invitation to Tender through BravoNR. Market engagement is scheduled for four weeks, with expressions of interest expected by 27 August 2026. The buyer anticipates launching the combined questionnaire and tender in October 2026 and closing it by December 2026. The anticipated contract period is from 12 April 2027 to 31 March 2030, with an option to extend for one year plus a further one-year option. The procurement is above the applicable threshold and has one planned lot.

The requirement will suit suppliers able to design, manufacture, supply and support ultrasonic rail flaw detection equipment for non-train-borne testing. Network Rail is looking for commercially competitive whole-life value, so relevant strengths include dependable equipment, lifecycle planning, responsive technical support and the capacity to provide replacement devices in phases. Suppliers should be prepared to demonstrate full product acceptance before the combined questionnaire and tender closes. All maintenance is expected to be carried out by the original equipment manufacturer, making OEM status or a direct OEM delivery model important. Firms should also be able to operate within RISQS requirements for the relevant ultrasonic-testing service category and use Network Rail’s electronic procurement systems. Market engagement is the appropriate preparation stage for interested businesses.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision and Maintenance of Ultrasonic Rail Flaw Detection Devices

Notice Description

Network Rail is carrying out a mini-competition using RISQS code C.C.3.4.5.6: Ultrasonic Testing (Non-Train-Borne) / Service. Network Rail currently operates approximately 30 rail flaw detection devices which are approaching the end of their operational lifespan and require replacement. The objective of this procurement is to identify suppliers capable of supplying new equipment, providing ongoing maintenance and support services, whilst offering competitive whole-life value. It is anticipated that replacement devices will be procured on a phased basis; devices will be called-off from the framework as operational requirements dictate. The appointed supplier will be required to have full product acceptance ahead of the combined Procurement specific Questionnaire (PSQ)/ Invitation to Tender (ITT) closing date. All maintenance will need to be carried out by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). It is anticipated that the contract will run for three years from April 2027 with a one plus one year option to extend. Suppliers wishing to participate must express their interest by selecting "Yes" within their response on RISQS by 27/08/2026 at 12.00 midday. Late Expressions of Interest will not be accepted. The combined PSQ and ITT will be conducted via BravoNR. Suppliers are strongly advised to register their interest as early as possible. The Expression of Interest (EOI) period will remain open for four (4) weeks. The PSQ and ITT documents will be made available on BravoNR once the PSQ/ITT goes live to suppliers who have expressed an interest. It is anticipated that the combined PSQ/ ITT will be launched In October 2026 and close by December 2026. If you do not already have access to BravoNR, then please request access by using the following link: https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html and click on the "register now" button on the BravoNR homepage. Interested parties will be provided online access to the PSQ/ ITT. Important Notes: Expressing an interest does not guarantee an invitation to tender. Network Rail reserves the right to amend or withdraw this opportunity at any time. All procurement documentation will be issued electronically via the Bravo e procurement system. For any queries or technical issues, please contact: Victoria.clark1@networkrail.co.uk

Planning Information

Market engagement is via RISQS under the code C.C.3.4.5.6: Ultrasonic Testing (Non Train-Borne) / Service. Suppliers will be able to express their interest in bidding.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d6bd
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071806-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

38343000 - Error-monitoring equipment

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Jul 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
12 Apr 2027 - 31 Mar 2030 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
Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
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
SE1 8SW
Postcode Area
South East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI45 Lambeth
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Lambeth
Electoral Ward
Waterloo & South Bank
Westminster Constituency
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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