This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

03 Aug 2026 at 18:08

Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited has awarded a contract for the Railhead Cleaning Technology Trial to Laser Tribology B.V. The procurement process, managed under the direct award method due to the highly specialised nature of the laser-based railhead treatment, culminated in an award on 3rd August 2026. The project's primary aim is to provide a cleaner, water-free railhead cleaning solution using laser technology, assisting Network Rail’s Seasonal team. The contract, falling within the railway maintenance and service vehicles industry category, will be executed across the UK, with operations commencing on 19th October 2026 and concluding on 20th October 2028. The procurement, classified under utilities, involves delivering services related to railway equipment and experimental development, highlighting its importance to central government infrastructure.

This procurement opportunity is ideal for businesses specialising in advanced laser technologies and railway equipment that are aiming to expand their reach into the public sector and infrastructure projects. The selection of Laser Tribology B.V., acknowledged for its expertise and operational readiness in laser-based solutions, underscores the competitive advantage enjoyed by enterprises that can deliver mature and proven technologies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with innovative solutions that can provide technological readiness similar to Laser Tribology could find new avenues for business growth, given the continuing demand for specialised services within public infrastructure developments.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Railhead Cleaning Technology Trial

Notice Description

The supplier will deliver a trial of a laser solution, to support the Seasonal team with their future proofing of the fleet, focusing on eliminating the need of using water to clean the railhead, by using laser technology. The trial will consist of 2 phases. 1 being off track and the other on a live rail environments within the UK at the desired speed of 60mph.

Procurement Information

The requirement for laser-based railhead treatment is highly specialised and LPS are the only provider than has this laser treatment in full use across international rail industries and can deliver the laser treatment at the required speed that NR requires. Furthermore, the maturity of LPS's technology and its prior deployment history differentiate it from emerging or unproven alternatives. Existing materials show that LPS has progressed from pilot phases to live network trials and longer-term operational contracts, demonstrating a level of technical readiness and operational assurance not currently matched by other suppliers.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06da77
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073410-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

34621000 - Railway maintenance or service vehicles, and railway freight wagons

34940000 - Railway equipment

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£700,000 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Aug 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
3 Aug 20262 days ago
Contract Period
18 Oct 2026 - 20 Oct 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE 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
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 8SW
Post Town
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

LASER TRIBOLOGY

Further Information

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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