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Calibration Services

NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

13 Aug 2026 at 14:19

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Northern Trains Limited is exploring calibration services for its geographically dispersed Train Care Centre and maintenance-facility network across the North of England. The requirement is expected to cover calibration of mechanical, electrical and electronic measuring equipment, including torque tools and associated equipment, together with certification, asset management and control. Potential services include UKAS-accredited calibration where applicable, collection and return, on-site or mobile calibration, digital certification management, asset tracking and reporting. The services will support the safe inspection, maintenance and repair of rolling stock, helping Northern maintain compliance, operational efficiency, asset reliability and resilience across multiple Train Care Centre locations. National service support across the network is also being considered.

This procurement is at the planning stage and is currently preliminary market engagement, not an invitation to tender. Northern expects suppliers to complete a market capability questionnaire by 24 August 2026, followed by a virtual Microsoft Teams engagement session on 3 September 2026 at 11:00. The questionnaire and discussions will inform the future scope, specification, contract structure, procurement route, pricing model and mobilisation arrangements. Northern may subsequently hold limited one-to-one meetings or representative site visits, but these activities are for market understanding rather than supplier selection. The anticipated contract period is 1 March 2027 to 1 March 2031. One planned lot is recorded, with the procurement classified as services and above the applicable threshold.

The engagement is suited to calibration providers able to support a multi-site railway maintenance operation, with relevant sector experience, sufficient capacity and geographic coverage across multiple Train Care Centres. Useful capabilities include mechanical, electrical, electronic and torque-tool calibration; UKAS accreditation arrangements where applicable; collection and return; on-site, off-site and mobile delivery; and reliable service coordination across dispersed locations. Suppliers with digital asset-management, certification, tracking and reporting solutions will be relevant, particularly those able to demonstrate innovation in calibration control. Northern is also seeking experience of multi-site contracts, mobilisation, performance requirements and commercial models. This is an opportunity to prepare and contribute market knowledge before any formal procurement begins.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Calibration Services

Notice Description

1. Introduction Northern Trains Limited ("Northern") is undertaking Preliminary Market Engagement ("PME") in advance of a proposed procurement for the provision of calibration services across its Train Care Centre ("TCC") network. The purpose of this engagement is to better understand market capability, capacity, innovation and potential delivery models that could support Northern's operational and compliance requirements. This notice is being published to inform suppliers of the opportunity to participate in market engagement activities and to support the development of Northern's future procurement strategy. 2. Background Northern operates a network of Train Care Centres and maintenance facilities across the North of England. These facilities utilise a range of calibrated tools, instruments and equipment that support the safe inspection, maintenance and repair of rolling stock assets. Northern is seeking to understand the current calibration services market, available technologies, service delivery models and supplier capabilities in advance of commencing a formal procurement process. 3. Objectives of the Market Engagement The objectives of this engagement are to: * Understand the current calibration services marketplace. * Assess supplier capability and capacity to support a geographically dispersed railway maintenance operation. * Explore innovative approaches to calibration management and asset control. * Understand available digital asset management and certification solutions. * Inform the future scope, specification and contract structure. * Test potential commercial and pricing models. * Support the development of a procurement strategy that delivers value for money and operational resilience. 4. Scope Overview The anticipated requirement may include, but is not limited to: * Calibration of mechanical, electrical and electronic measuring equipment. * Calibration of torque tools and associated equipment. * Provision of UKAS-accredited calibration services where applicable. * Collection and return services. * On-site and/or mobile calibration services. * Digital certification management. * Asset tracking and reporting solutions. * National service support across multiple Train Care Centre locations. Further information regarding asset volumes, locations and operational requirements will be made available as part of the market engagement process. 5. Market Engagement Activities Northern intends to undertake the following engagement activities: Stage 1: Market Capability Questionnaire Interested suppliers will be invited to complete a Market Capability Questionnaire covering: * Relevant sector experience. * UKAS accreditation arrangements. * Geographic coverage. * Service delivery capability. * Digital asset management capability. * Multi-site contract experience. * Innovation opportunities. * Commercial approaches. The questionnaire is for information gathering purposes only and will not be evaluated as part of any procurement process. Stage 2: Microsoft Teams Market Engagement Event Northern intends to hold a virtual supplier engagement session via Microsoft Teams. The session may include: * Introduction to the requirement. * Overview of the TCC and outstation network. * Current challenges and opportunities. * Future objectives. * Supplier discussion and feedback. * Questions and answers. Stage 3: Site Engagement (If Required) Subject to operational requirements, Northern may arrange visits to a representative Train Care Centre. Due to operational, safety and security considerations, attendance at site visits may be restricted to a limited number of suppliers following review of questionnaire responses. Any information provided during site visits that is relevant to the future procurement will be shared with all interested suppliers to ensure transparency and equal treatment. Engagement Process Description Northern Trains Limited ("NTL") is seeking to undertake early market engagement with suitably qualified and experienced suppliers in advance of a forthcoming procurement for the provision of Calibration Services across its Train Care Centre ("TCC") network. The proposed contract will support the calibration, certification, management and control of tools, instruments and equipment used across Northern's maintenance facilities to ensure continued compliance, operational efficiency and asset reliability. NTL invites interested suppliers to attend a virtual Pre-Market Engagement session, which will be held on: 3rd September 2026 at 11:00am via Microsoft Teams The session will include a presentation delivered by the Operational and Procurement Teams outlining the strategic objectives of the requirement, the anticipated scope of services and the proposed procurement approach. The session will provide insight into the following areas: * Overview of Northern's Train Care Centre network and operational requirements. * Scope of the proposed calibration services requirement. * Current challenges and opportunities relating to calibration management. * Asset volumes, service expectations and performance requirements. * Digital asset management and certification requirements. * Procurement route, timelines and key milestones. NTL is also seeking feedback from the market to help inform the development of the procurement strategy, including: * Service delivery models (on-site, off-site and mobile). * Asset tracking and digital certification solutions. * Contract structure and mobilisation considerations. * Pricing mechanisms and commercial models. * Emerging technologies and innovation opportunities within the calibration sector. NTL may also invite a limited number of suppliers to participate in one-to-one follow-up meetings and/or attend a representative Train Care Centre site visit. These activities are expected to take place following the engagement session and questionnaire review. Any such invitations will be issued solely to support Northern's understanding of the market and will not constitute a supplier selection process. Selection for these activities will be at NTL's sole discretion, taking account of operational, safety and logistical considerations. This preliminary market engagement is being undertaken to inform NTL's procurement strategy and does not constitute a commitment to commence a procurement process. To express interest in attending the Pre-Market Engagement session, please email: katie.hatton@northernrailway.co.uk Please include: * Organisation name * Contact name * Contact telephone number * Contact email address * Names and job titles of attendees As part of the engagement process, interested suppliers will be invited to complete a Pre-Market Engagement Questionnaire. The questionnaire will be used to gather information on supplier capabilities, experience, capacity, geographic coverage, accreditation arrangements and service delivery models relevant to the proposed requirement. Completed questionnaires must be returned to Northern by 24 August 2026. Invitations to attend the session will be issued following review of the completed questionnaires. Due to practical considerations Northern may limit attendance to suppliers whose responses demonstrate capabilities, experience and solutions relevant to the proposed requirement. This is not a supplier selection process and will not impact participation in any future procurement exercise.

Planning Information

Northern Trains Limited ("NTL") is seeking to undertake early market engagement with suitably qualified and experienced suppliers in advance of a forthcoming procurement for the provision of Calibration Services across its Train Care Centre ("TCC") network. The proposed contract will support the calibration, certification, management and control of tools, instruments and equipment used across Northern's maintenance facilities to ensure continued compliance, operational efficiency and asset reliability. NTL invites interested suppliers to attend a virtual Pre-Market Engagement session, which will be held on: 3rd September 2026 at 11:00am via Microsoft Teams The session will include a presentation delivered by the Operational and Procurement Teams outlining the strategic objectives of the requirement, the anticipated scope of services and the proposed procurement approach. The session will provide insight into the following areas: • Overview of Northern's Train Care Centre network and operational requirements. • Scope of the proposed calibration services requirement. • Current challenges and opportunities relating to calibration management. • Asset volumes, service expectations and performance requirements. • Digital asset management and certification requirements. • Procurement route, timelines and key milestones. NTL is also seeking feedback from the market to help inform the development of the procurement strategy, including: • Service delivery models (on-site, off-site and mobile). • Asset tracking and digital certification solutions. • Contract structure and mobilisation considerations. • Pricing mechanisms and commercial models. • Emerging technologies and innovation opportunities within the calibration sector. NTL may also invite a limited number of suppliers to participate in one-to-one follow-up meetings and/or attend a representative Train Care Centre site visit. These activities are expected to take place following the engagement session and questionnaire review. Any such invitations will be issued solely to support Northern's understanding of the market and will not constitute a supplier selection process. Selection for these activities will be at NTL's sole discretion, taking account of operational, safety and logistical considerations. This preliminary market engagement is being undertaken to inform NTL's procurement strategy and does not constitute a commitment to commence a procurement process. To express interest in attending the Pre-Market Engagement session, please email: katie.hatton@northernrailway.co.uk Please include: • Organisation name • Contact name • Contact telephone number • Contact email address • Names and job titles of attendees As part of the engagement process, interested suppliers will be invited to complete a Pre-Market Engagement Questionnaire. The questionnaire will be used to gather information on supplier capabilities, experience, capacity, geographic coverage, accreditation arrangements and service delivery models relevant to the proposed requirement. Completed questionnaires must be returned to Northern by 24 August 2026. Invitations to attend the session will be issued following review of the completed questionnaires. Due to practical considerations Northern may limit attendance to suppliers whose responses demonstrate capabilities, experience and solutions relevant to the proposed requirement. This is not a supplier selection process and will not impact participation in any future procurement exercise.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06e3b2
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077286-2026
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

50 - Repair and maintenance services

CPV Codes

50433000 - Calibration services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Aug 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
24 Aug 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Mar 2027 - 1 Mar 2031 4-5 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
NORTHERN TRAINS 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 6JT
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
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
York
Electoral Ward
Micklegate
Westminster Constituency
York Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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