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1063173918 T1421 Uniformity and consistency of braking within a freight train

RSSB

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

02 Sep 2026 at 09:59

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

RSSB is procuring research services on the uniformity and consistency of braking within freight trains. The work involves a programme of static brake testing and analysis to investigate variation in braking performance across representative freight wagons, including differences between integrated and non-integrated brake equipment and consistency of brake force across the fleet. The research will produce an evidence base for operational, engineering and standards decisions, including recommendations for achieving greater conformity in braking performance. RSSB is the buying organisation. The requirement concerns rail freight engineering and braking research, combining practical testing with technical analysis to inform future railway operations, engineering practice and standards.

The procurement has reached tender: RSSB invited offers through an open procedure. Enquiries were due by 22 September 2026 at 12:00, and bids were due electronically by 2 October 2026 at 12:00. The expected award decision date was 19 October 2026. The single contract was planned to run from 2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027. Its value is up to £350,000 excluding VAT, or £420,000 including VAT. Evaluation assigns 30% to understanding and methodology, 25% to experience and individual expertise, 15% to project planning and engagement, 10% to risks and opportunities, and 20% to project cost.

This opportunity suits research organisations, rail engineering consultancies and specialist testing providers with expertise in freight train braking systems. Strong candidates will be able to design and deliver static brake tests, analyse braking performance across representative wagon populations, and assess the effects of integrated and non-integrated brake equipment. The work also requires the ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations for railway operations, engineering and standards decisions. Suppliers should be able to demonstrate relevant organisational experience and individual specialist expertise, supported by sound project planning, stakeholder engagement, and management of technical risks and opportunities. The requirement is identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, including specialist firms able to assemble the necessary testing, analytical and rail-sector expertise.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

1063173918 T1421 Uniformity and consistency of braking within a freight train

Notice Description

RSSB is seeking to appoint a supplier to undertake research into the uniformity and consistency of braking within freight trains. The project will use a programme of static brake testing and analysis to investigate variability in braking performance across representative freight wagons, including differences between integrated and non-integrated brake equipment and the consistency of brake force across the fleet. The research will develop an evidence base to support operational, engineering and standards decisions, including recommendations on how greater conformity in braking performance could be achieved. The work is expected to start in October 2026, with a budget of up to PS350,000 excluding VAT, and is anticipated to take less than 12 months. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://rssb.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-London:-Research-services./65NA2RG3HU To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://rssb.delta-esourcing.com/respond/65NA2RG3HU

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06f01d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/082927-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£350,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£350,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Sep 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
2 Oct 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Nov 2026 - 1 Nov 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
RSSB
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
EC3M 5AD
Postcode Area
Central London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
City of London
Electoral Ward
Aldgate
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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