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Network Expansion: Rolling Stock Feasibility Study

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

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08 Sep 2026 at 11:32

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority commissioned feasibility studies for the potential expansion of the Merseyrail network using modified Class 777 independently powered electric multiple units. The work covers four technical areas: overhead DC charging, alternative battery-charging arrangements, installing onboard toilets, and manufacturing additional units or converting existing Class 777 electric multiple units into battery-powered trains. The studies are intended to assess operation on possible extensions beyond the current network, including routes without third-rail electrification and routes involving longer journeys. This is a specialist rail engineering and rolling-stock consultancy requirement, covering rolling stock and engineering studies (CPV 34620000 and 71335000). Delivery is in the United Kingdom, for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The procurement is complete and the contract was awarded through a direct award to STADLER RAIL SERVICE UK LIMITED, with the award described as being to Stadler Rail Schweiz AG. The award value is £372,000 excluding VAT and £446,400 including VAT. The award was published on 8 September 2026. The contract period runs from 9 October 2026 to 7 April 2027, with signature scheduled for 8 October 2026. There is one completed lot. The authority relied on section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 and Schedule 5, paragraphs 5 and 6, citing proprietary Class 777 design, systems integration, change control, authorisation evidence, and manufacturer-controlled technical information. The stated basis was a single supplier for technical reasons.

This requirement demonstrates demand for suppliers able to undertake manufacturer-level feasibility and systems-engineering work on battery and independently powered passenger trains. A credible competitor for a future comparable requirement would need experience modifying or assessing rolling stock platforms, including battery systems, overhead charging and alternative charging arrangements. It would also need competence in integrating new equipment with existing train architecture, evaluating passenger facilities such as onboard toilets, and assessing the manufacture of new units or conversion of existing electric multiple units. Strong evidence of design authority, proprietary technical knowledge, configuration and change control, safety assurance, and railway authorisation capability would be important. The buyer’s stated rationale indicates that access to manufacturer-specific information and responsibility for system integration were decisive, so suppliers without equivalent platform access or established rail assurance arrangements would be poorly placed.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Network Expansion: Rolling Stock Feasibility Study

Notice Description

The Authority intends to directly award a contract to Stadler Rail Schweiz AG to undertake 4 feasibility studies into modifications to the Class 777 Independently Powered Electric Multiple Unit (IPEMU), supporting the potential future expansion of the Merseyrail network. The proposed modifications are intended to enable Class 777 IPEMUs to operate effectively on potential extensions beyond the existing Merseyrail network, including routes without third-rail electrification and routes involving longer journey times. 1The feasibility work will examine overhead DC charging, alternative battery-charging arrangements, the installation of onboard toilets and the manufacture of additional IPEMUs or conversion of existing Class 777 EMUs into battery-powered units.

Procurement Information

A direct award to Stadler Rail Schweiz AG under section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 relying on Schedule 5, paragraphs 5 and 6. The requirement is inseparable from the Class 777 platform's proprietary design, systems integration, change control and authorisation evidence. Stadler's involvement essential as the Supplier controls manufacturer-specific design and technical information.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06f457
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/084795-2026
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

34620000 - Rolling stock

71335000 - Engineering studies

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£372,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Sep 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
9 Oct 2026 - 7 Apr 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LIVERPOOL
Postcode
L3 1BP
Postcode Area
Liverpool
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD7 Merseyside
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD72 Liverpool
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Liverpool
Electoral Ward
Waterfront South
Westminster Constituency
Liverpool Riverside

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Stadler Rail Service UK Limited

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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