--- title: "RSSB2687 - T1144 - Braking in snow conditions" ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-26d5e088-9a3b-4f36-a0f8-fa0ae0f76e8d" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-26d5e088-9a3b-4f36-a0f8-fa0ae0f76e8d" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-26d5e088-9a3b-4f36-a0f8-fa0ae0f76e8d.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-26d5e088-9a3b-4f36-a0f8-fa0ae0f76e8d.json" source: "Contracts Finder" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED" published: "2018-03-16" --- # RSSB2687 - T1144 - Braking in snow conditions Buyer: RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-b5fd17-26d5e088-9a3b-4f36-a0f8-fa0ae0f76e8d [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-26d5e088-9a3b-4f36-a0f8-fa0ae0f76e8d) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-26d5e088-9a3b-4f36-a0f8-fa0ae0f76e8d.json) ## Summary The Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited is currently conducting a tender labelled "RSSB2687 - T1144 - Braking in snow conditions" within the research and development services sector. This procurement process, classified under the CPV code 73000000, is at the tender stage, with a submission deadline set for 11th April 2018. The contract is expected to commence on 30th April 2018 and last until 31st May 2019. The contract value ranges between £40,000 and £50,000, and the procurement method employed is an open procedure designed to attract varied bids. This tender presents a substantial opportunity for businesses specialising in safety, engineering, and research services, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) capable of innovating in rail safety measures. Companies with expertise in testing, consultancy, or the development of new braking technologies suitable for snowy conditions would find this particularly relevant. Engaging in this project could enhance the competitive edge of such businesses in the growing rail infrastructure sector. ## Notice Following the derailment of a container-carrying train at Carr Bridge on 4th January 2010, the relevance of the rule book instructions for running brake tests in snow was questioned. The incident at Carr Bridge was preceded by a similar runaway incident at Carstairs on 22nd December 2009. The rule book at the time of these incidents (GERT8000 TW1) stated the following instructions when encountering fallen snow : "You must make a full-service application of the automatic brake every three to five minutes and make sure that the speed of your train is reduced by at least 10 mph because of the application. If driving a locomotive-hauled train, you can extend this interval when: the train is climbing a steep-rising gradient, and the train might be brought to a complete stand as a result of using the brake" Whilst the latest amendment to the rule book, in force from December 2013, are less descriptive and mentions the duty of the operators : "When snow is falling, or fallen snow is being disturbed by the passage of trains, you must carry out running brake tests as frequently as necessary to make sure that the automatic brake is operating effectively. You must also carry out any other train operating company instructions." The practice within operators following the change has been to maintain the status quo stated in the old requirements. These instructions were created at a time when most of braking systems used in GB utilised friction braking (brake blocks and brake pads). For such systems it was necessary to both prevent a build-up of ice and snow between the friction element and the wheel or brake disc, and to prevent moisture seeping into the friction material then subsequently freezing and adversely affecting its friction properties. The instructions for a running brake test were intended to not only test the brakes, but to additionally generate sufficient heat in the brake system to both melt any forming ice and snow, and to dry out any water within the friction material, so preventing the development of issues. Train braking systems have advanced and modern rolling stock may now use a combination of regenerative, rheostatic or retarder braking, in addition to friction braking. Such systems do not rely on contact between the friction elements and wheel / brake disc to slow the train and may therefore not be susceptible to loss of performance during snow conditions or may be susceptible in different ways which are not addressed by running brake tests. Further, such systems may render the past (current) practice of running brake tests ineffective at dealing with snow conditions, by reducing the heat generated in the friction brake system. Through industry engagement it is seen that many operators still adopt practices that are consistent with the old requirements. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Contracts Finder | | Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/0125406f-2ac5-4ac1-98ea-c18ccdb9cdcd | | Notice type | Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Open | | Procurement method details | Open procedure (below threshold) | | Tender suitability | SME | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 16 Mar 2018 | | Submission deadline | 11 Apr 2018 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 29 Apr 2018 - 31 May 2019 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £50,000 | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Not specified | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITED | | Locality | LONDON | | Post town | Central London | | Postcode | EC2M 2RB | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLI London | | ITL 2 | TLI4 Inner London - East | | ITL 3 | TLI43 Haringey and Islington | | Local authority | Islington | | Electoral ward | Bunhill | | Westminster constituency | Islington South and Finsbury | | Delivery location | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services ### Codes - 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services ## Release History - 16 Mar 2018 at 09:48 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/0125406f-2ac5-4ac1-98ea-c18ccdb9cdcd ## Documents - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/0125406f-2ac5-4ac1-98ea-c18ccdb9cdcd 16th March 2018 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/b140dba1-a223-4090-ab62-ebbc9165a4a1 Commercial Pricing Schedule - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/3b1a2bbe-de7c-464a-9150-e252b1fd7cfe RSSB2687 - T1144 - Braking in snow conditions - I.T.T - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/eb923a66-ffec-4290-b9c1-52ec68bd3c07 RSSB2687 - T1144 - Braking in snow conditions- Research&Development Terms & Conditions ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. 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