---
title: "GB-London: T1185 - RSSB Research into the maximum current limit at standstill"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-9fdb65fe-6cc2-4543-9390-4aa2b63ed913"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-9fdb65fe-6cc2-4543-9390-4aa2b63ed913"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-9fdb65fe-6cc2-4543-9390-4aa2b63ed913.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-9fdb65fe-6cc2-4543-9390-4aa2b63ed913.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "RSSB"
published: "2019-08-28"
---

# GB-London: T1185 - RSSB Research into the maximum current limit at standstill

Buyer: RSSB  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-9fdb65fe-6cc2-4543-9390-4aa2b63ed913

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[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-9fdb65fe-6cc2-4543-9390-4aa2b63ed913.json)

## Summary

The procurement process, initiated by the RSSB, focuses on research services related to the maximum current limit at standstill, specifically aimed at electrifying the railway. Located in London, this open tender is currently in the tender stage, with submissions now due by 10th October 2019, extended from 26th September. The contract is expected to have a minimum value of £100,000 and a total budget of £500,000, with the contract period slated to begin on 1st November 2019 and end on 21st September 2020.

This tender presents significant opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) specialising in research and development, particularly those with expertise in railway electrification technologies and battery systems. As the railway sector aims to develop efficient energy solutions and reduce reliance on diesel-powered trains by 2040, businesses that can design innovative battery charging methods and conduct robust infrastructure testing may find this contract well-suited to their capabilities. Engaging in this research could enhance SMEs' profiles within the growing sustainable transport market.

## Notice

NOTE: This notice was updated on 28 August 2019 for the following reason: Please note that the tender submission deadline has been extended from 26th September to 10th October 2019.(Electrifying the railway is not economically viable across all parts of the network. As a result, the industry is exploring the development of on-board battery technology as part of the solution to meet the phase down targets of diesel only trains. Batteries will need to be charged at various locations on the network and will need to be charged whilst stationary. Currently railway power supply system design is undertaken using the train timetable and rolling stock consumption. This is normally done to ensure that the timetable timings can be met and in terms of standards compliance, voltage at pantograph and maximum current, are in accordance with the ENE TSI and GLRT1210 for AC subsystems and GLRT1212 for DC subsystems. The current at standstill is to provide for the normal operation of the railway, for example hotel loads and rolling stock systems. Power for charging batteries has not been considered historically. Going forward, with an increased number of bi-modes that are planned to be procured as well the government intention to replace diesel only trains by 2040, it is prudent to look at the limits for current at standstill and determine the future need and what is able to be supported on traditional electrified routes. Infrastructure managers have been approached regarding the maximum current limit at a standstill in order to charge onboard batteries, whilst the trains are stabling on sidings or at stations. Whilst interim guidance has been given, and some stakeholders are now pursuing bespoke charging solutions, there is a need to develop a harmonised set of rules that can be widely applied. Specified limits with rationale and guidance would enable the development of battery technology on trains around a standardised interface The intention is that this research will comprise of laboratory testing of high currents applicable to 25 kV AC OLE (Overhead Line Equipment) and 750 V DC third rail under a variety of conditions, and for a range of durations in order to provide guidance on safe levels of current at standstill. These tests will establish a set of current limits for 25kV AC OLE and 750 DC third rail systems. This would assist in building a better business case for intermittent electrification and hence aid in creating a detailed route map to decarbonisation) Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8d5d99c1-7e57-4bce-95fd-5ab798aff46b |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 28 Aug 2019 |
| Submission deadline | 26 Sep 2019 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 1 Nov 2019 - 21 Sep 2020 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £500,000 |
| 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 | RSSB |
| 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 | TLI London |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
- 73110000 - Research services

## Release History

- 28 Aug 2019 at 12:30 - TenderAmendment - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8d5d99c1-7e57-4bce-95fd-5ab798aff46b
- 15 Aug 2019 at 13:07 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8d5d99c1-7e57-4bce-95fd-5ab798aff46b

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8d5d99c1-7e57-4bce-95fd-5ab798aff46b
  28th August 2019 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-GB-London:-T1185---RSSB-Research-into-the-maximum-current-limit-at-standstill/7GGVX49889
  Please follow this link to view the notice.

## Provenance

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