---
title: "Track Buckling - MxV Testing Collaboration"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-065cc6"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-065cc6"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-065cc6.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-065cc6.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED"
published: "2026-02-26"
---

# Track Buckling - MxV Testing Collaboration

Buyer: NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-065cc6

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## Summary

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited has completed a procurement process titled "Track Buckling – MxV Testing Collaboration" aimed at enhancing railway resilience to climate change. The procurement, which falls under the services category, involves a collaboration with the University of Huddersfield Institute of Railway Research. This follows previous work with the University of Southampton and leverages a testing programme in the USA. As of 26th February 2026, the contract was awarded directly under a framework agreement related to the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN). The contract, valued at £29,295, will run from 26th February 2026 until 31st May 2026, focusing on methods to justify the easing of speed restrictions during hot weather conditions across the UK, with activities mainly in London.

This tender offers substantial growth opportunities for businesses involved in railway research and development services. Companies that specialise in providing innovative solutions for railway infrastructure and possess expertise in climate resilience and operational safety would be well-suited to compete. The procurement method allows for direct award under the UKRRIN framework, giving preference to businesses already part of the network. Engaging in this tender not only aids in securing grants but also enhances the credibility of participating businesses in the field of railway technology and innovation.

## Notice

Outlines how the University of Huddersfield Institute of Railway Research (IRR) can provide further support to Network Rail (NR) in justifying the relaxation of speed restrictions and operational constraints applied during periods of hot weather, to ensure that the GB railway is more resilient to climate change. It builds on previous work carried out by the IRR and the University of Southampton (UoS), and takes advantage of a testing programme being planned by MxV in the USA. This international collaboration will enhance the understanding of track buckle formation and the accuracy of models used to predict it.

### Procurement Information

This is a framework call-off (direct award) under the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Research & Development Framework. Competition was undertaken at framework award stage and the framework permits direct award of commissions below PS100k. This procurement is therefore not a UCR direct award and no statutory derogation is being relied upon.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017199-2026 |
| Notice type | UK5 - Transparency Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Direct award |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 26 Feb 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 26 Feb 2026 |
| Contract period | 26 Feb 2026 - 31 May 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £29,295 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Pending |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South East London |
| Postcode | SE1 8SW |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI4 Inner London - East |
| ITL 3 | TLI45 Lambeth |
| Local authority | Lambeth |
| Electoral ward | Waterloo & South Bank |
| Westminster constituency | Vauxhall and Camberwell Green |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

## Release History

- 26 Feb 2026 at 10:44 - Award - UK5 - Transparency Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017199-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017199-2026
  26th February 2026 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.hud.ac.uk/
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.networkrail.co.uk/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-065cc6. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-065cc6.json.