--- title: "Class 170 SVRS Modifications" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0670c7" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0670c7" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0670c7.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0670c7.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED" published: "2026-05-30" --- # Class 170 SVRS Modifications Buyer: NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0670c7 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0670c7) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0670c7.json) ## Summary Northern Trains Limited is currently at the tender stage for a project titled "Class 170 SVRS Modifications". This initiative involves the installation of a Single Variable Rate Sanding System to the Northern Class 170 fleet, consisting of 16 units. The procurement falls under the industry category of goods, specifically targeting parts of locomotives or rolling stock. The procurement process is open and utilises a competitive flexible procedure. Key dates include the tender period ending on 10th July 2026, with the award period concluding on 9th October 2026. The project delivery locations cover regions in the United Kingdom, namely UKC, UKD, UKE, and UKG. The contract for the selected supplier is expected to commence on 26th October 2026 and end on 1st December 2027. This tender presents a noteworthy opportunity for businesses specialising in locomotive and rolling stock components, offering a substantial contract value of up to £2,040,000. Suppliers with engineering design, validation capabilities, and expertise in locomotive system modifications are well-suited to this project. The open procurement method ensures a fair competition environment, affording an opportunity for innovative suppliers to demonstrate technical expertise and cost value. Particularly, businesses with an established track record in fleet modification, or those possessing requisite facilities and resources, would find this tender developmentally advantageous in leveraging their market position. ## Notice Northern Trains Ltd (NTL) is seeking a supplier with the capability, capacity, and technical competence to deliver a Single Variable Rate Sanding System (SVRS) installation to the Northern Class 170 fleet (16 units). ### Lot Information Lot 1 Options: The project may require the purchase of additional spares and there is a potential requirement for engineering changes based on the build phases of the Units concerned. ### Planning Information Request for Information (RFI): Class 170 SVRS Modifications 1. Introduction Northern Trains Ltd (NTL) is seeking information from suppliers with the capability, capacity, and technical competence to deliver a Single Variable Rate Sanding System (SVRS) installation to the Northern Class 170 fleet (16 units). The DFTO has mandated a £150,000,000 net subsidy reduction for Northern, to which a resulting procurement exercise following this RFI will be closely aligned. This RFI will support the refinement of the technical specification, commercial model, and tender documentation for a single competitive procurement scheduled for release in May 2026. 2. Purpose of the RFI The purpose of this RFI is to: • Understand the supplier market for the delivery of Class 170 SVRS modification work. • Validate assumptions on scope, lead times, resource availability, and delivery strategies. • Identify technical, commercial, and operational risks. • Understand supplier's approach to risk-pricing. • Inform the upcoming Invitation to Tender (ITT) scheduled for May-July 2026 • This RFI is not a call for competition and completion does not guarantee inclusion in any subsequent tender. 3. Overview of Required Services NTL seeks suppliers capable of delivering the following areas of work: • Engineering design, validation, and certification support for SVRS changes. • Installation of modification kits and associated wiring, components, or structural adaptations. • Testing, commissioning, and evidence pack submission. • Fleetwide programme management and reporting. • Document updates, configuration control, and safety case support. A full technical specification will be shared at ITT stage. 4. Fleet Covered Class 170 Turbostar Porterbrook / DMU / 3-car • NTL anticipates that the programme will require works to be delivered with minimal impact on fleet availability and operational performance. 5. Mandatory Compliance Requirements • RISQS accreditation 6. Information Requested From Suppliers Please provide responses to the following sections: 6.1 Relevant Experience Please outline relevant experience relating to: • Delivery of SVRS systems on fleets similar to Class 170 • Previous contracts: scope, value, outcomes Include examples of innovation, added value, or continuous improvement. 6.2 Operational Capacity & Resources • Workforce capacity and technician availability • Facilities (e.g., depots, workshops, testing equipment) • Lead times for mobilisation • Overview of proposed delivery model • Intended use of subcontractors or supply chain partners 6.3 Programme Delivery Approach • Proposed approach to fleet modification throughput • Risks and constraints • Resource loading capability • Indicative programme durations • Opportunities to accelerate delivery 6.4 Commercial Considerations NTL seeks high level insight on: • Commercial models typically used for modification programmes • Key cost drivers • Any volume or productivity assumptions No pricing is requested at this stage. 7. Indicative Procurement Timeline The following dates reflect NTL's current tender programme: Assemble Tender Documentation 20 Feb - 18 Apr 2026 Pre Market Engagement (including this RFI) 21 Mar - 18 Apr 2026 Internal Review & Approvals 19 Apr - 3 May 2026 Issue ITT 4-5 May 2026 Tender Clarification Window 6 May - 1 Jul 2026 Tender Submission Deadline 30 Jul 2026 Evaluation & Scoring 31 Jul - 28 Aug 2026 Moderation & Approvals 29 Aug - 19 Sep 2026 Award Recommendation 20 Sep - 11 Oct 2026 Standstill Period 12-20 Oct 2026 Contract Negotiation 21 Oct - 11 Nov 2026 Contract Award 12-13 Nov 2026 8. Response Instructions Please submit your completed RFI response to: procurement@northernrailway.co.uk NTL requests responses within 30 days of RFI issue. Responses should be submitted in PDF or Word format. Please email procurement@northernrailway.co.uk for a pre-tender copy of the specification. A recording of the 'Meet the Buyer Session' can be shared with interested parties upon request. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051140-2026 | | Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Goods | | Procurement method | Open | | Procurement method details | Competitive flexible procedure | | Tender suitability | Not specified | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Planning, Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 30 May 2026 | | Submission deadline | 10 Jul 2026 | | Future notice date | 1 Jun 2026 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 26 Oct 2026 - 1 Dec 2027 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £1,700,000 | | Lots value | £1,700,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED | | Locality | YORK | | Post town | York | | Postcode | YO1 6JT | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLE Yorkshire and The Humber | | ITL 2 | TLE2 North Yorkshire | | ITL 3 | TLE21 York | | Local authority | York | | Electoral ward | Micklegate | | Westminster constituency | York Central | | Delivery location | TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLG West Midlands (England) | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation ### Codes - 34631000 - Parts of locomotives or rolling stock ## Release History - 30 May 2026 at 14:57 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051140-2026 - 22 May 2026 at 14:13 - Planning - UK1 - Pipeline Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/048076-2026 - 14 Apr 2026 at 10:10 - PlanningUpdate - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033646-2026 - 13 Apr 2026 at 10:53 - PlanningUpdate - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033206-2026 - 20 Mar 2026 at 16:42 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/025969-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051140-2026 30th May 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/048076-2026 22nd May 2026 - Pipeline notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033646-2026 14th April 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033206-2026 13th April 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/025969-2026 20th March 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - https://www.delta-esourcing.com/ - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## 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-0670c7. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0670c7.json.