---
title: "1063173918 T1421 Uniformity and consistency of braking within a freight train"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06f01d"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06f01d"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06f01d.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06f01d.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "RSSB"
published: "2026-09-02"
---

# 1063173918 T1421 Uniformity and consistency of braking within a freight train

Buyer: RSSB  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06f01d

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## Summary

RSSB is procuring research services on the uniformity and consistency of braking within freight trains. The work involves a programme of static brake testing and analysis to investigate variation in braking performance across representative freight wagons, including differences between integrated and non-integrated brake equipment and consistency of brake force across the fleet. The research will produce an evidence base for operational, engineering and standards decisions, including recommendations for achieving greater conformity in braking performance. RSSB is the buying organisation. The requirement concerns rail freight engineering and braking research, combining practical testing with technical analysis to inform future railway operations, engineering practice and standards.

The procurement has reached tender: RSSB invited offers through an open procedure. Enquiries were due by 22 September 2026 at 12:00, and bids were due electronically by 2 October 2026 at 12:00. The expected award decision date was 19 October 2026. The single contract was planned to run from 2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027. Its value is up to £350,000 excluding VAT, or £420,000 including VAT. Evaluation assigns 30% to understanding and methodology, 25% to experience and individual expertise, 15% to project planning and engagement, 10% to risks and opportunities, and 20% to project cost.

This opportunity suits research organisations, rail engineering consultancies and specialist testing providers with expertise in freight train braking systems. Strong candidates will be able to design and deliver static brake tests, analyse braking performance across representative wagon populations, and assess the effects of integrated and non-integrated brake equipment. The work also requires the ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations for railway operations, engineering and standards decisions. Suppliers should be able to demonstrate relevant organisational experience and individual specialist expertise, supported by sound project planning, stakeholder engagement, and management of technical risks and opportunities. The requirement is identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, including specialist firms able to assemble the necessary testing, analytical and rail-sector expertise.

## Notice

RSSB is seeking to appoint a supplier to undertake research into the uniformity and consistency of braking within freight trains. The project will use a programme of static brake testing and analysis to investigate variability in braking performance across representative freight wagons, including differences between integrated and non-integrated brake equipment and the consistency of brake force across the fleet. The research will develop an evidence base to support operational, engineering and standards decisions, including recommendations on how greater conformity in braking performance could be achieved. The work is expected to start in October 2026, with a budget of up to PS350,000 excluding VAT, and is anticipated to take less than 12 months. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://rssb.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-London:-Research-services./65NA2RG3HU To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://rssb.delta-esourcing.com/respond/65NA2RG3HU

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/082927-2026 |
| Notice type | UK4 - 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 | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 2 Nov 2026 - 1 Nov 2027 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £350,000 |
| Lots value | £350,000 |
| 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 | RSSB |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Postcode area | Central London |
| Postcode | EC3M 5AD |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | City of London |
| Electoral ward | Aldgate |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73110000 - Research services

## Release History

- 2 Sep 2026 at 09:59 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/082927-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/082927-2026
  2nd September 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://rssb.delta-esourcing.com/respond/65NA2RG3HU
- https://rssb.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-London:-Research-services./65NA2RG3HU
- 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-06f01d. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06f01d.json.