Calibration Services · UK public procurement notice

1. Introduction

Northern Trains Limited ("Northern") is undertaking Preliminary Market Engagement ("PME") in advance of a proposed procurement for the provision of calibration services across its Train Care Centre ("TCC") network.

The purpose of this engagement is to better understand market capability, capacity, innovation and potential delivery models that could support Northern's operational and compliance requirements.

This notice is being published to inform suppliers of the opportunity to participate in market engagement activities and to support the development of Northern's future procurement strategy.

2. Background

Northern operates a network of Train Care Centres and maintenance facilities across the North of England. These facilities utilise a range of calibrated tools, instruments and equipment that support the safe inspection, maintenance and repair of rolling stock assets.

Northern is seeking to understand the current calibration services market, available technologies, service delivery models and supplier capabilities in advance of commencing a formal procurement process.

3. Objectives of the Market Engagement

The objectives of this engagement are to:

• Understand the current calibration services marketplace.
• Assess supplier capability and capacity to support a geographically dispersed railway maintenance operation.
• Explore innovative approaches to calibration management and asset control.
• Understand available digital asset management and certification solutions.
• Inform the future scope, specification and contract structure.
• Test potential commercial and pricing models.
• Support the development of a procurement strategy that delivers value for money and operational resilience.

4. Scope Overview

The anticipated requirement may include, but is not limited to:

• Calibration of mechanical, electrical and electronic measuring equipment.
• Calibration of torque tools and associated equipment.
• Provision of UKAS-accredited calibration services where applicable.
• Collection and return services.
• On-site and/or mobile calibration services.
• Digital certification management.
• Asset tracking and reporting solutions.
• National service support across multiple Train Care Centre locations.

Further information regarding asset volumes, locations and operational requirements will be made available as part of the market engagement process.

5. Market Engagement Activities

Northern intends to undertake the following engagement activities:

Stage 1: Market Capability Questionnaire

Interested suppliers will be invited to complete a Market Capability Questionnaire covering:

• Relevant sector experience.
• UKAS accreditation arrangements.
• Geographic coverage.
• Service delivery capability.
• Digital asset management capability.
• Multi-site contract experience.
• Innovation opportunities.
• Commercial approaches.

The questionnaire is for information gathering purposes only and will not be evaluated as part of any procurement process.

Stage 2: Microsoft Teams Market Engagement Event

Northern intends to hold a virtual supplier engagement session via Microsoft Teams.

The session may include:

• Introduction to the requirement.
• Overview of the TCC and outstation network.
• Current challenges and opportunities.
• Future objectives.
• Supplier discussion and feedback.
• Questions and answers.

Stage 3: Site Engagement (If Required)

Subject to operational requirements, Northern may arrange visits to a representative Train Care Centre.

Due to operational, safety and security considerations, attendance at site visits may be restricted to a limited number of suppliers following review of questionnaire responses.

Any information provided during site visits that is relevant to the future procurement will be shared with all interested suppliers to ensure transparency and equal treatment.

Engagement Process Description

Northern Trains Limited ("NTL") is seeking to undertake early market engagement with suitably qualified and experienced suppliers in advance of a forthcoming procurement for the provision of Calibration Services across its Train Care Centre ("TCC") network.

The proposed contract will support the calibration, certification, management and control of tools, instruments and equipment used across Northern's maintenance facilities to ensure continued compliance, operational efficiency and asset reliability.

NTL invites interested suppliers to attend a virtual Pre-Market Engagement session, which will be held on:

3rd September 2026 at 11:00am via Microsoft Teams

The session will include a presentation delivered by the Operational and Procurement Teams outlining the strategic objectives of the requirement, the anticipated scope of services and the proposed procurement approach.

The session will provide insight into the following areas:

• Overview of Northern's Train Care Centre network and operational requirements.
• Scope of the proposed calibration services requirement.
• Current challenges and opportunities relating to calibration management.
• Asset volumes, service expectations and performance requirements.
• Digital asset management and certification requirements.
• Procurement route, timelines and key milestones.

NTL is also seeking feedback from the market to help inform the development of the procurement strategy, including:

• Service delivery models (on-site, off-site and mobile).
• Asset tracking and digital certification solutions.
• Contract structure and mobilisation considerations.
• Pricing mechanisms and commercial models.
• Emerging technologies and innovation opportunities within the calibration sector.

NTL may also invite a limited number of suppliers to participate in one-to-one follow-up meetings and/or attend a representative Train Care Centre site visit. These activities are expected to take place following the engagement session and questionnaire review.

Any such invitations will be issued solely to support Northern's understanding of the market and will not constitute a supplier selection process. Selection for these activities will be at NTL's sole discretion, taking account of operational, safety and logistical considerations.

This preliminary market engagement is being undertaken to inform NTL's procurement strategy and does not constitute a commitment to commence a procurement process.

To express interest in attending the Pre-Market Engagement session, please email: [email protected]

Please include:

• Organisation name
• Contact name
• Contact telephone number
• Contact email address
• Names and job titles of attendees

As part of the engagement process, interested suppliers will be invited to complete a Pre-Market Engagement Questionnaire. The questionnaire will be used to gather information on supplier capabilities, experience, capacity, geographic coverage, accreditation arrangements and service delivery models relevant to the proposed requirement.

Completed questionnaires must be returned to Northern by 24 August 2026.

Invitations to attend the session will be issued following review of the completed questionnaires. Due to practical considerations Northern may limit attendance to suppliers whose responses demonstrate capabilities, experience and solutions relevant to the proposed requirement. This is not a supplier selection process and will not impact participation in any future procurement exercise.