Class 170 SVRS Modifications

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:

[email protected]

NTL requests responses within 30 days of RFI issue.

Responses should be submitted in PDF or Word format.

Please email [email protected] for a pre-tender copy of the specification.

A recording of the 'Meet the Buyer Session' can be shared with interested parties upon request.