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planningFind a Tender · planning Update

Class 68 Lead Train Services Agreement Provider

Buyer: THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED →

BuyerTHE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED
Statusplanning
DeadlineNot published
ValueValue not published
Published18 Mar 2026

What is being bought

The Chiltern Railways Company is in process of cascading its fleet of 13*5 car sets of Mk5a Coaches and 14*c68 Locomotive units on its London Marylebone to Birmingham route during 2026, with the full complement of rolling stock to be in service by 1st December 2026. The units are leased from Beacon Rail Leasing and are currently being maintained under an interim maintenance agreement between Chiltern Railways and Beacon Rail Leasing until 1st December 2026. Under the existing maintenance structure, the Mk5a Coaches are being maintained by the OEM alongside a TSSSA, the maintenance of the c68 Locomotives is being undertaken by a non-OEM 3rd party who also operate the c68 TSSSA. The maintenance works are being undertaken at the Eastleigh Train Maintenance Depot, with vehicle movements to and from the depot being provided by a 3rd party supplier. As part of the long-term maintenance contract renewal post 1st December 2026, Chiltern Railways is seeking to understand market readiness and the available contracting options, which may inform its long-term procurement strategy and most optimal route to market, which may be informed by this preliminary market engagement process.

Delivery location

UK, GB

Categories

Rail locomotives and tenders 34610000Rolling stock 34620000Parts of railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; railways traffic-control equipment 34630000Railway equipment 34940000Repair, maintenance and associated services related to aircraft, railways, roads and marine equipment 50200000Public transport services by railways 60210000

Lot details

Lot 1

No lot description published.

Statusplanning
Contract periodFrom 31 Oct 2026 to 30 Oct 2036

What is included

ItemCategoryQuantity
1Rail locomotives and tenders, Rolling stock, Parts of railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; railways traffic-control equipment, Railway equipment, Repair, maintenance and associated services related to aircraft, railways, roads and marine equipment, Public transport services by railwaysNot published

Comparable-procurement analytics

Benchmarked against retained Find a Tender procedures with CPV division 34. The category anchor is Rail locomotives and tenders (34610000); this is a deliberately broad market comparator. The comparison is shown at several levels rather than pretending one company or region is always the best benchmark.

Comparison setProceduresReported bids per procedureNamed award suppliersPrice evidence
Market: CPV division 342,9203 median · 24.9 average (1,085 of 2,920 with a bid count)3.7 average (1,198 of 2,920 with named award suppliers)Not published
Same buyer9Not publishedNot publishedNot published
Delivery region: UK6314 median · 80.2 average (196 of 631 with a bid count)6.9 average (226 of 631 with named award suppliers)Not published

“Reported bids” is an official aggregate, sometimes reported per lot; it is the closest available competition measure. “Named award suppliers” are winners, not all applicants.

Price-outcome signal

Not enough comparable procedures currently publish both a GBP tender value and a usable lowest-valid-bid value to calculate a responsible price-reduction benchmark. Tenderline deliberately does not infer a saving from named award suppliers or from missing award values.

Procurement strategy & market signals

Framework agreementNot published
Dynamic purchasing systemNot published
Competitive procurementNot published
Recurring requirementNot published
Procurement method rationaleNot published
Rationale classificationsNot published
Special regimeNot published
Covered byNot published
Submission policyNot published
Selection criteriaNot published
Risk detailsNot published

Planning & early market engagement

BudgetValue not published
No-engagement rationaleNot published
Planning documents1
Planning milestones1
MilestoneTypeDueStatus
Aims of The Engagement Process Ascertain market readiness and available options for Chiltern Railways to deliver its long-term maintenance strategy. Ascertain that any resultant long-term strategy is robust and exceeds Chiltern Railways obligations as a good and efficient operator. Determine the most optimal contracting model which provides resilience and value for money. Identify risks, opportunities & interdependencies. Implement Best practice and industry learning which may be adopted. In responding to this engagement, suppliers should provide their responses to the questions posed, detailing their approach, caveats, risks and opportunities they foresee in delivering the service. Chiltern Railways shall review the responses and where appropriate engage in further supplier interaction, which may take the form of site visits, face to face meetings or supplier events. Conditions of Engagement & Supplier Acknowledgment Suppliers participating in this process agree that this is an information gathering exercise only, and should not be interpreted as a procurement event, there shall be no evaluation or award resulting from this process by The Chiltern Railway Company. The responses obtained from this engagement may inform the most viable contracting models and expedient route to market for any subsequent procurement which may be undertaken. Chiltern Railways may share elements of its findings with the market, suppliers should clearly state any areas of confidentiality in their response/s to the questionnaire stating "not to be shared as part of any debriefing process". Chiltern Railways shall have no liability for any costs arising from this engagement which the supplier may incur as part of this process, Chiltern Railways acknowledges that suppliers may require clarification prior to their submission and whilst the object of this engagement is not to enter into detailed exchange of information, Chiltern Railways will aim to provide clarity where appropriate to participants where it deems appropriate. Commercial Sensitivity The supplier should advise any areas of response which they deem to be confidential, clearly stating these may not be divulged in the event of any debrief process. Chiltern Railways Requirements Chiltern Railways is in process defining its c68 Long Term Maintenance procurement strategy, this engagement aims to understand market readiness from supply chain partners, whom may be interested in entering into a long-term Train Services Agreement by offering an all-encompassing Train Services Agreement for the class 68 Locomotives, to include A full Train Services Agreement with a lead supplier for detailed c68 maintenance and support requirements. Implementing system support and materials contracts for all c68 systems including but not limited to the engine, traction and c68 manufacturer. The option for Chiltern Railways to undertake routine maintenance tasks based on technical input from the TSA provider as required. NB, Chiltern Railways shall make suitable depot facilities available. It the expected that the contract duration shall be for a period of 10 years, with a contract commencement date of the 31st October 2026 and planned mobilisation by the 1st December 2026. Participation If you wish to participate in this engagement process, your formal acceptance is required by 16.00hrs Wednesday 18th February 2026, by registering at the Chiltern Procurement Dojo Platform and via the acceptance and return of our NDA without modification. Access to the Market Dojo is located at the link below where suppliers can access the event https://marketdojo.com/market-dojo-sign-up/ Event code 66040CC6A6 Engagement Responses Deadline 16.00hrs Friday 13th March 2026 General Information Suppliers must register on the Market Dojo platform and it's their responsibility to ensure their participants are kept informed of the status of this activity. Chiltern Railways may use multiple procurement procedures in accordance with PA2023. Chiltern Railways welcome responses from suppliers across sectors who can demonstrate capability in the areas above. Suppliers are not obliged to take part in this activity and may still participate in any forthcoming ITT in accordance with the rules of participation under PA2023.engagement13 Mar 2026scheduled

Related procurements

No linked framework, prior procurement or reprocurement published.

Documents & submission route

Source data inventory

Diagnostic view. “Not published” means this current release does not provide a value.

OCIDocds-h6vhtk-064e1d
Latest release ID024381-2026
Latest release timestampWed Mar 18 2026 09:39:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Sourcefind-a-tender
Official notice URLNot published
Tender statusplanning
Procurement methodNot published
Procurement method detailsNot published
Main procurement categoryservices
Above thresholdNot published
Legal basis2023/54
Tender period: startNot published
Tender period: endNot published
Expression of interest deadlineNot published
Enquiry deadlineNot published
Award period: startNot published
Award period: endNot published
Submission method detailsNot published
Submission languagesNot published
Electronic catalogue policyNot published
Total tender valueNot published
Tender lots in source1
Tender items in source1
Tender documents in source0
Awards in latest release0
Contracts in latest release0
Parties in latest release1

Notice history

DateEventReference
18 Mar 2026planningUpdate024381-2026
11 Feb 2026planning012505-2026

All source data

Unmodified official OCDS data retained by Tenderline for this procurement process.

Complete current OCDS release JSON
{
  "id": "024381-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-03-18T09:39:53Z",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-064e1d",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-COH-03007939",
    "name": "THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-064e1d",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
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        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2036-10-30T23:59:59Z",
          "startDate": "2026-10-31T00:00:00Z"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "34610000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Rail locomotives and tenders"
          },
          {
            "id": "34620000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Rolling stock"
          },
          {
            "id": "34630000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Parts of railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; railways traffic-control equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "34940000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Railway equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "50200000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Repair, maintenance and associated services related to aircraft, railways, roads and marine equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "60210000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Public transport services by railways"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Class 68 Lead Train Services Agreement Provider",
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "The Chiltern Railways Company is in process of cascading its fleet of 13*5 car sets of Mk5a Coaches and 14*c68 Locomotive units on its London Marylebone to Birmingham route during 2026, with the full complement of rolling stock to be in service by 1st December 2026. The units are leased from Beacon Rail Leasing and are currently being maintained under an interim maintenance agreement between Chiltern Railways and Beacon Rail Leasing until 1st December 2026.\nUnder the existing maintenance structure, the Mk5a Coaches are being maintained by the OEM alongside a TSSSA, the maintenance of the c68 Locomotives is being undertaken by a non-OEM 3rd party who also operate the c68 TSSSA. The maintenance works are being undertaken at the Eastleigh Train Maintenance Depot, with vehicle movements to and from the depot being provided by a 3rd party supplier.\nAs part of the long-term maintenance contract renewal post 1st December 2026, Chiltern Railways is seeking to understand market readiness and the available contracting options, which may inform its long-term procurement strategy and most optimal route to market, which may be informed by this preliminary market engagement process.",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-COH-03007939",
      "name": "THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKC23",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Sunderland",
        "postalCode": "SR3 3XP",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "1 Admiral Way"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "privateUtility",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Private utility"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "03007939",
        "scheme": "GB-COH"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "ravi.taheem@chilternrailways.co.uk"
      },
      "additionalIdentifiers": [
        {
          "id": "PNPV-7838-DRMN",
          "scheme": "GB-PPON"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "024381-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/024381-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-03-18T09:39:53Z"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-03-13T23:59:59Z",
        "description": "Aims of The Engagement Process\nAscertain market readiness and available options for Chiltern Railways to deliver its long-term maintenance strategy.\nAscertain that any resultant long-term strategy is robust and exceeds Chiltern Railways obligations as a good and efficient operator.\nDetermine the most optimal contracting model which provides resilience and value for money.\nIdentify risks, opportunities & interdependencies.\nImplement Best practice and industry learning which may be adopted.\nIn responding to this engagement, suppliers should provide their responses to the questions posed, detailing their approach, caveats, risks and opportunities they foresee in delivering the service. Chiltern Railways shall review the responses and where appropriate engage in further supplier interaction, which may take the form of site visits, face to face meetings or supplier events.\nConditions of Engagement & Supplier Acknowledgment\nSuppliers participating in this process agree that this is an information gathering exercise only, and should not be interpreted as a procurement event, there shall be no evaluation or award resulting from this process by The Chiltern Railway Company. The responses obtained from this engagement may inform the most viable contracting models and expedient route to market for any subsequent procurement which may be undertaken.\nChiltern Railways may share elements of its findings with the market, suppliers should clearly state any areas of confidentiality in their response/s to the questionnaire stating \"not to be shared as part of any debriefing process\".\nChiltern Railways shall have no liability for any costs arising from this engagement which the supplier may incur as part of this process,\nChiltern Railways acknowledges that suppliers may require clarification prior to their submission and whilst the object of this engagement is not to enter into detailed exchange of information, Chiltern Railways will aim to provide clarity where appropriate to participants where it deems appropriate.\nCommercial Sensitivity\nThe supplier should advise any areas of response which they deem to be confidential, clearly stating these may not be divulged in the event of any debrief process.\nChiltern Railways Requirements\nChiltern Railways is in process defining its c68 Long Term Maintenance procurement strategy, this engagement aims to understand market readiness from supply chain partners, whom may be interested in entering into a long-term Train Services Agreement by offering an all-encompassing Train Services Agreement for the class 68 Locomotives,  to include\nA full Train Services Agreement with a lead supplier for detailed c68 maintenance and support requirements.\nImplementing system support and materials contracts for all c68 systems including but not limited to the engine, traction and c68 manufacturer.\nThe option for Chiltern Railways to undertake routine maintenance tasks based on technical input from the TSA provider as required.\nNB, Chiltern Railways shall make suitable depot facilities available.\nIt the expected that the contract duration shall be for a period of 10 years, with a contract commencement date of the 31st October 2026 and planned mobilisation by the 1st December 2026.\nParticipation\nIf you wish to participate in this engagement process, your formal acceptance is required by 16.00hrs Wednesday 18th February 2026, by registering at the Chiltern Procurement Dojo Platform and via the acceptance and return of our NDA without modification.\nAccess to the Market Dojo is located at the link below where suppliers can access the event\nhttps://marketdojo.com/market-dojo-sign-up/\nEvent code 66040CC6A6\nEngagement Responses Deadline 16.00hrs Friday 13th March 2026\nGeneral Information\nSuppliers must register on the Market Dojo platform and it's their responsibility to ensure their participants are kept informed of the status of this activity.\nChiltern Railways may use multiple procurement procedures in accordance with PA2023.\nChiltern Railways welcome responses from suppliers across sectors who can demonstrate capability in the areas above.\nSuppliers are not obliged to take part in this activity and may still participate in any forthcoming ITT in accordance with the rules of participation under PA2023."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
Complete JSON history (2 releases)
18 Mar 2026 · 024381-2026 · planningUpdate
{
  "id": "024381-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-03-18T09:39:53Z",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-064e1d",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-COH-03007939",
    "name": "THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-064e1d",
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      {
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        "status": "planning",
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        }
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    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
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            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
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        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "34610000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Rail locomotives and tenders"
          },
          {
            "id": "34620000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Rolling stock"
          },
          {
            "id": "34630000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Parts of railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; railways traffic-control equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "34940000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Railway equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "50200000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Repair, maintenance and associated services related to aircraft, railways, roads and marine equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "60210000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Public transport services by railways"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Class 68 Lead Train Services Agreement Provider",
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "The Chiltern Railways Company is in process of cascading its fleet of 13*5 car sets of Mk5a Coaches and 14*c68 Locomotive units on its London Marylebone to Birmingham route during 2026, with the full complement of rolling stock to be in service by 1st December 2026. The units are leased from Beacon Rail Leasing and are currently being maintained under an interim maintenance agreement between Chiltern Railways and Beacon Rail Leasing until 1st December 2026.\nUnder the existing maintenance structure, the Mk5a Coaches are being maintained by the OEM alongside a TSSSA, the maintenance of the c68 Locomotives is being undertaken by a non-OEM 3rd party who also operate the c68 TSSSA. The maintenance works are being undertaken at the Eastleigh Train Maintenance Depot, with vehicle movements to and from the depot being provided by a 3rd party supplier.\nAs part of the long-term maintenance contract renewal post 1st December 2026, Chiltern Railways is seeking to understand market readiness and the available contracting options, which may inform its long-term procurement strategy and most optimal route to market, which may be informed by this preliminary market engagement process.",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-COH-03007939",
      "name": "THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKC23",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Sunderland",
        "postalCode": "SR3 3XP",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "1 Admiral Way"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "privateUtility",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Private utility"
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        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "03007939",
        "scheme": "GB-COH"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "ravi.taheem@chilternrailways.co.uk"
      },
      "additionalIdentifiers": [
        {
          "id": "PNPV-7838-DRMN",
          "scheme": "GB-PPON"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "024381-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/024381-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-03-18T09:39:53Z"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-03-13T23:59:59Z",
        "description": "Aims of The Engagement Process\nAscertain market readiness and available options for Chiltern Railways to deliver its long-term maintenance strategy.\nAscertain that any resultant long-term strategy is robust and exceeds Chiltern Railways obligations as a good and efficient operator.\nDetermine the most optimal contracting model which provides resilience and value for money.\nIdentify risks, opportunities & interdependencies.\nImplement Best practice and industry learning which may be adopted.\nIn responding to this engagement, suppliers should provide their responses to the questions posed, detailing their approach, caveats, risks and opportunities they foresee in delivering the service. Chiltern Railways shall review the responses and where appropriate engage in further supplier interaction, which may take the form of site visits, face to face meetings or supplier events.\nConditions of Engagement & Supplier Acknowledgment\nSuppliers participating in this process agree that this is an information gathering exercise only, and should not be interpreted as a procurement event, there shall be no evaluation or award resulting from this process by The Chiltern Railway Company. The responses obtained from this engagement may inform the most viable contracting models and expedient route to market for any subsequent procurement which may be undertaken.\nChiltern Railways may share elements of its findings with the market, suppliers should clearly state any areas of confidentiality in their response/s to the questionnaire stating \"not to be shared as part of any debriefing process\".\nChiltern Railways shall have no liability for any costs arising from this engagement which the supplier may incur as part of this process,\nChiltern Railways acknowledges that suppliers may require clarification prior to their submission and whilst the object of this engagement is not to enter into detailed exchange of information, Chiltern Railways will aim to provide clarity where appropriate to participants where it deems appropriate.\nCommercial Sensitivity\nThe supplier should advise any areas of response which they deem to be confidential, clearly stating these may not be divulged in the event of any debrief process.\nChiltern Railways Requirements\nChiltern Railways is in process defining its c68 Long Term Maintenance procurement strategy, this engagement aims to understand market readiness from supply chain partners, whom may be interested in entering into a long-term Train Services Agreement by offering an all-encompassing Train Services Agreement for the class 68 Locomotives,  to include\nA full Train Services Agreement with a lead supplier for detailed c68 maintenance and support requirements.\nImplementing system support and materials contracts for all c68 systems including but not limited to the engine, traction and c68 manufacturer.\nThe option for Chiltern Railways to undertake routine maintenance tasks based on technical input from the TSA provider as required.\nNB, Chiltern Railways shall make suitable depot facilities available.\nIt the expected that the contract duration shall be for a period of 10 years, with a contract commencement date of the 31st October 2026 and planned mobilisation by the 1st December 2026.\nParticipation\nIf you wish to participate in this engagement process, your formal acceptance is required by 16.00hrs Wednesday 18th February 2026, by registering at the Chiltern Procurement Dojo Platform and via the acceptance and return of our NDA without modification.\nAccess to the Market Dojo is located at the link below where suppliers can access the event\nhttps://marketdojo.com/market-dojo-sign-up/\nEvent code 66040CC6A6\nEngagement Responses Deadline 16.00hrs Friday 13th March 2026\nGeneral Information\nSuppliers must register on the Market Dojo platform and it's their responsibility to ensure their participants are kept informed of the status of this activity.\nChiltern Railways may use multiple procurement procedures in accordance with PA2023.\nChiltern Railways welcome responses from suppliers across sectors who can demonstrate capability in the areas above.\nSuppliers are not obliged to take part in this activity and may still participate in any forthcoming ITT in accordance with the rules of participation under PA2023."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
11 Feb 2026 · 012505-2026 · planning
{
  "id": "012505-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2026-02-11T15:03:19Z",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-064e1d",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-COH-03007939",
    "name": "THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-064e1d",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
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          "endDate": "2036-10-30T23:59:59Z",
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        }
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        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "34610000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Rail locomotives and tenders"
          },
          {
            "id": "34620000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Rolling stock"
          },
          {
            "id": "34630000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Parts of railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; railways traffic-control equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "34940000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Railway equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "50200000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Repair, maintenance and associated services related to aircraft, railways, roads and marine equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "60210000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Public transport services by railways"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Class 68 Lead Train Services Agreement Provider",
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "The Chiltern Railways Company is in process of cascading a fleet of 13*Mk5a Coaches and 15*c68 Locomotive units on its London Marylebone to Birmingham route during 2026, with the full complement of rolling stock to be in service by 1st December 2026. The units are leased from Beacon Rail Leasing and are currently being maintained under an interim maintenance agreement between Chiltern Railways and Beacon Rail Leasing until 1st December 2026.\nUnder the existing maintenance structure, the Mk5a Coaches are being maintained by the OEM alongside a TSSSA, the maintenance of the c68 Locomotives is being undertaken by a non-OEM 3rd party who also operate the c68 TSSSA. The maintenance works are being undertaken at the Eastleigh Train Maintenance Depot, with vehicle movements to and from the depot being provided by a 3rd party supplier.\nAs part of the long-term maintenance contract renewal post 1st December 2026, Chiltern Railways is seeking to understand market readiness and the available contracting options, which may inform its long-term procurement strategy and most optimal route to market, which may be informed by this preliminary market engagement process.",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-COH-03007939",
      "name": "THE CHILTERN RAILWAY COMPANY LIMITED",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKC23",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Sunderland",
        "postalCode": "SR3 3XP",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "1 Admiral Way"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "privateUtility",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Private utility"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "03007939",
        "scheme": "GB-COH"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "ravi.taheem@chilternrailways.co.uk"
      },
      "additionalIdentifiers": [
        {
          "id": "PNPV-7838-DRMN",
          "scheme": "GB-PPON"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "012505-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012505-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-02-11T15:03:19Z"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-03-13T23:59:59Z",
        "description": "Aims of The Engagement Process\nAscertain market readiness and available options for Chiltern Railways to deliver its long-term maintenance strategy.\nAscertain that any resultant long-term strategy is robust and exceeds Chiltern Railways obligations as a good and efficient operator. \nDetermine the most optimal contracting model which provides resilience and value for money.\nIdentify risks, opportunities & interdependencies.\nImplement Best practice and industry learning which may be adopted.\nIn responding to this engagement, suppliers should provide their responses to the questions posed, detailing their approach, caveats, risks and opportunities they foresee in delivering the service. Chiltern Railways shall review the responses and where appropriate engage in further supplier interaction, which may take the form of site visits, face to face meetings or supplier events.\nConditions of Engagement & Supplier Acknowledgment \nSuppliers participating in this process agree that this is an information gathering exercise only, and should not be interpreted as a procurement event, there shall be no evaluation or award resulting from this process by The Chiltern Railway Company. The responses obtained from this engagement may inform the most viable contracting models and expedient route to market for any subsequent procurement which may be undertaken.\nChiltern Railways may share elements of its findings with the market, suppliers should clearly state any areas of confidentiality in their response/s to the questionnaire stating \"not to be shared as part of any debriefing process\".\nChiltern Railways shall have no liability for any costs arising from this engagement which the supplier may incur as part of this process,\nChiltern Railways acknowledges that suppliers may require clarification prior to their submission and whilst the object of this engagement is not to enter into detailed exchange of information, Chiltern Railways will aim to provide clarity where appropriate to participants where it deems appropriate.\nCommercial Sensitivity \nThe supplier should advise any areas of response which they deem to be confidential, clearly stating these may not be divulged in the event of any debrief process.\nChiltern Railways Requirements\nChiltern Railways is in process defining its c68 Long Term Maintenance procurement strategy, this engagement aims to understand market readiness from supply chain partners, whom may be interested in entering into a long-term Train Services Agreement by offering an all-encompassing Train Services Agreement for the class 68 Locomotives,  to include\nA full Train Services Agreement with a lead supplier for detailed c68 maintenance and support requirements.\nImplementing system support and materials contracts for all c68 systems including but not limited to the engine, traction and c68 manufacturer.\nThe option for Chiltern Railways to undertake routine maintenance tasks based on technical input from the TSA provider as required.\nNB, Chiltern Railways shall make suitable depot facilities available.\nIt the expected that the contract duration shall be for a period of 10 years, with a contract commencement date of the 31st October 2026 and planned mobilisation by the 1st December 2026.\nParticipation\nIf you wish to participate in this engagement process, your formal acceptance is required by 16.00hrs Wednesday 18th February 2026, by registering at the Chiltern Procurement Dojo Platform and via the acceptance and return of our NDA without modification. \nAccess to the Market Dojo is located at the link below where suppliers can access the event\nhttps://marketdojo.com/market-dojo-sign-up/\nEvent code 66040CC6A6\nEngagement Responses Deadline 16.00hrs Friday 13th March 2026\nGeneral Information \nSuppliers must register on the Market Dojo platform and it's their responsibility to ensure their participants are kept informed of the status of this activity.\nChiltern Railways may use multiple procurement procedures in accordance with PA2023.\nChiltern Railways welcome responses from suppliers across sectors who can demonstrate capability in the areas above. \nSuppliers are not obliged to take part in this activity and may still participate in any forthcoming ITT in accordance with the rules of participation under PA2023."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}