Official UK procurement notice
Supply and Overhaul of Fleet Wide Wheelsets
Authority: NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED (Central government)
What is being bought5 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionThis procurement is for the collection, overhaul, and delivery of approximately 2,500 wheelsets per year across Network Rail’s fleet. It will be delivered under a multi-supplier, zero-value framework agreement structured into five lots based on operational groupings and technical complexity. The scope includes overhaul of wheelsets and subcomponents (e.g. axles, bearings, brake discs, gearboxes) in accordance with Network Rail technical specifications. The framework will be governed by the NR13(E) Framework Agreement and NR18(S) PO Conditions, with call-offs issued via Purchase Orders.
NOTE: The Contract Value stated in this notice is not represented per Lot but total value across all Lots and Contracts.
- How the procedure runs: This is a single-stage tender procedure, which suppliers will be invited to following a PSQ stage – PSQ (Procurement Specific Questionnaire) followed by a Tender (ITT) stage. There will be a PSQ for all participants, and the top 8 scoring tenderers will be invited to the Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage. Tenderers who are invited to the ITT stage will have their bids evaluated using a 65% Technical, 35% Commercial weighting. The framework will appoint one (1) Primary Supplier and one (1) Secondary Supplier per Lot. Additional suppliers may be appointed as Framework Approved Suppliers to support resilience and continuity of service. Role allocation will be based on evaluation outcomes and operational requirements 1. All Participants are required to review all tender documents for full details.
- No preliminary market engagement: Market engagement carried out prior to the Procurement Act under project 41539. Notice Number 2024/S 000-038516. Notice Reference 2024-043571
CPV: Repair and maintenance services of locomotive wheelsets · Repair and maintenance services of rolling stock · Repair, maintenance and associated services related to railways and other equipment
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework · open framework scheme (admission reopens)
- Call-offs
- call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
- Bids received
- 5 bids on the busiest of 5 lots · 4 suppliers appointed
- Framework period
- 5 yrs · up to 8 yrs from 1 Apr 2026
- Scheme runs until
- 31 Mar 2034
- Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
- N/A
Published description of the framework
The framework operates via a commission-based call-off process. When services are required, Network Rail issues purchase orders specifying the scope, technical requirements, delivery schedule and applicable rates.
Suppliers are designated per lot as Primary, Secondary or Framework Approved. Call-offs may be made directly to the Primary or Secondary Supplier. Where these suppliers are unable to fulfil the requirement, requests for quotation may be issued to Framework Approved Suppliers.
Pricing is based on pre-agreed rates within the framework, with confirmation where required through request for quotation processes. This approach provides flexibility to respond to operational demand and ensures continuity of service throughout the contract term.
Lots and requirements (5)Procurement structure
5 lots · all with a published value · same conditions of participation on every lot · same evaluation weights on every lotEvery one of these 5 lots carries the same published figure, £30,900,000: it is the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each lot's own budget, and no share per lot is published. The cards below say ceiling above rather than repeat it.
Lot #1Y25/27 & VNH1AwardedRenewalceiling above
The source published no individual description for this lot.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Suppliers will be shortlisted based on responses to the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ), which includes pass/fail and scored criteria covering financial standing, technical ability, health & safety, sustainability, and social value. The top 8 ranked suppliers will be invited to tender, subject to meeting all minimum thresholds. Tie-breakers will be applied in the order of technical score, financial standing, social value, and health & safety. If fewer than 3 suppliers qualify, the procurement will proceed with those available.
- Economic & financial standing
Insurance is not required at the point of selection but must be in place by contract award. Audited accounts are not mandatory; financial health is assessed via a model score or guarantor.
- Technical & professional ability
Equivalent qualifications and standards are accepted.
Lot #2Y33 RDT MPV T2 & OLETAwardedRenewalceiling above
The source published no individual description for this lot.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Suppliers will be shortlisted based on responses to the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ), which includes pass/fail and scored criteria covering financial standing, technical ability, health & safety, sustainability, and social value. The top 8 ranked suppliers will be invited to tender, subject to meeting all minimum thresholds. Tie-breakers will be applied in the order of technical score, financial standing, social value, and health & safety. If fewer than 3 suppliers qualify, the procurement will proceed with those available.
- Economic & financial standing
Insurance is not required at the point of selection but must be in place by contract award. Audited accounts are not mandatory; financial health is assessed via a model score or guarantor.
- Technical & professional ability
Equivalent qualifications and standards are accepted.
Lot #3MPV T1AwardedRenewalceiling above
The source published no individual description for this lot.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Suppliers will be shortlisted based on responses to the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ), which includes pass/fail and scored criteria covering financial standing, technical ability, health & safety, sustainability, and social value. The top 8 ranked suppliers will be invited to tender, subject to meeting all minimum thresholds. Tie-breakers will be applied in the order of technical score, financial standing, social value, and health & safety. If fewer than 3 suppliers qualify, the procurement will proceed with those available.
- Economic & financial standing
Insurance is not required at the point of selection but must be in place by contract award. Audited accounts are not mandatory; financial health is assessed via a model score or guarantor.
- Technical & professional ability
Equivalent qualifications and standards are accepted.
Lot #4Y33 RHTTAwardedRenewalceiling above
The source published no individual description for this lot.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Suppliers will be shortlisted based on responses to the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ), which includes pass/fail and scored criteria covering financial standing, technical ability, health & safety, sustainability, and social value. The top 8 ranked suppliers will be invited to tender, subject to meeting all minimum thresholds. Tie-breakers will be applied in the order of technical score, financial standing, social value, and health & safety. If fewer than 3 suppliers qualify, the procurement will proceed with those available.
- Economic & financial standing
Insurance is not required at the point of selection but must be in place by contract award. Audited accounts are not mandatory; financial health is assessed via a model score or guarantor.
- Technical & professional ability
Equivalent qualifications and standards are accepted.
Lot #5Mixed Wheelset TypesAwardedRenewalceiling above
The source published no individual description for this lot.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Suppliers will be shortlisted based on responses to the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ), which includes pass/fail and scored criteria covering financial standing, technical ability, health & safety, sustainability, and social value. The top 8 ranked suppliers will be invited to tender, subject to meeting all minimum thresholds. Tie-breakers will be applied in the order of technical score, financial standing, social value, and health & safety. If fewer than 3 suppliers qualify, the procurement will proceed with those available.
- Economic & financial standing
Insurance is not required at the point of selection but must be in place by contract award. Audited accounts are not mandatory; financial health is assessed via a model score or guarantor.
- Technical & professional ability
Equivalent qualifications and standards are accepted.
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published sub-criteria (9)
- Technical Submission: 10%
- Current Capability and Capacity: 13%
- Accreditation: 9%
- Contract Organisation: 7%
- Contract Management: 7%
- Key Personnel and CVs: 4%
- Health and Safety: 5%
- Price: 35%
- Sustainability / Social Value: 10%
Published award criteria (9)
- Technical Submission: Evaluation of methodology, delivery plan, risk management, operational readiness, and contract management.
- Current Capability and Capacity: Assessment of the supplier’s ability to deliver overhaul services across wheelset types, including capacity, turnaround times, and operational readiness.
- Accreditation: Evaluation of RISAS or equivalent accreditations and assurance of compliance with Network Rail standards.
- Contract Organisation: Assessment of team structure, roles, and resource planning to support contract delivery.
- Contract Management: Evaluation of contract oversight, reporting, issue resolution, and continuous improvement
- Key Personnel and CVs: Review of qualifications and experience of key personnel proposed for the contract.
- Sustainability / Social Value: Evaluation of environmental management, carbon reduction, circular economy, and social value initiatives.
- Health and Safety: Assessment of H&S systems, risk controls, compliance, and safety performance.
- Price: Evaluation of unit pricing for overhaul services based on modelled volumes.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
Suppliers will be shortlisted based on responses to the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ), which includes pass/fail and scored criteria covering financial standing, technical ability, health & safety, sustainability, and social value. The top 8 ranked suppliers will be invited to tender, subject to meeting all minimum thresholds. Tie-breakers will be applied in the order of technical score, financial standing, social value, and health & safety. If fewer than 3 suppliers qualify, the procurement will proceed with those available.
- Economic & financial standing
Insurance is not required at the point of selection but must be in place by contract award. Audited accounts are not mandatory; financial health is assessed via a model score or guarantor.
- Technical & professional ability
Equivalent qualifications and standards are accepted.
- Price carries 35 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 3.5 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
- “Supply and Overhaul of Fleet Wide Wheelsets” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Awarded
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Utilities
- Commercial structure
- Open framework scheme
- Who may use this agreement
- Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA)
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 25 Jul 2025, 09:29 BST
- Last source update
- 27 Jul 2026, 08:26 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 2 Feb 2026
- Authority reference
2025-045971- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-043006- Latest notice
- Contract details notice (UK7)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-056600Find a Tender
- How it runs
This is a single-stage tender procedure, which suppliers will be invited to following a PSQ stage – PSQ (Procurement Specific Questionnaire) followed by a Tender (ITT) stage.
There will be a PSQ for all participants, and the top 8 scoring tenderers will be invited to the Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage. Tenderers who are invited to the ITT stage will have their bids evaluated using a 65% Technical, 35% Commercial weighting.
The framework will appoint one (1) Primary Supplier and one (1) Secondary Supplier per Lot. Additional suppliers may be appointed as Framework Approved Suppliers to support resilience and continuity of service. Role allocation will be based on evaluation outcomes and operational requirements 1.
All Participants are required to review all tender documents for full details.
How it was run
Official notice- Requests to participate (first stage)
- 22 Aug 2025, 17:00 BST
- Appointment period ends
- 22 Aug 2025, 17:00 BST
- Clarification deadline
- 15 Aug 2025, 17:00 BST
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
- Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
- call-off levy · N/A
Timeline
25 Jul 2025 → 27 Jul 2026 · 7 dates- Tender notice published25 Jul 2025, 09:29 BST
- Clarification questions by15 Aug 2025, 17:00 BST
- Admission / appointment period endsperiod end, not a bid countdown22 Aug 2025, 17:00 BST
- Award decision expected by261 days ago2 Feb 2026, 23:59 GMT
- Contract starts205 days ago1 Apr 2026, 00:00 BST
- Assessment summaries sent143 days ago2 Jun 2026, 00:00 BST
- Latest notice published87 days ago27 Jul 2026, 08:26 BST
Notice history
5 events · 3 releases on Find a Tender · since 25 Jul 2025- Tender notice published25 Jul 2025, 09:29 BSTUK4
- Contract award notice published3 Jun 2026, 12:44 BSTUK6
- Status changed to complete3 Jun 2026, 12:44 BST
- Contract signature expected23 Jun 2026, 23:59 BSTscheduled
- Contract details notice published27 Jul 2026, 08:26 BSTUK7
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast£30,900,000 is the framework's published maximum, restated by the publisher on 4 award rows. It is one ceiling, not 4 separate sums, and no share per lot is published; those rows read “ceiling above”.
| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Across several lots4 awards | |||
| DB Cargo (UK) Ltd1 Jul 2026 – 31 Mar 2031 · up to 31 Mar 2034Extensions: The framework includes two extensions: one for two years and one for one year. These may be exercised to maintain continuity of service, align with future procurement strategies, and support operational requirements. · Options: The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These may include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or requests for quotation among Framework Approved Suppliers where required, in accordance with the framework commission procedure. This provides flexibility to respond to operational demand and maintain continuity of supply. | ceiling above | 2 Jun 2026 | Awarded |
| Pullman RailSME1 Jul 2026 – 31 Mar 2031 · up to 31 Mar 2034Extensions: The framework includes two extensions: one for two years and one for one year. These may be exercised to maintain continuity of service, align with future procurement strategies, and support operational requirements. · Options: The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These may include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or requests for quotation among Framework Approved Suppliers where required, in accordance with the framework commission procedure. This provides flexibility to respond to operational demand and maintain continuity of supply. | ceiling above | 2 Jun 2026 | Awarded |
| Lucchini Unipart Rail1 Jul 2026 – 31 Mar 2031 · up to 31 Mar 2034Extensions: The framework includes two extensions: one for two years and one for one year. These may be exercised to maintain continuity of service, align with future procurement strategies, and support operational requirements. · Options: The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These may include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or requests for quotation among Framework Approved Suppliers where required, in accordance with the framework commission procedure. This provides flexibility to respond to operational demand and maintain continuity of supply. | ceiling above | 2 Jun 2026 | Awarded |
| Arlington Fleet Services Ltd1 Jul 2026 – 31 Mar 2031 · up to 31 Mar 2034Extensions: The framework includes two extensions: one for two years and one for one year. These may be exercised to maintain continuity of service, align with future procurement strategies, and support operational requirements. · Options: The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These may include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or requests for quotation among Framework Approved Suppliers where required, in accordance with the framework commission procedure. This provides flexibility to respond to operational demand and maintain continuity of supply. | ceiling above | 2 Jun 2026 | Awarded |
Contracts
All 4 of these contracts carry the same published figure, £30,900,000, the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each contract's own value. They are not eleven separate sums.
Supply and Overhaul of Fleet Wide Wheelsets · DB Cargo (UK) Ltd
- Signed
- 22 Jul 2026
- Value
- ceiling above
- Period
- 22 Jul 2026 – 21 Jul 2031 · up to 21 Jul 2034 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The framework includes two extensions: one for two years and one for one year. These may be exercised to maintain continuity of service, align with future procurement strategies, and support operational requirements.
- Options
- The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These may include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or requests for quotation among Framework Approved Suppliers where required, in accordance with the framework commission procedure. This provides flexibility to respond to operational demand and maintain continuity of supply.
Supply and Overhaul of Fleet Wide Wheelsets · Lucchini Unipart Rail
- Signed
- 10 Jul 2026
- Value
- ceiling above
- Period
- 10 Jul 2026 – 9 Jul 2031 · up to 9 Jul 2034 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The framework includes two extensions: one for two years and one for one year. These may be exercised to maintain continuity of service, align with future procurement strategies, and support operational requirements.
- Options
- The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These may include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or requests for quotation among Framework Approved Suppliers where required, in accordance with the framework commission procedure. This provides flexibility to respond to operational demand and maintain continuity of supply.
Supply and Overhaul of Fleet Wide Wheelsets · Arlington Fleet Services Ltd
- Signed
- 10 Jul 2026
- Value
- ceiling above
- Period
- 10 Jul 2026 – 9 Jul 2031 · up to 9 Jul 2034 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The framework includes two extensions: one for two years and one for one year. These may be exercised to maintain continuity of service, align with future procurement strategies, and support operational requirements.
- Options
- The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These may include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or requests for quotation among Framework Approved Suppliers where required, in accordance with the framework commission procedure. This provides flexibility to respond to operational demand and maintain continuity of supply.
Supply and Overhaul of Fleet Wide Wheelsets · Pullman RailSME
- Signed
- 2 Jul 2026
- Value
- ceiling above
- Period
- 2 Jul 2026 – 1 Jul 2031 · up to 1 Jul 2034 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The framework includes two extensions: one for two years and one for one year. These may be exercised to maintain continuity of service, align with future procurement strategies, and support operational requirements.
- Options
- The framework allows for additional purchases via call-offs throughout its term. These may include direct awards to Primary or Secondary Suppliers, or requests for quotation among Framework Approved Suppliers where required, in accordance with the framework commission procedure. This provides flexibility to respond to operational demand and maintain continuity of supply.
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Lot | Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Y25/27 & VNH1 | 4final-stage tenders | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2 · Y33 RDT MPV T2 & OLET | 1final-stage tenders | 0 | 0 | — |
| 3 · MPV T1 | 2final-stage tenders | 0 | 0 | — |
| 4 · Y33 RHTT | 5final-stage tenders | 0 | 0 | — |
| 5 · Mixed Wheelset Types | 2final-stage tenders | 0 | 0 | — |
Who bid
- did not winWabtec UK Ltd · Yorkshire and the Humber · 3, 4
- wonLucchini Unipart Rail Limited · North West England · 1, 4
- wonPullman Rail LtdSME · Wales (Cymru) · 1, 2, 3, 4
- wonArlington Fleet Services Ltd · South East England · 1, 4, 5
- wonDB Cargo (UK) Limited · Yorkshire and the Humber · 1, 4, 5
Bidders as named on the Procurement Act 2023 award notice. “Won” means the bidder holds an award on this notice.
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Framework contractors & participating bidders
5 commercial parties on the notice · 4 awarded- Arlington Fleet Services LtdFramework contractor
- DB Cargo (UK) LimitedFramework contractor
- Lucchini Unipart Rail LimitedFramework contractor
- Pullman Rail LtdFramework contractor
- Wabtec UK LtdBidder / tenderer
Official documents & specifications (9)
Official links; attachments are not copiedNotices published for this procedure
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender