Scope
Description
This procurement is for the overhaul of two DISAB Tubevac Machines (the 'Assets) for London Underground, Engineering Vehicles Rolling Stock.
DISAB Tubevac Machines are specialized rail-mounted vacuum units that help to keep railway tracks clean and safe, reducing downtime and improving efficiency during maintenance projects.
They are mounted on rail wagons and used primarily for ballast track renewals and track maintenance. These machines employ powerful suction technology to remove and handle large volumes of material - such as ballast, dust, and debris - efficiently and safely during rail infrastructure works. Total contract amount is circa £1,310,373.
The justification for awarding this proposed contract in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 Direct Award to DISAB UK LTD is compliant with Schedule 5 - paragraph 5 as the following conditions are met in relation to the public contract:
a) a particular supplier having intellectual property rights or other exclusive rights, only that supplier can supply the goods, services or works required, and
b) there are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services or works.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,310,373 excluding VAT
- £1,572,448 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
2 March 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 5 March 2026 to 4 March 2027
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
A detailed condition assessment can only be carried out once the machine is taken out of service for overhaul. As a result, the full scope of works and any additional parts required will only be confirmed after this assessment. Additional purchases may therefore be required following the assessment to address identified needs.
CPV classifications
- 34621000 - Railway maintenance or service vehicles, and railway freight wagons
- 50200000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to aircraft, railways, roads and marine equipment
Contract locations
- UKI - London
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
The Tubevac machines are OEM-controlled assets with critical components under DISAB's intellectual property, including hoppers, engine houses, oil and fuel tanks, manipulator arms, and J-hooks. Technical schematics, wiring diagrams, and spare parts information are strictly controlled and not shared with third parties.
The overhaul requires compatible parts, and due to lack of technical documentation and information, it is not possible to create a specification for an alternative.
Supplier
DISAB UK LIMITED
- Companies House: 01870611
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTGV-3981-JHBY
1 Chapel Street
Warwick
CV34 4HL
United Kingdom
Email: andrew.ainsworth@disab.com
Region: UKG13 - Warwickshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Transport for London
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHMT-6197-NWNZ
5 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
United Kingdom
Email: arjunmattathil@tfl.gov.uk
Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham
Organisation type: Public authority - central government