Scope
Description
Northern Trains Limited ('NTL') is planning on going out to tender for the procurement of Liquid Waste Removal and Drainage Services across NTL's network.
The aim of the procurement is to establish a single supplier framework agreement with the winning tenderer, which NTL will be able to call-off from.
NTL conducts train maintenance activities across a number of locations. Currently, there are 11 of these locations, but the number of sites may increase or reduce in future. NTL are looking for a service provider to remove liquid waste from assets which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
-Waste tanks, containing fluid drained from trains (coolant and oil)
- Oil/Water separators (sludge, water and oil)
- Septic tanks
- Drainage
The objectives of this tender are:
- Inclusion of drain jetting, clearance and CCTV in line with responsibilities laid out in NTL's lease agreements .
-Ensure that drains within TCC maintenance areas are kept clear of sediment, especially sand, to allow continued operation of engineering production
- To assist in maintaining or achieving zero waste to landfill target.
The Service Provider will be responsible for assessing waste and ensuring the waste is accurately described in accordance with waste regulations and hazardous waste regulations:
- Assignment of EWC code and associated description
- Identification and documentation of transportation hazards and control measures
- Any other information required to complete a waste consignment/transfer note
For each collection, a laboratory analysis of samples must be undertaken by a UKAS Certified Laboratory. This analysis must be used to produce the waste consignment note and made available to the relevant site contact along with a copy of the consignment note 3 x days prior to waste being removed.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 June 2026 to 22 June 2030
- Possible extension to 22 June 2034
- 8 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 90400000 - Sewage services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
Engagement
Engagement deadline
22 May 2025
The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.
Engagement process description
Northern Trains Limited ("NTL") invited a selected group of suppliers to participate in early pre‑market engagement for the upcoming liquid waste services requirement.
Suppliers were chosen based on their proven, current, or recently demonstrated capability in delivering part or all of the required liquid waste management services across the NTL network.
Each supplier was invited to an individual session where NTL delivered the same presentation outlining the proposed scope, operational processes, KPIs, and required accreditations. Suppliers were invited to provide feedback on these elements and to share any examples or templates of pricing schedules for similar work, as this is a new area for NTL to formally procure.
The key objectives of the pre‑market engagement were to:
- Gain a clearer understanding of the liquid waste services market and supplier capabilities
- Understand typical pricing methodologies for this type of service and identify any commercial or operational challenges
- Assess how the contract could operate across multiple NTL locations and determine the level of project team involvement required
Following pre-market engagement, work has started to develop a suitable contract. It gave the project team an understanding of what information the market needs to bid for the works, which impacted the specification development, pricing schedule and tender response questions.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
26 January 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Contracting authority
NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED
- Companies House: 03076444
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZCJ-2164-HJQZ
George Stephenson House
York
YO1 6JT
United Kingdom
Region: UKE21 - York
Organisation type: Public authority - central government