Scope
Reference
ocds-h6vhtk-051a9f
Description
The design, supply and certification of a proven Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) for Northern's Class 158 fleet, consisting of eight three car and forty five two car units, with fitment commencing August 2026.
Contract 1. Class 158 Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) Modification
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,790,898 excluding VAT
- £214,907,760 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 6 February 2026 to 28 August 2028
- 2 years, 6 months, 23 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 50220000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to railways and other equipment
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Justification:
Northern Trains Limited (NTL) is required to procure and install a fully certified and previously proven SVRS system by leaf fall 2026, ensuring fleet safety of NTL's Class 158 rolling stock.
The following incidents on the GB rail network has required NTL to install SRVS on its cl.158 fleet:
The Salisbury collision (Oct 21) due to poor adhesion, involving Great Western Railway and South Western Railway trains, the Powys collision (Oct 24) involving Transport for Wales trains and multiple station overruns in 2024 and 2025.
Given these incidents, there is a need to enhance the stopping capability of the Class 158 as a safety imperative.
Siemens is the only provider whose SVRS solution has proven to positively impact breaking in low-adhesion conditions on Class 158s while in passenger service and is permitted for use by the asset-owner. This has been demonstrated at ScotRail.
Any alternative would not meet the timelines required by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and Department for Transport Operator (DFTO), making Siemens the only viable supplier for the Autumn 2026 deadline.
In conclusion, NTL's procurement under Schedule 5 paragraph 6 is justified due to the following reasons:
a. There are no alternative suppliers with a tested solution meeting the technical requirements for Class 158s in the timeframe required by the ORR to address a safety critical matter.
b. There are no reasonable alternative goods meeting the technical requirements for Class 158s in the timeframe required by the ORR to address a safety critical matter.
Supplier
SIEMENS MOBILITY LIMITED
- Companies House: 00016033
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLXP-3652-TTVN
Sixth Floor, The Lantern, 75 Hampstead Road
London
NW1 2PL
United Kingdom
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Class 158 Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) Modification
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