Scope
Description
T1414 aims to demonstrate the effective use of Solar Reflective Solutions to reduce internal vehicle temperatures, supporting improved passenger comfort, reduced HVAC energy consumption demand and improved component reliability for GB passenger rolling stock.
Work Package 1- Benchmarking and trial planning
• Assess the current performance of existing rolling stock paint systems to establish a baseline against which the potential benefit and disbenefits of adopting solar reflective alternatives can be determined.
• Identify and select SRSs which meet GB passenger rolling stock requirements to ensure the SRSs trialled meet technical, safety, and operational material requirements.
• Develop a test plan for a box trial, representative of a rail vehicle, to assess the effect that SRSs would have on internal rail vehicle temperature.
Work Package 2 - Box trials
• Undertake box trials2, representative of a rail vehicle, as per the test plan produced in WP1, to gather data on the solar, thermal and operational environment performance of SRSs.
•Analyse the data gathered from the box trials to enable cost-benefit analysis of the material systems and mitigate potential risk/unsuitable candidates.
Work Package 3 - Business case for SRS adoption
• Produce an initial business case for the use of SRSs on GB passenger rolling stock based on WP2.
Work Package 4 - Planning next steps - This will only be undertaken if business case in WP3 is positive
• Identify the questions (including technical) that remain to be answered to make informed decisions on the adoption of SRS.
• Develop a test plan for trial(s) that would answer the outstanding questions identified in WP 2 and 3 so RSSB may seek support from relevant parties and plan for such trial(s).
Note - The decision to proceed with the last work package will be made by RSSB based on the findings from WP2 and 3. The work for WP4 should be included in the total price, but with the cost separately identified to be able to be removed if WP4 is not progressed.
benefit analysis of the material systems and mitigate potential risk/unsuitable candidates.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-London:-Research-services./H6PV3F8HC3
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
Total value (estimated)
- £120,000 excluding VAT
- £144,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 12 March 2026 to 11 February 2027
- 11 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 February 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
27 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| W2 Tenderer's understanding and methodology [Max 6 pages] | Quality | 30% |
| W3 Tenderer's experience and individual expertise [Max 3 pages, excluding CVs] | Quality | 20% |
| W4 Project management: Planning and engagement | Quality | 20% |
| W6 Price | Price | 20% |
| W5 Project management: Risks and opportunities | Quality | 10% |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVGN-9767-BLPT
25 Fenchurch Avenue,
London
EC3M 5AD
United Kingdom
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)