Section one: Contracting entity
one.1) Name and addresses
ScotRail Trains Limited
Atrium Court,, 50 Waterloo Street
Glasgow
G2 6HQ
Contact
Lisa Scott
Telephone
+44 3448110141
Country
United States
NUTS code
US - United States
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA30589
one.6) Main activity
Railway services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Design, certification, supply and installation of Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) to ScotRail’s Class 158 Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs)
Reference number
SR-PACT-PROJ-566
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 34600000 - Railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock and associated parts
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
Turnkey solution for the design, certification, supply, and installation of Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) for ScotRail’s Class 158
Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs).
ScotRail requires an SVRS system that has previously received technical approval (i.e., ROSCO approval and full certification through the engineering change process).
The SVRS systems must be capable of providing proven improvements in braking performance under low-adhesion conditions for the Class 158 DMU fleet. This must be evidenced by industry performance data demonstrating these improvements specifically for the Class 158 DMUs.
ScotRail aims to commence fitment in Autumn 2025 to benefit from the system’s benefits as soon as possible.
ScotRail intends to use the negotiated procedure without prior call for competition to contract with Siemens Mobility Limited. This approach is considered the only viable option, as Siemens Mobility is the only supplier who can provide a technically proven solution with demonstrated performance benefits on an in-service fleet and the capability to meet the challenging project timeline.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 34631400 - Wheel axles and tyres and other parts of locomotives or rolling stock
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
Main site or place of performance
Installation works will take place at ScotRail engineering depots in Inverness Depot and Haymarket Depot
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Turnkey solution for the design, certification, supply, and installation of Single Variable Rate Sanding (SVRS) for ScotRail’s Class 158 Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs).
ScotRail requires an SVRS system that has previously received technical approval (i.e., ROSCO approval and full certification through the
engineering change process).
The SVRS systems must be capable of providing proven improvements in braking performance under low-adhesion conditions for the Class 158 DMU fleet. This must be evidenced by industry performance data demonstrating these improvements specifically for the Class 158 DMUs.
ScotRail aims to commence fitment in Autumn 2025 to benefit from the system’s benefits as soon as possible.
ScotRail intends to use the negotiated procedure without prior call for competition to contract with Siemens Mobility Limited. This approach is considered the only viable option, as Siemens Mobility is the only supplier who can provide a technically proven solution with
demonstrated performance benefits on an in-service fleet and the capability to meet the challenging project timeline.
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason:
- absence of competition for technical reasons
Explanation:
Please see additional information for a full explanation.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2025/S 000-010023
Section five. Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
22 April 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Siemens Mobility Limited
Euston House, 24 Eversholt Street
London
NW1 1AD
Telephone
+44 7921242485
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
No
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
Justification:
SRT justifies its use for this procurement under two grounds:
1. Reg 48(1)(c):Only One Provider Available Due to Technical Reasons
2. Reg 48(1)(d) and 48(3): Extreme Urgency
Reg 48(1)(c) allows procurement from a sole provider if competition is absent for technical reasons or to protect exclusive rights.
Justification:
- SRT’s safety case mandates the procurement of a fully certified SVRS system by August 2025 to ensure fleet safety.
- Porterbrook, the train owner, has mandated in the lease that SRT can only procure an SVRS system which has full engineering change approval.
- Siemens Mobility is the sole supplier meeting these technical requirements, making competition absent for technical reasons.
In conclusion, SRT’s procurement under Regulation 48 is justified due to the absence of alternative suppliers capable of meeting the required specifications and timeframe.
Reg 48(1)(d) states that extreme urgency, caused by unforeseeable events, must make compliance with standard procurement procedures impossible. Reg 48(3) further clarifies that the urgency must not be attributable to the utility.
Justification:
The following incidents on the GB rail network has required SRT 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, led SRT to implement an initial sanding strategy in 22.
- The Powys collision (Oct 24) involving Transport for Wales trains, and multiple station overruns in Autumn 24 indicate an ongoing issue with the cl.158 fleet in low adhesion conditions.
- Given these incidents, the current sanding equipment cannot be assumed sufficient for Autumn 25 and beyond.
- Urgent procurement of new sanding equipment is required to mitigate the risk of further accidents.
- The Powys collision and station overruns highlight a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents, making the urgency unforeseeable but critical.
- SRT is bound by its safety case to minimise fleet risk and must act swiftly.
- The SVRS system must be supplied by August 25, requiring contract award by March 25. Manufacturing takes 7-8 months, making full competitive procedures unfeasible.
- Siemens Mobility is the only provider whose SVRS system has been proven on passenger-services, has previous ROSCO approval, and fully certified.
- An uncertified alternative would take at least 18 mths to implement, making Siemens Mobility the only viable supplier for the 2025 deadline.
(SC Ref:797194)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Glasgow Sheriff Court
Glasgow
Country
United Kingdom