Scope
Description
Following the publication of the RAIB report 12/2023 into the Salisbury Tunnel Junction
collision of October 2021 and subsequent conclusions, there is direct recommendation to
install automatic sanding equipment on all fleets. As such Northern is looking to develop
automatic sanding modification on Northern's Cl.150 and Cl.156 fleets.
NTL have assessed our fleet and this notice is to direct award an agreement which will see a
modification to the already installed WSP system to permit automatic sanding on cl.150 and
cl.156 units (qty 288 vehicles all DMS/DMSL).
With the exception of Northern's Cl.150 & CL.156 fleets, all fleets are installed with
automatic sanding systems that deposit sand onto the railhead under the third axle at a fixed
rate, triggered immediately when a unit encounters low adhesion. Where as the 15x fleets are
fitted with Single Fixed Rate Sanding systems which further inadequacies of standard SFRS
systems were highlighted after the Salisbury collision.
The project scope is to:
● Modify already fitted SFRS system as to enable automatic sanding across the Class 150s
& 156s
o Which will improve and standardise sanding response time once a unit has encountered
low adhesion conditions and remove the human element.
● The modification is planned to have as many units completed before leaf fall 2025 on all
Northern Cl.150 and Cl.156 units as to mitigate the risk of further incidents moving forward.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £973,000 excluding VAT
- £1,167,600 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
8 May 2025
Contract dates
- 8 May 2025 to 6 November 2026
- 1 year, 5 months, 30 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 34621200 - Railway maintenance or service vehicles
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
Key performance indicators
| Name |
|---|
| Design Approval |
| On-Time Delivery across each Depot and Train type against Key Milestones |
| Installation Accuracy |
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 purpose of this direct award is to facilitate a critical modification to the hardware and interlinking software of the Wheel Slip Protection (WSP) system currently installed across NTL's 150 and 156 fleets. This modification is essential to enhance the safety and performance of the existing system.
Rationale for Direct Award:
Proprietary Rights and Expertise:
AtkinsRealis (formerly SNC-Lavalin) holds the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the WSP solution that was initially installed. The original equipment was fitted between May and September 2020, following funding from Network Rail (NWR) aimed at improving the safety of these units. Given their ownership of the IPR and their deep understanding of the system, AtkinsRealis is uniquely positioned to execute the required modifications.
Continuity and Compatibility:
The solution being procured through this notice involves further modifications to the existing system. As the original installer and IPR holder, AtkinsRealis possesses the necessary technical knowledge and expertise to ensure seamless integration and compatibility with the current setup. Engaging a different supplier would likely result in significant compatibility issues and potential safety risks.
Supplier
AtkinsRéalis Rail & Transit Limited
- Companies House: 3062722
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMCD-5874-TJCP
Woodcote Grove, Ashley Road, Epsom
Surrey
KT18 5BW
United Kingdom
Email: transportationleads@atkinsglobal.com
Website: http://www.atkinsrealis.com
Region: UKJ26 - East Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
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