Scope
Reference
904724896 T1350
Description
At the highest level, this work package seeks to provide missing empirical data which will support decision making and modelling to better understand how the behaviour of freight braking systems impact on the generation of wheel flats.
This project will seek to characterise and document the behaviour of freight braking systems in real world settings. In combination with the other work packages, the outputs of this study will be used to inform the conclusions of the project overall and will provide useful input to other research activities on freight safety. Specifically, the outputs from this work package will support the research in characterising longitudinal compressive forces in freight (T1352), and the investigation into the factors impacting freight braking in low adhesion (T1351).
The outputs will be achieved through a variety of static brake tests of real freight trains. The specific objectives of the project will be to:
1.Identify suitable testing parameters or categorisation to prioritise testing and agree a test regime.
2.Understand the performance of different locomotives.
3.Understand how braking behaviour varies with different vehicles, brake setups and components.
4.Understand how brake timing and brake force varies down the length of a long train.
5.Understand how different charging/overcharge procedures influence the behaviour of braking systems.
Whilst delivering these objectives will have implications on freight braking and deceleration performance. The primary objective of this work is to support research in the topic of freight safety.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-London:-Research-services./K266X6W9A8
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)
- 10 November 2025 to 10 April 2026
- 5 months, 1 day
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
3 October 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
17 October 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
No
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| W2 Tenderer's understanding and methodology [Max 4 pages] | Quality | 30% |
| W3 Tenderer's experience and individual expertise [Max 3 pages, excluding CVs] | Quality | 25% |
| W4 Project management: Planning and engagement [Max 3 pages, excluding Gantt and Resource table] | Quality | 20% |
| W6 Price | Price | 20% |
| W5 Project management: Risks and opportunities | Quality | 5% |
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)