United States-London: Wales and Western Region Research & Development Engagement Event

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United States
Publication Ref: 042408/S 000-2025
Nature of contract: Supply contract
Procedure: Not specified
Regulation of procurement: Not applicable
Type of bid required: Not applicable

UKPGA UK2: Preliminary Market Engagement Notice

I) Contracting Authority/Entity
I.1) Name and addresses
Official name: NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
National registration number: PNZN-9524-VCQJ

Postal address: Waterloo General Office
Town: London
Region: United States of America (the)
Postal code: SE1 8SW
Country: United States

Contact Person: Lily-May Roberts
Email: lily-may.roberts@networkrail.co.uk

Internet address

I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Public authority – central government

II) Object
II.1.1) Title
Wales and Western Region Research & Development Engagement Event
Reference number: Project_43760

II.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
Special regime
Utilities

II.1.4) Short description
Network Rail is exploring future research and development (R&D) opportunities in collaboration with the supply chain to address key operational and safety challenges across our infrastructure. This early engagement aims to identify suppliers, technology providers, and innovators who are capable of supporting the development of innovative solutions in a range of priority areas.
The scope of this potential procurement includes, but is not limited to, the following areas of interest:
Track – Development of solutions for the detection of pre-1979 rail types to identify defects or high-risk sections that may pose performance or safety concerns.
Track – Innovative techniques for cutting and grinding back edge lipping to reduce the need for ultrasonic testing and milling interventions.
Freight Operations – Systems or technologies to ensure scrap wagons are loaded safely and correctly, minimising the risk of operational incidents during transit.
Infrastructure Maintenance – Automated cleaning systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of debris catchment management across the network.
Energy Systems – Enhanced secondary cell battery technologies that improve asset reliability, reduce maintenance burdens, and ease manual handling for railway operatives.
Safety and Security – New or improved solutions to detect, prevent, and manage trespass incidents on the rail network.
Points and Switching – Continuous monitoring technologies that can measure the residual switch opening against the stock rail on RT60 points assets, supporting early fault detection and preventative maintenance.
Network Rail seeks to understand the level of market interest and capability in each of these areas to inform potential future procurement strategies and innovation funding routes.

II.1.5) Estimated Total Value
Value (including VAT)
600,000
Value (excluding VAT)
500,000
Currency
GBP

II.2) Description
II.2.1) Title
Contract/Lot No
1

II.2.2) CPV codes
Main CPV codes
30200000
34140000
34144700
34621200
34946000
35120000
35121000
38900000
42414100
42600000
42900000
42997300
43300000
43324000
44316000
48151000
50324100
71356100
79710000

II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code
UKL – WALES
UKK – SOUTH WEST (ENGLAND)
UKG3 – West Midlands

II.2.7) Contract dates (estimated)
Start
2026-04-01 00:00
End
2027-03-31 23:59
Duration
1 year

III) Legal, economic, financial and technical information
III.1) Conditions for participation
III.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

VI) Complementary information
Link to source/bidding documents

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
2025-07-23 14:30

VI.6) Engagement information
Engagement deadline
2025-10-31 23:59
Engagement process description
Supplier Engagement – R&D Innovation Programme
Network Rail Wales & Western Region is pleased to invite you to participate in an upcoming Supplier Engagement Event as part of our Research and Development (R&D) programme. This initiative is designed to foster collaboration with the supply chain on key innovation challenges that support the delivery of a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable railway.
Following regional engagement and operational insights, we have identified several priority areas where we are actively seeking innovative solutions. These challenges are detailed in the accompanying document to this notice and span various parts of our infrastructure and operations, including track, freight, infrastructure maintenance, asset management, and safety systems.
To ensure meaningful and focused discussions, we will be hosting a series of thematic in-person engagement sessions during September and October 2025, at locations within the Wales and Western region — such as our Bristol or Cardiff offices.
Next Steps – Express Your Interest
To help us shape the sessions and allocate places appropriately, please complete the following short form to indicate:
The challenge areas your organisation is interested in
Your capacity or interest in contributing to the development of innovative solutions
Your preferred location (if applicable)

Please submit your response by Wednesday 7th August 2025.
Important Notes
Due to space limitations, we may need to restrict the number of attendees per supplier organisation.
Additional details, including session dates, times, and exact locations, will be shared shortly after the response deadline.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact:
Lily-May Roberts – lily-may.roberts@networkrail.co.uk
Olivia Jones – olivia.jones@networkrail.co.uk
We look forward to your participation and to exploring opportunities to collaborate on innovative solutions that will shape the future of our railway.