UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

1. Introduction Northern Trains Limited ("Northern") is undertaking Preliminary Market Engagement ("PME") in advance of a proposed procurement for the provision of calibration services across its Train Care Centre ("TCC") network. The purpose of this engagement is to better understand market capability, capacity, innovation and potential delivery models that could support Northern's operational and compliance requirements. This notice is being published to inform suppliers of the opportunity to participate in market engagement activities and to support the development of Northern's future procurement strategy. 2. Background Northern operates a network of Train Care Centres and maintenance facilities across the North of England. These facilities utilise a range of calibrated tools, instruments and equipment that support the safe inspection, maintenance and repair of rolling stock assets. Northern is seeking to understand the current calibration services market, available technologies, service delivery models and supplier capabilities in advance of commencing a formal procurement process. 3. Objectives of the Market Engagement The objectives of this engagement are to: • Understand the current calibration services marketplace. • Assess supplier capability and capacity to support a geographically dispersed railway maintenance operation. • Explore innovative approaches to calibration management and asset control. • Understand available digital asset management and certification solutions. • Inform the future scope, specification and contract structure. • Test potential commercial and pricing models. • Support the development of a procurement strategy that delivers value for money and operational resilience. 4. Scope Overview The anticipated requirement may include, but is not limited to: • Calibration of mechanical, electrical and electronic measuring equipment. • Calibration of torque tools and associated equipment. • Provision of UKAS-accredited calibration services where applicable. • Collection and return services. • On-site and/or mobile calibration services. • Digital certification management. • Asset tracking and reporting solutions. • National service support across multiple Train Care Centre locations. Further information regarding asset volumes, locations and operational requirements will be made available as part of the market engagement process. 5. Market Engagement Activities Northern intends to undertake the following engagement activities: Stage 1: Market Capability Questionnaire Interested suppliers will be invited to complete a Market Capability Questionnaire covering: • Relevant sector experience. • UKAS accreditation arrangements. • Geographic coverage. • Service delivery capability. • Digital asset management capability. • Multi-site contract experience. • Innovation opportunities. • Commercial approaches. The questionnaire is for information gathering purposes only and will not be evaluated as part of any procurement process. Stage 2: Microsoft Teams Market Engagement Event Northern intends to hold a virtual supplier engagement session via Microsoft Teams. The session may include: • Introduction to the requirement. • Overview of the TCC and outstation network. • Current challenges and opportunities. • Future objectives. • Supplier discussion and feedback. • Questions and answers. Stage 3: Site Engagement (If Required) Subject to operational requirements, Northern may arrange visits to a representative Train Care Centre. Due to operational, safety and security considerations, attendance at site visits may be restricted to a limited number of suppliers following review of questionnaire responses. Any information provided during site visits that is relevant to the future procurement will be shared with all interested suppliers to ensure transparency and equal treatment. Engagement Process Description Northern Trains Limited ("NTL") is seeking to undertake early market engagement with suitably qualified and experienced suppliers in advance of a forthcoming procurement for the provision of Calibration Services across its Train Care Centre ("TCC") network. The proposed contract will support the calibration, certification, management and control of tools, instruments and equipment used across Northern's maintenance facilities to ensure continued compliance, operational efficiency and asset reliability. NTL invites interested suppliers to attend a virtual Pre-Market Engagement session, which will be held on: 3rd September 2026 at 11:00am via Microsoft Teams The session will include a presentation delivered by the Operational and Procurement Teams outlining the strategic objectives of the requirement, the anticipated scope of services and the proposed procurement approach. The session will provide insight into the following areas: • Overview of Northern's Train Care Centre network and operational requirements. • Scope of the proposed calibration services requirement. • Current challenges and opportunities relating to calibration management. • Asset volumes, service expectations and performance requirements. • Digital asset management and certification requirements. • Procurement route, timelines and key milestones. NTL is also seeking feedback from the market to help inform the development of the procurement strategy, including: • Service delivery models (on-site, off-site and mobile). • Asset tracking and digital certification solutions. • Contract structure and mobilisation considerations. • Pricing mechanisms and commercial models. • Emerging technologies and innovation opportunities within the calibration sector. NTL may also invite a limited number of suppliers to participate in one-to-one follow-up meetings and/or attend a representative Train Care Centre site visit. These activities are expected to take place following the engagement session and questionnaire review. Any such invitations will be issued solely to support Northern's understanding of the market and will not constitute a supplier selection process. Selection for these activities will be at NTL's sole discretion, taking account of operational, safety and logistical considerations. This preliminary market engagement is being undertaken to inform NTL's procurement strategy and does not constitute a commitment to commence a procurement process. To express interest in attending the Pre-Market Engagement session, please email: [email protected] Please include: • Organisation name • Contact name • Contact telephone number • Contact email address • Names and job titles of attendees As part of the engagement process, interested suppliers will be invited to complete a Pre-Market Engagement Questionnaire. The questionnaire will be used to gather information on supplier capabilities, experience, capacity, geographic coverage, accreditation arrangements and service delivery models relevant to the proposed requirement. Completed questionnaires must be returned to Northern by 24 August 2026. Invitations to attend the session will be issued following review of the completed questionnaires. Due to practical considerations Northern may limit attendance to suppliers whose responses demonstrate capabilities, experience and solutions relevant to the proposed requirement. This is not a supplier selection process and will not impact participation in any future procurement exercise.

Northern Trains Limited (NTL) is going out to market for the procurement of Total Facilities Management (TFM) Services across our network of 474 train stations, 34 engineering locations and 27 beneficiary locations. This contract reflects our commitment to providing customer-focused, professionally managed, and high-quality service across our network that will support our long-term maintenance objectives. The scope of services will be delivered with the goal of meeting the performance and customer satisfaction requirements while ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory and mandatory legislation. The FM Contractor will apply Best Industry Practice techniques, alongside their expertise and experience, to meet the following key objectives: • Delivering innovative and effective operational services that achieve high-quality standards and demonstrate value for money. • Offering flexible service delivery tailored to the specific needs of each location. • Achieving optimum building performance and customer satisfaction. • Creating a safe and comfortable environment for all service users. • Maintaining assets in line with current statutory and regulatory legislation, as well as manufacturer's guidance, to ensure maximum longevity. Scope of Services: The services covered under this contract will include, but are not limited to: • Mobilisation • Contract Management • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery • General Service Requirements • CAFM System • Helpdesk Services • Planned and Reactive Maintenance • Strategic Asset Management Planning • Grounds Maintenance • Cleaning (Planned, Periodic, Reactive, and Specialist) • Pest Control • Poster Campaigns • Events Management • Additional Services NTL has incorporated into the contract scope the provision of depot security services, Fire Risk Assessments (including coverage extended to medium-risk locations), and an option to deliver winterisation services to ensure a safe, compliant, and operationally resilient estate. The contract also includes options for delivering Minor Works to support small-scale and ad hoc activities. These may include, but are not limited to, painting, platform markings, electrical works, minor building repairs, and other building fabric, mechanical, and electrical works. This contract will mark a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery and ensure the highest standards of operational excellence across all locations. We look forward to a productive and successful partnership with our selected FM Contractor following the conclusion of this process. Northern Trains Limited, is a Train Operating Company (TOC) that operates passenger rail services in the North of England. NTL is publishing this notice to establish a contract with a single supplier for the provision of Total Facilities Management services. Where used throughout this notice, the meaning of Train Operating Companies includes all and any of those train operating companies who, currently or in the future, provide services for the carriage of passengers by railway: under a franchise agreement with the Secretary of State within the meaning of section 23(3) of the Railways Act 1993 or under, or secured under, the Secretary of State's duty in section 30(1) of the Railways Act 1993; or in accordance with legislation which supersedes or amends the powers referred to in a) and b), including where such powers are transferred from the Secretary of State to another body.  The list of current providers of services for the carriage of passengers by railway under these provisions can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-register-of-rail-passenger-contracts. Novation or Assignment The contract may be novated or assigned by NTL to Train Operating Companies, or to DFT Operator Limited (company number: 07141122) or any successor parent company to a Train Operating Company, following a corporate restructuring or similar circumstance.  Other Information Northern Trains Limited expressly reserves the right: not to award any suppliers the contract referred to in this notice; and in no circumstances will the customer be liable for any costs incurred by the suppliers.

The Station Enhancement Project will deliver a programme of targeted improvements across 36 stations, with each site receiving a tailored package of works based on local conditions and passenger needs, aligned to the TRU Core Scope to maximise value for money and minimise customer disruption. The scope includes upgrades to platform facilities such as new and refurbished shelters, seating, cycle storage and water fountains, alongside wider refurbishment and maintenance works including painting, deep cleaning and minor accessibility improvements. Safety and compliance measures form a key element, with new markings, handrails, tactiles and anti-trespass features being introduced. In addition, the project will enhance passenger information and wayfinding through improved signage, poster cases, information screens, help points, PA systems and induction loops. Infrastructure and access will also be upgraded through resurfacing, car park improvements, better lighting, and enhanced CCTV coverage, collectively creating safer, more accessible and customer-friendly stations