British rail operator Northern Trains Limited (NTL) launched a procurement process to renew its train fleet by purchasing 450 trains under a framework contract with a single supplier. In the first call-off the manufacturer will deliver multi-mode multiple units. The contract will also include the provision of associated technical support and spares supply services for the new train fleet across multiple phases.
The term of the framework agreement will be 8 years. Call-off contracts for manufacture and supply agreement and technical support and spares supply agreement entered into pursuant to the framework agreement will exceed the duration of the framework agreement.
In addition, the manufacturer will supply spares and special tools to accompany the fleet, and – subject to the exercise of options – the supply of mock-ups and a cab simulator.
It is expected that the successful tenderer will offer the multi-mode multiple units with a minimum design life of 35-year that meets NTL’s train technical specification including the design, testing, obtaining relevant approvals, training, delivery and acceptance of the equipment and provision of warranties.
The multi-mode multiple units that may be subject to in-life decarbonisation by the supplier being required to convert the units to become either EMUs or battery-electric multiple units, following the installation of additional on-board battery capacity and associated infrastructure by the supplier. This conversion will be triggered by NTL or the owner.
Under the framework agreement, the options cover the delivery of EMUs or battery-electric multiple as well as additional hybrid trains and intermediate cars.
The winner of the contract will also be responsible for technical support services and advice, technical investigations, maintaining an adequate supply of spares, special tools and parts at designated depots, maintenance, overhaul and repair of spares.
The contracts for the first phase will be entered into simultaneously with entering into the framework agreement. The operator will separately procure an owning party to purchase each fleet of rolling stock and then lease the same to NTL. The owning party will also be party to each manufacture and supply agreement with the supplier. There may be different owning parties for each phase.
The acquisition of the new train fleet is part of the operator’s plan to replace its ageing rolling stock, enabling the avoidance of escalating costs associated with the operation, maintenance, repair, and leasing of an ageing fleet and delivering medium- and long-term value for the benefit of Northern Trains, DfT, taxpayers and its customers.
NTL intends to hold a supplier briefing on August 24, 2023, and the requests to participate in the tender must be submitted by September 25. NTL plans to issue the invitations to tender on October 26, 2023.
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