1073434028 T1427 Strategy for Harmonising Automatic Current Limitation Across Electric Rolling Stock in GB
The contract covers research services to develop the evidence base for harmonising automatic current limitation (ACL) characteristics across electric rolling stock operating on the Great Britain rail network. The buyer is the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB), an organisation responsible for supporting safety, standards and technical development across the UK rail sector. The supplier must confirm and refine the proposed target state based on BS EN 50388-1:2022 without UKSNC (Umin2 = 17.5 kV), assess technical feasibility and economic viability, quantify wider system benefits, costs and risks, and produce a detailed transition pathway. The work must define achievable and economically justified ACL changes for existing rolling stock, requirements for future rolling stock, the role of dual trains and the phasing needed to reach the target state. The estimated value and contract duration are not specified, and delivery regions are not stated beyond the GB rail network. The critical qualification is the demonstrated capability to undertake specialist technical and economic research on railway electrical systems and rolling-stock ACL requirements.
Buyer: Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB). Source: Find a Tender. Updated 13 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £180k
- Bids close: 16 Nov 2026
- Location: Camden and City of London
- Procedure: Open procedure
- Contract period: 14 Dec 2026 to 18 May 2027
- Category: Research services (73110000)
From the official notice
This research seeks to develop the evidence base required to inform the transition towards harmonised ACL characteristics across rolling stock operating on the GB network. It will confirm and refine the previously proposed target state for ACL harmonisation (that is BS EN 50388-1:2022 without UKSNC (Umin2 = 17.5 kV)), fully accounting for technical feasibility and economic viability, and develop a detailed pathway from current to target state for existing and future rolling stock. Specifically, the research will address the following objectives: 1.Confirm and detail the target state for ACL harmonisation and the rationale for its adoption: this includes accounting for wider system consequences and trade-offs, quantified associated benefits, costs and risks. 2.Define a transition pathway from current to target state: this includes specifying the ACL changes that are technically achievable and economically justified for existing rolling stock, the ACL requirements for future rolling stock, the role and deployment of dual trains, and the phasing required to reach the target state. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-London:-Research-services./E6E28TZ9KW To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/E6E28TZ9KW
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 16 Nov 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £180k.
Who can apply?
The buyer has marked it as suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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