Below are a selection of links and guides which highlight the opportunities available for current, or prospective, rail industry suppliers. If you have any suggestions for resources not included in this list then please send them through to [email protected]
Network Rail
The Network Rail website includes various resources for suppliers, including a list of current and upcoming tender opportunities.
Here is Network Rail’s supply chain charter.
HS2
HS2 publishes its live direct procurements and awarded opportunities through the eProcurement portal BravoSolution.
HS2 has also published its own supplier guide.
Transport for London
TfL, like Network Rail, has various resources on its website showing tender opportunities.
TfL has also produced a helpful supplier guide, which includes information about the process of submitting a tender and the elements – like collaboration and innovation – that TfL are looking for.
Other public-sector infrastructure contracts within the capital are promoted through the CompeteFor website.
Transport for Scotland
Competitions relating to Scotland’s public sector transport contracts can be found on the Public Contracts Scotland portal.
Rail Supply Group
The Rail Supply Group (RSG) established the UK Rail Exports Leadership Group (ELG) to help British rail companies promote themselves overseas.
Rail Industry Association
RIA members are provided with regular industry updates, export support and representation within industry and government bodies.
GREAT.gov.uk
The UK government publishes a list of export opportunities on its dedicated website, GREAT.gov.uk. An advance search specifically for railways highlights a wealth of opportunities abroad.
RISQS
RISQS is a third-party qualification scheme used by the rail industry for products and services within the UK rail sector.
RISAS
The Railway Industry Supplier Approval Scheme (RISAS) is an accreditation scheme managed by the RSSB which is recognised by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the Department for Transport (DfT). The scheme currently focuses on the certification of rolling stock systems, sub-systems and components.
RSSB
RSSB says it invests around £9 million a year on research and development. Organisations and individuals are encouraged to submit research ideas.
ORR
The ORR has its own eTendering portal where it publishes upcoming opportunities for suppliers.
Accelerators
Tech accelerators are being promoted by several organisations as a way of encouraging tech start-ups to develop solutions for the rail industry. Below are a few examples of recent schemes:
NSAR
The National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) offers a bid support service to help companies with the skills and development elements of ITT bids.