Upcoming
Automated ballast profile Identification
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited · Central government
In brief
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited has announced plans to buy research work. This is an early notice: there is nothing to bid on yet, but it tells you a tender may follow.
The notice does not state a value.
The contract runs for 18 months, starting 23 July 2026.
Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.
Can I win this?
Competition
Typical: a median of 4 bids per contract for this buyer (from 42 awards in the last 12 months).
What the notice says
Network Rail is seeking to understand market interest and readiness to deliver an automated solution for identifying ballast profile compliance across its track infrastructure.
Ballast condition is a key determinant of track stability and safety. Network Rail seeks a reliable, automated method to measure ballast profiles and identify areas of non-compliance to support
preventative maintenance and asset management.
This initiative supports Network Rail’s goals for digital innovation, safety assurance, and predictive maintenance. It aligns with the broader programme of intelligent infrastructure and data-driven asset management
How to bid
- Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
- Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.
Timeline
- Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 068004-2025
About the buyer
Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedLast 12 months
Procurements
248Awards
83Suppliers it has used most for research
- Atkinsréalis UK Limited1 contract
- Laser Tribology B.V.1 contract
- Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited1 contract
- Turbo Power Systems Ltd1 contract
- Waldeck Associates Limited1 contract
Similar open tenders
All open research tenders- £2.84mestimated
- £37.2mestimated
- £50kestimated
- £350kestimated
- £583kestimated
From notice 068004-2025 on Find a Tender, first published 23 October 2025. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.