Open8 days left · closes 6pm, Wednesday 7 October 2026

GWR - Framework for the provision of fabrication, structural repair and composite repair services in support of its Train & Rolling Stock (T&RS) maintenance operations

First Greater Western Limited · Private utility

In brief

First Greater Western Limited is looking for suppliers for this contract (London, South East, South West).

It is a framework worth up to £21,000,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.

The contract runs for 3 years, up to 5 years with extensions, starting 11 December 2026.

It is split into 3 lots, so a supplier can bid for part of the work.

The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Bids close at 6pm, Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

Can I win this?

Key dates

Questions by: 6pm, Wednesday 7 October 2026
Bids by: 6pm, Wednesday 7 October 2026

How bids are scored

Technical 50% · Contractual 10% · Commercial 40%

Quality matters most. You can win without being the cheapest.

Competition

Typical: a median of 5 bids per contract for similar contracts in this region (from 1646 awards in the last 12 months).

Framework

Winning puts you on a list of suppliers the buyer can call on; it does not guarantee work. The £21,000,000 is the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers over the framework's life, not one contract.

Tender documents

Tender documents

What the notice says

Great Western Railway (GWR) is seeking to establish a multi-supplier framework for the provision of fabrication, structural repair and composite repair services in support of its Train & Rolling Stock (T&RS) maintenance operations. The objective of this procurement is to establish a reliable, responsive and technically competent supply base capable of supporting GWR with both planned and ad hoc fabrication and repair requirements. The Framework is divided into the following Lots: Lot 1 - Metal Fabrication and Non-Structural Repairs: metal fabrication, replacement panel production and non-structural bodywork repairs. Lot 2 - Structural Repairs: structural repair services to vehicle body shells and load-bearing structures, including specialist welding and associated engineering activities. Lot 3 - Composite Repairs: specialist repair and refurbishment of composite components and structures.

Should I bid?

Tick what applies to you. Nothing is saved.

Can you prepare a good bid in 8 days?That is tight, especially for a first bid with this buyer.
Is a contract of about £21,000,000 a size you can deliver?Buyers often check that your turnover is comfortably larger than the yearly contract value.
Can you deliver in London, South East, South West?Check the delivery locations in the tender documents.
Is one of the 3 lots a good fit?You can usually bid for one lot without bidding for the others.
Can you meet what the notice mentions: Framework agreement?The tender documents will say exactly what is required.
Are you registered on the Central Digital Platform?You need to be registered to take part under the Procurement Act 2023.
The buyer says this suits small businesses.A good sign if you are an SME, but check the requirements.

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.
Submit your bid through the buyer's e-tendering portal: s2c-uk62.waxdigital.com.
Send clarification questions before 6pm, Wednesday 7 October 2026.
Make sure your bid arrives before 6pm, Wednesday 7 October 2026. Late bids are usually rejected.

Lots

Lot	Trade	Value
Metalwork, Fabrication and Non-Structural Body Repairs 11 December 2026 to 10 December 2029 What this lot covers Provision of metal fabrication, manufacture, replacement panel production and non-structural bodywork repairs to railway rolling stock. This Lot is primarily intended for suppliers specialising in sheet metal work, fabrication, panel manufacture and cosmetic body repairs that do not affect the primary vehicle structure.	—	£7,000,000
Structural Bodywork Repairs, Heavy Fabrication and Coded Welding 11 December 2026 to 10 December 2029 What this lot covers Provision of structural repair services to railway vehicle body shells and associated load-bearing structures. This Lot is intended for suppliers possessing the necessary railway engineering competence, coded welding capability and quality controls required for safety-critical repairs. The framework will be aligned with EN 15085-6, EN 12663, EN 15227, relevant Railway Group Standards, Rail Industry Standards (RIS), OEM requirements and applicable vehicle acceptance processes.	—	£7,000,000
GRP, Composite and Moulded Bodywork Repairs and Fabrication 11 December 2026 to 10 December 2029 What this lot covers Provision of specialist GRP, composite and moulded component repair, manufacture and refurbishment services. This Lot is intended for suppliers specialising in fibreglass, composite materials, mould manufacture and vehicle exterior body mouldings and internal panels.	—	£7,000,000

Timeline

11 September 2026Tender notice · UK4, notice 086536-2026

About the buyer

First Greater Western LimitedLast 12 months

Procurements

Awards

Suppliers it has used most

Emeg Group Limited2 contracts
Trans Data Management Ltd2 contracts
ASTRA SIGNS LIMITED - Trading as Astra Group1 contract
Adecco UK Limited1 contract
Amaro Group Ltd1 contract
Apcoa Parking UK Ltd1 contract
Cavendish Place (Eastbourne) T/A SIGNTEK1 contract
Craig & Derricott Limited1 contract

All tenders and awards from First Greater Western Limited

From notice 086536-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 11 September 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.