Find a TenderAwarded without competitionTransparency notice
Published 8 Sept 2026, 11:32 BST

Official UK procurement notice

Network Expansion: Rolling Stock Feasibility Study

Official notice

Authority: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (Local council)

Direct award
Awarded value£372,000published award · exc. VAT
Award in standstill Not publishedno call for competition
Award (standstill) to Stadler Rail Service UK Limited

What is being bought

Published requirement description

The Authority intends to directly award a contract to Stadler Rail Schweiz AG to undertake 4 feasibility studies into modifications to the Class 777 Independently Powered Electric Multiple Unit (IPEMU), supporting the potential future expansion of the Merseyrail network.

The proposed modifications are intended to enable Class 777 IPEMUs to operate effectively on potential extensions beyond the existing Merseyrail network, including routes without third-rail electrification and routes involving longer journey times.

1The feasibility work will examine overhead DC charging, alternative battery-charging arrangements, the

installation of onboard toilets and the manufacture of additional IPEMUs or conversion of existing Class 777 EMUs into battery-powered units.

The lotProcurement structure

single lot · no lot value published

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Direct award
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Notice status
Awarded without competition
Procurement threshold
Unspecified in notice
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Stand-alone contract (no framework)
Competition type
Direct award (no call for competition)
GPA / WTO covered
Unspecified in notice
Recurring procurement
Unspecified in notice
First published
8 Sept 2026, 11:32 BST
Last source update
8 Sept 2026, 11:32 BST
Authority reference
A000154
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-084795
Latest notice
Transparency notice (UK5)
Delivery area
North West (UKD)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-06f457 Find a Tender
Why no open competition
Single Suppliers Technical Reasons
Published justification

A direct award to Stadler Rail Schweiz AG under section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 relying on Schedule 5, paragraphs 5 and 6. The requirement is inseparable from the Class 777

platform's proprietary design, systems integration, change control and authorisation evidence.

Stadler's involvement essential as the Supplier controls manufacturer-specific design and technical information.

Review and risk notes
Risks

N/A

Notice history

2 events · 1 release on Find a Tender · since 8 Sept 2026
  1. Transparency notice published
    8 Sept 2026, 11:32 BST
    UK5
  2. Contract signature expected
    8 Oct 2026, 23:59 BST
    scheduled

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Awards 1some still in standstill
Awarded value £372,0001 award exc. VAT
Awarded toValueDateStatus
Stadler Rail Service UK Limited9 Oct 2026 – 7 Apr 2027£372,000—Standstill

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PNDZ-8253-CJJM 1 Mann Island, Liverpool, North West, L3 1BPContact email

Bidders & participating suppliers

1 commercial party on the notice
  • STADLER RAIL SERVICE UK LIMITEDAwarded supplierGB-COH: 09894948GB-PPON: PCRM-1463-BTJD 1 Mann Island (8th Floor), Liverpool, North West, L3 1BPContact email

Official documents & specifications (1)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Notices published for this procedure

  • Transparency notice awardTransparency noticeUK5Transparency notice on Find a Tender