Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bbf-c2e4-7279-92a8-a45740e8e500/wales-and-western-region-research-development-engagement-event pending GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Wales and Western Region Research & Development Engagement Event [Network Rail Infrastructure Limited](https://tendernation.io/buyers/network-rail-infrastructure-limited) Estimated value £500,000 Published 23 Jul 2025 Deadline Rolling deadline ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Below-threshold contract Buyers cannot shortlist bidders on suitability before tenders are in, so everyone gets to submit a bid (except some larger works contracts). [Procurement Act 2023, section 85](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/85) - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender Network Rail is exploring future research and development (R&D) opportunities in collaboration with the supply chain to address key operational and safety challenges across our infrastructure. This early engagement aims to identify suppliers, technology providers, and innovators who are capable of supporting the development of innovative solutions in a range of priority areas. The scope of this potential procurement includes, but is not limited to, the following areas of interest: Track – Development of solutions for the detection of pre-1979 rail types to identify defects or high-risk sections that may pose performance or safety concerns. Track – Innovative techniques for cutting and grinding back edge lipping to reduce the need for ultrasonic testing and milling interventions. Freight Operations – Systems or technologies to ensure scrap wagons are loaded safely and correctly, minimising the risk of operational incidents during transit. Infrastructure Maintenance – Automated cleaning systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of debris catchment management across the network. Energy Systems – Enhanced secondary cell battery technologies that improve asset reliability, reduce maintenance burdens, and ease manual handling for railway operatives. Safety and Security – New or improved solutions to detect, prevent, and manage trespass incidents on the rail network. Points and Switching – Continuous monitoring technologies that can measure the residual switch opening against the stock rail on RT60 points assets, supporting early fault detection and preventative maintenance. Network Rail seeks to understand the level of market interest and capability in each of these areas to inform potential future procurement strategies and innovation funding routes. Read full description ## CPV classification Miscellaneous evaluation or testing instruments Computer control system System maintenance services Technical control services Railway maintenance or service vehicles Railway-track construction materials and supplies Machine tools Construction machinery and equipment Utility vehicles Cranes Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-0564ac-2025-07-23T14:30:12+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-0564ac-2025-07-23T14:30:12+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. [Track tenders free](https://tendernation.io/register) [Buyer profile Network Rail Infrastructure Limited: past awards and live tenders](https://tendernation.io/buyers/network-rail-infrastructure-limited) [Sector More Laboratory & precision equipment tenders](https://tendernation.io/sectors/laboratory-precision-equipment) ## More tenders like this [Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) – Vodíkový polygon CEETe H2 / CEETe H2 Hydrogen Polygon · Vysoká škola báňská - Technická univerzita Ostrava · 18 days left · 6 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-14ee-7238-941c-57e426068058/czechia-laboratory-optical-and-precision-equipments-excl-glasses-vodikov) [Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) – Supply, Delivery, Installation, Testing, Commissioning and Training for 3 Automatic Asphalt Extraction Devices, including all necessary accessories required for complete and fully operational systems · Public Works Department · 29 days left · 17 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-1c2c-7367-bb86-fdb6f5219ed7/cyprus-laboratory-optical-and-precision-equipments-excl-glasses-supply) [Parking meters – Parkautomaten · Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart, Haupt- und Personalamt, Abt. Allgemeiner Service, Zentraler Einkauf · 32 days left · 20 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-1396-70d0-82b5-dd09b1916cf7/germany-parking-meters-parkautomaten) [Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) – Dostawa systemu obrazowania fluorescencyjnego na rzecz Instytutu Agrofizyki im. Bohdana Dobrzańskiego PAN w Lublinie · Instytut Agrofizyki IM.BOHDANA Dobrzańskiego Polskiej Akademii Nauk · 32 days left · 20 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-ceff-70be-b876-1f526e8d1cf5/poland-laboratory-optical-and-precision-equipments-excl-glasses-dostawa) [Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) – Sprzedaż wraz z dostarczeniem sondy wieloparametrowej z elektrodami oraz pompy próżniowej · Uniwersytet Rzeszowski · 30 days left · 18 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-1441-70f4-a723-f4e57a503570/poland-laboratory-optical-and-precision-equipments-excl-glasses-sprzedaz) [Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) – X-ray CT system for the analysis of rock and soil samples · ETH Zürich - Abt. Procurement & Export Services · 37 days left · 25 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-1c5a-739b-bb20-024917276057/switzerland-laboratory-optical-and-precision-equipments-excl-glasses-x-r)