Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bd6-959e-7307-b967-05c15360fb5e/insulated-rail-joints-rail-ancillaries

pending GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs

# Insulated Rail Joints & Rail Ancillaries

[Network Rail Infrastructure Limited](https://tendernation.io/buyers/network-rail-infrastructure-limited)

Estimated value

£20,000,000

Published

19 Aug 2026

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.
- 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 undertaking market research to assess the current level of industry interest, capability and capacity for the manufacture and supply of Insulated Rail Joints (IRJs) and Rail Ancillaries (Closure Rails). These goods will be required to be manufactured to specified standards, supplied in varying lengths and configurations, and delivered to meet both planned and emergency operational requirements.

The Information Document available via Bravo provides full details of the requirement, including:

- Background to the requirement and the operational context
- Technical specifications for all IRJ and Closure Rail types
- Applicable rail profiles, joint configurations and manufacturing processes
- Anticipated monthly and annual volumes based on historic demand
- Expected lead times, including short‑notice and emergency supply requirements
- Compliance obligations, including relevant Network Rail standards, drawings and Product Acceptance requirements
- Preferred site location considerations to support same‑day and nationwide delivery capability

The following supporting documents will be made available as part of the engagement:

- Network Rail Technical Specification for the Design, Assembly and Testing of Glued Insulated Rail Joints (November 2025)
- Standards:
- RT/CE/S/023 Insulated Rail Joints
- RT/CE/S/050 Process for Cold‑Expanding New Fishbolt Holes by the Split Sleeve Method (NR/SP/TRK/050)
- NR/L3/TRK/4004 Switch and Crossing Assemblies
- RE/PW Drawings:
- RE/PW/624 (Twisted Closure Rails)
- RE/PW/549 (95RBH)
- RE/PW/792 (CEN56E1)
- RE/PW/979 (CEN60E2)
- NR/L2/TRK/2049 Track Design Handbook

Product Acceptance (PA) is required before supply may commence. PA activities may form part of mobilisation, and the contract will not move into delivery until PA is fully approved by Network Rail. Suppliers will be expected to support the PA process by providing the necessary technical documentation, evidence and sample materials as required.

Suppliers are invited to review the Information Document and complete the questionnaire within the PQQ. The information gathered will help Network Rail understand current market capability, production capacity, compliance readiness and the ability to meet the supply requirements for IRJs and Closure Rails.

This market engagement is issued for information‑gathering purposes only and does not constitute a call for competition, nor does participation or non‑participation affect eligibility for any future procurement opportunity.

Read full description

## CPV classification

Rails and accessories Track rails Rails

Source

Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-065b10-2026-08-19T11:39:39+01:00

[View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-065b10-2026-08-19T11:39:39+01:00)

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