Research services.

RSSB is undertaking preliminary market engagement in relation to two proposed and interdependent research procurements, T1420 and T1421, concerning variability in freight vehicle braking-system components. The overall research programme is expected to include the identification of representative wagons, development of a static brake-testing plan, undertaking of static brake testing and detailed analysis of the resulting data. RSSB currently intends to procure the programme through two separate competitive tender exercises. The precise allocation of the phases and associated activities remains under consideration and may be informed by the responses received through this engagement. The purpose of the engagement is to:

• understand supplier interest and capability across the proposed phases;
• test whether the proposed procurement and delivery timescales are achievable;
• understand how additional testing or information requirements arising during delivery should be managed; and
• obtain feedback on data handover, communication, governance and coordination where different suppliers are appointed. RSSB has established the fundamental objectives and proposed technical scope of the research. This engagement is not intended to redesign the core requirement. Further information and the questions on which RSSB is seeking feedback are contained in the T1420 and T1421 Preliminary Market Engagement Briefing – Freight Vehicle Braking Research, available through the Delta eSourcing portal. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://rssb.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-London:-Research-services./K9Q57CQDEN To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://rssb.delta-esourcing.com/respond/K9Q57CQDEN