38074 Steel Rail Storage

Tender description

Network Rail’s short rail supplied from EU suppliers is currently stored at various locations in Central England. Long rail (91.44m+) stock is held at Eastleigh and Scunthorpe for production purposes, and 54m lengths are stored at Marchwood and Immingham ports. However, this stock is at risk of corrosion, and access is limited and dictated by other port activity. We are therefore exploring the options for long term storage to consolidate and manage our inventory to achieve better value for money and to improve supply resilience by having more control over quality and distribution. Network Rail intends to issue a call for competition for requirements mid 2024, with an intention to award contract(s) late Autumn/Winter 2024. It is envisaged the requirement will last for 5 years with options to extend to 8 years in total. Lot 1: Requirements Route Services Supply Chain Operations (SCO) have a requirement to store rail lengths from 9.144m up to 216m, in all rail profiles and grades (56E1, 60E2, 54E1A1, 60E1A1, CEN33, BULLHEAD & CONDUCTOR RAIL / 260 GRADE, HP, 350HT). These rails are to supply to maintenance and renewal worksites, and to produce switches and crossings (S&C) nationally. SCO are exploring options for the storage and distribution of rail, of all lengths, and are seeking engagement with suppliers to understand market appetite across the full range requirements. Long and/or Short Rail Storage Requirements • Storage for long rails from 54m up to 216m • Storage for short length rails from 9.144m up to 44m • Ability to unload and load rail for all rail types/lengths • Must be located in central England to minimise haulage costs to S&C suppliers • Must be suitable for HGV’s and have the capability to load road vehicles within 24hrs • Must be rail-linked • Must have the capability to load and unload Network Rail’s fleet of SRC’s (Stock Rail Carriers) and RDT’s (Rail Delivery Train) • Inventory management, including segregation by rail type/length/grade - 1st in 1st out / stock rotation if necessary Additional information: N/A