Supply of and Maintenance Support for new Rolling Stock for Southeastern

The overall objective of this procurement is cost reduction and cost avoidance, through securing the best medium and long-term value fleet solution for the benefit of taxpayers, the Department for Transport, Southeastern and ultimately, Southeastern's customers. We believe that this objective can be secured by procuring new trains to replace a significant quantity of Southeastern's ageing fleet and therefore avoiding the escalating maintenance, repair and leasing costs To meet this objective, the new fleet must be manufactured and introduced into full, unrestricted operational service by October 2027

The quantity of vehicles in the core order will be between 350 and 570, with an option for up to 70 additional vehicles (these quantities have been calculated using an assumed 20m vehicle length). The precise number in the core order will be determined once tenders for supply, financing and maintenance have been received and the business case for new trains is completed. The business case will inform and determine which fleet or fleets are to be replaced and therefore will establish the final quantity for the core order In addition, follow-on options may be sought, to allow the fleet to be increased over time, depending on recovery of demand post pandemic

Bidders will be required to propose a design based on an established platform, and demonstrate the ability to deliver on-time, obtain acceptance and introduce fleets into service in the UK, evidenced by previous procurements

The key requirements of the new vehicles will include (but not be limited to):

Southeastern is seeking a new fleet manufactured, maintained and operated with sustainability in mind, and with reduced carbon footprint, energy usage and embedded carbon.

Bidders will also be required to supply initial spares, special tools and equipment to support staff training

Bidders will be required to provide ongoing maintenance support by way of a materials supply and technical support agreement, whole life cost guarantees and a performance regime