BHTA members involved in access ramps and mobility solutions are encouraged to review a tender from Chiltern Railways for portable train ramps for wheelchair users and other passengers with reduced mobility.

The contract aims to improve accessibility across its network through safe, compliant, and durable ramps, ensuring consistency across the stations and fleets covered.

Key details

• Estimated value: £1.5 million excluding VAT.
• Contract duration: 16 November 2026 to 15 November 2029, with an optional two-year extension to 15 November 2031.
• Estimated award decision date: 13 November 2026.
• Notice reference: 2026/S 000-086286.

Tender overview

The contract covers the design, supply, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of portable train access ramps at locations across England, with optional training services.

This tender is suitable for suppliers able to deliver the ramps and associated services, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

Evaluation

Tenders will be evaluated against technical criteria, price, and legal terms and conditions, with respective weightings of 50 percent, 40 percent, and 10 percent.

How to apply

Access the tender documents and submit electronically through Market Dojo, using invitation code D8855E69D4.

Questions must be submitted by 12pm on 2 October 2026, and the tender submission deadline is 12pm on 9 October 2026.

For enquiries, contact procurement@dftoperator.co.uk.

BHTA members specialising in wheelchair provision, specialist seating, and mobility support services are encouraged to review a new tender opportunity issued by NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The ICB is seeking a provider to deliver comprehensive wheelchair and specialist seating services for residents across Sussex. The contract will deliver an integrated service for adults, children, and young people with long-term mobility needs.

The new contract will run for an initial period of five years, with the option to extend for a further two years, beginning on 1 April 2027. The total estimated value of the contract, including the optional extension, is £59,053,806 excluding VAT, with an annual value of approximately £8.4 million.

Tender overview

The Sussex Wheelchair Service provides assessment, provision, maintenance, and review of appropriate wheeled mobility equipment to help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life. The new contract covers both manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as pressure-relieving cushions and postural management equipment.

In addition, the Specialist Postural Static Seating Service, included within this procurement, will serve adults in East Sussex. The service is designed to be equitable, needs-led, and responsive, ensuring consistent and high-quality provision across the region.

Service objectives

The contract aims to ensure that people who use the service, and their carers, have access to high-quality, evidence-based assessment and provision. The service must be:

• Timely, flexible, and responsive to user needs
• Delivered equitably across all eligible groups
• Focused on promoting independence, safety, and wellbeing
• Efficient, demonstrating value for money

Providers will also be expected to uphold safeguarding responsibilities for children, young people, and adults at all levels of service delivery.

Submission details

Interested organisations can view the full documentation and register their interest via the Health Family e-procurement portal.

Once registered, providers can search for the opportunity using the title “Wheelchair and Specialist Seating Service – C401025” or the notice identifier 2026/S 000-008282.

The closing date for submissions is 12pm on 12 March 2026.

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) contract notice governed by the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

For further information, contact:
Stuart Meredith
NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board
Email: stuart.meredith1@nhs.net
Main address: https://www.sussex.ics.nhs.uk