The tender comes after a joint venture between Talgo and KTZ to manufacture 420 coaches at Tulpar ended in 2019. The competition is being facilitated by DB Engineering and Consulting, under its long-term cooperation with KTZ to introduce international standards across the company, particularly in the passenger division.

Applications to participate can be submitted as stage A of the tender, with the successful applicants invited to submit proposals for stages B and C by October 16. The tender follows a pre-qualification campaign undertaken earlier this year.

KTZ will sign a strategic agreement with the winning bidder, covering the investment in and purchase of the Tulpar manufacturing site. Under the control and support of the strategic partner, Tulpar Wagon Building Plant will then sign an agreement to supply coaches to KTZ between 2022 and 2029.

This includes a minimum of 26 trains consisting of around 18 coaches each, including a mix of:

  • sleeper compartment coaches
  • sleeper compartment coaches with compartments for staff and passengers with reduced mobility
  • open-plan semi-sleeper coaches
  • saloon coaches with reclining seats, and
  • generator coaches.

Bidders will be able to propose solutions that pass the minimum requirements, including an increased number of seats and berths, and improved safety, comfort, performance, availability and reliability.

The maintenance aspect of the contract includes providing technical support, maintenance, repairs, spare parts, overhauls and obsolescence management for 20 years, with the possibility of an option for another 20 years.

The three best candidates will be invited to a clarification meeting in October, with those ranked first and second selected to provide their best and final offer (BAFO) later that month. KTZ will then enter negotiations with the lead bidder, but reserves the right to begin negotiations with the second place bidder.

KTZ plans to conclude the contract for the sale of Tulpar and the order for the coaches in April 2021, with the maintenance contract expected to be finalised by December 2021.

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