Become a TfL supplier
Pre-qualification (rail, underground and major projects)
If you supply goods, works or services under Railway Industry Commodity Classification List (RICCL) codes directly to TfL Rail Modes (comprising London Underground, Major Projects, Elizabeth line, London Overground, Trams and Docklands Light Railway) or want to do so, TfL uses the Railway safety and Standards Board (RSSB) Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) as a 'Qualification System' under the Utilities Contract Regulations (2016).
This allows us to choose to select participants directly from the 'Qualification System' without placing a further 'Find a Tender' service call for competition.
For suppliers of safety critical goods, works or services (i.e. RICCL codes) who want to contract directly with our TfL Rail Modes, you should register on RISQS and become a supplier with audited status. RISQS is both a Qualification System under the Utilities Contract Regulations and an assurance system run by the Railway Safety and Standards Board.
We have chosen to use RISQS as our assurance system for suppliers with whom we contract directly. We do not mandate RISQS on our Tier 1 suppliers and it is up to them how they assure their own sub-contractors and sub-suppliers.
If you supply goods, works and services under RICCL categories to buyers other than us, you should check with the relevant buying organisations to find out which supplier assurance system(s) they use, if at all.
Supplier qualification requirements
Organisations approved by TfL for the role of Supplier Assurance Provider for our rail modes (comprising of London Underground, Major Projects, Elizabeth line, London Overground, Trams and DLR) are:
RSSB RISQS
The Helicon
One South Place
London EC2M 2RB
Contact: Scheme.Manager@RISQS.org
Achilles Link Up
Achilles Information Ltd
30 Western Avenue
Milton Park
Abington
Oxon OX14 4SH
Contact: katie.ferrier@achilles.com
Electronic tendering
Our eTendering system, Ariba Network, is a web-based tendering tool that supports procurement activities and collaboration between the buyer and supplier.
If you're a supplier you should register on Ariba Network before tendering for opportunities with TfL.
Zero emission requirements
The GLA Group and TfL are committed to reducing carbon emissions and improving London's air quality in line with the Mayor's Net Zero by 2030 target for London.
Following implementation of the GLA's Responsible Procurement Implementation Plan 22-24 (PDF 372KB), from 1 July 2025 new advertised contracts under the Work Related Road Risk framework that are over £1 million will be required to use zero emission vehicles for under 3.5t (N1 cars and M1 vans), and vehicles over 3.5t will need to be LEZ compliant.
Contracts under £1 million won't require any specific vehicle emission standard but will be asked to improve their environmental performance by showing efforts to achieve reduction of vehicle mileage and emissions.
This will apply to new contracts only. Existing contracts will continue with the original agreements in place. For more information, email LMD@tfl.gov.uk.
Supplier registration
You can find full instructions and further information on how to register as a supplier on the Procurement information page.
External access - quick guide
If you are an external supplier and need access to TfL Management System documents, see the LU Supplier Handbook.
TfL supplier guide
Our new supplier will be available here in 2024.