The SNCF complies with public procurement rules and specifies its quality requirements in its contracts. We're moving forward together...
Playing by the rules. The SNCF strictly follows public procurement rules: Reminder...
Free access to contracts - announcements are published in the official journals and on this website.
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Constant competition between suppliers - listed suppliers still have to prove their worth.
Equality in handling tenders - the most competitive and most reliable bidder wins.
Transparent procedures known to every supplier and every member of staff.
Traceability of the contracts and performance of listed suppliers.
Confidentiality of information provided both by winning suppliers and unsuccessful bidders.
Ecomobility is an additional requirement. The SNCF is working for a more mobile, environmentally-friendly, socially responsible society, and this is reflected in our procurement procedures. We apply the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact and include sustainable development criteria in our specifications and contracts.
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Quality inspections. Railway safety requires continual quality management procedures for purchased products and services. Quality requirements are laid out in the Quality Specifications part of the contract, and include an inspection process.
Industrial railway products. The SNCF can issue an AQF (Railway Quality Certificate) to suppliers with a certified quality management system. The condition of its recognition is that it allows for inspections. The Suppliers Quality Department audits the implementation of planned quality measures or inspects product quality during production. For rolling stock, this audit involves checking the conformity of mass-produced products with the original that was authorised for use. Suppliers are continually assessed with regard to all aspects of their service, including storage, distribution and delivery.
Engineering designs and works. Above a certain contract value, quality monitoring takes the form of a joint end-of-service assessment sheet, which helps the service provider to improve the standard of its work.
