Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Waterloo General Offices
London
SE1 8SW
Contact
Katie Cox
Telephone
+44 1908781000
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Other activity
Operation and maintenance of railway infrastructure
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Market exploration exercise for Train Simulation - Decision Support Tool
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Network Rail owns, operates and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure. This includes enhancing the railway to improve the experience for passengers and freight users.
Projects to enhance the railway go through a meticulous development lifecycle, part of which is to understand the impact that potential interventions (changes to power supply/rolling stock/track layout/signalling capability) would have in achieving desired train service outcomes.
The current process of developing intervention scenarios to achieve outcomes is predominantly manual, takes considerable time, and requires both a settled infrastructure baseline and concept timetable.
Network Rail is undertaking an exercise to determine whether it is possible for an automated system to simulate/model scenarios that show the impact potential interventions would have in achieving desired train service outcomes. The intention is that the operability and/or appropriateness of the planned intervention(s) can be known earlier in the project lifecycle.
The aspiration is to have a system/tool to deliver quick iteration of both potential infrastructure interventions and potential train service options that can assess the likely relative contribution of each to achieving the project outcomes. The outputs of which will be used to inform strategic and single-option development in the project lifecycle.
Network Rail is seeking information to determine whether this type of system/tool already exists and/or the feasibility of creating this type of tool.
Network Rail wishes to consult with relevant market providers, with associated expertise to respond to the following questions only;
1) Are you aware of a tool that exists? If so, please provide an overview of the tool including, the sectors in which it operates, details of how the tool works, the required inputs and system outputs.
2) If you are not aware of a tool, do you think it is feasible to develop a system/tool? If so, what are the potential potential blockers that could preclude the development and/or the effectiveness?
We welcome any information that supports your response including examples of where you have been involved in the development of, or have experience using such a system/tool.
The information gained in this market engagement exercise will be used to determine what options are available and inform the business case for the requirement.
This market exploration exercise is not a call for competition, nor an appeal for an expression of interest. It does not formally begin a procurement exercise or constitute any commitment by Network Rail to undertake any formal procurement exercise.
Information provided shall be treated with the strictest confidence and will not be shared with any Third Party.
Please send your response to katie.cox@networkrail.co.uk by Monday 5th August 2024.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This PIN is in regard to a market exploration exercise and is not a call for competition, nor an appeal for an expression of interest. It does not formally begin a procurement exercise or constitute any commitment by Network Rail to undertake any formal procurement exercise.
The intelligence received will better inform Network Rail's options when determining the need for, and nature of, any future procurement.
two.2.14) Additional information
Please respond to this notice with relevant information by 5th August 2024
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
31 July 2025
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
This is a market exploration exercise and not a call for competition, nor an appeal for an Expression of Interest. It does not formally begin a procurement exercise or constitute any commitment by Network Rail to undertake any formal procurement exercise.