Planning

Communication technologies for use between operators and vehicles

  • Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

F04: Periodic indicative notice – utilities (periodic indicative notice only)

Notice identifier: 2021/S 000-023886

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-02e4bf

Published 24 September 2021, 10:45pm



Section one: Contracting entity

one.1) Name and addresses

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

The Quadrant, Eldergate

Milton Keynes

MK9 1EN

Contact

Bernadette Egan

Email

Bernadette.Egan@networkrail.co.uk

Telephone

+44 1908781000

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UK - United Kingdom

Internet address(es)

Main address

www.networkrail.co.uk

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

one.6) Main activity

Railway services


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Communication technologies for use between operators and vehicles

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 34000000 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

two.1.3) Type of contract

Supplies

two.1.4) Short description

Network Rail (NR) wish to understand what new technologies exist for communicating between operators and vehicles to support operational delivery.

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
  • 32500000 - Telecommunications equipment and supplies
  • 32510000 - Wireless telecommunications system
  • 32570000 - Communications equipment
  • 32580000 - Data equipment
  • 32581000 - Data-communications equipment
  • 32583000 - Data and voice media

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

Network Rail (NR) wish to understand what new technologies exist for a communications link between an operator/s (who will be travelling in a locomotive/s at the front/rear of a consist of operational delivery modules) and the attached modular vehicles/assets to support the operational delivery. The current system has been in place for a number of years and operates on an unlicensed short wave radio signal. The system provides a two-part system handset and control box/cabinet the handsets currently communicate with 3 different modules to provide feedback on module status including fault and failure modes which will continue to be both a development area and a key operational area for any future system. One of the strategic options will be to increase the range of reporting functionality. In addition to establishing what new technologies are available the cost of change is an important consideration and NR would welcome information on how this could be supported including, but not limited to, whole life cost analysis/ change of system. Safety and reliability of the equipment are also critical areas for consideration noting reliability should be autonomous in essence is not impacted negatively by other non-related activity in a given geographical area. Equipment must be supported for the long term with components and spares readily available throughout any future relationship period.

Developments in technology options are also of interest to Network Rail including potential future proofing of any technologies. Interest in prototype development working alongside existing solution during evaluation phase.

two.2.14) Additional information

Network Rai is looking to explore the market and invite Suppliers to provide details of their existing communication technology that could be utilised by Network Rail. Please provide details to bernadette.egan@networkrail.co.uk by no later than Friday 5th November 2021.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

1 December 2022


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