Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Waterloo General Offices
London
SE1 8SW
Contact
Graham Holbrook
Graham.Holbrook@networkrail.co.uk
Telephone
+44 1908781000
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
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
Railway Infrastructure
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Unmanned Aerial Systems Framework
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 63710000 - Support services for land transport
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Network Rail is seeking to put in place a UAS framework for the provision of services to help manage its national infrastructure and estate 365 days per year.
It is anticipated that the framework will consist of 3 lots, each with multiple suppliers serving England, Scotland and Wales.
The framework will provide Network Rail with access to several professional UAS operators/service providers to deliver survey capability across England, Scotland and Wales. Additionally, the framework will provide access to suppliers to support Network Rail in maintaining its existing in-house UAS hardware and operating capability.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
The contracting authority reserves the right to award contracts combining the following lots or groups of lots:
It is anticipated that the framework will consist of 3 lots, each with multiple suppliers:
Lot 1: Supply of UAV inspection and survey services for reactive and pre-planned work across England, Scotland and Wales.
Lot 2: Supply of UAS and related operational products to include servicing, maintenance and lease option packages for equipment.
Lot 3: Supply of CAA accredited UAS pilot training
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Unmanned Aerial Systems Framework - Training Services
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80531200 - Technical training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
National - England, Wales, Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Network Rail is seeking to put in place a UAS framework for the provision of services to help manage its national infrastructure.
The framework will provide Network Rail with access to several service providers support Network Rail in maintaining its existing in-house UAS capability through the training, to CAA standards, of UAS(drone) operators.
two.2.14) Additional information
Network Rail has used professional UAS operators since 2014 to survey its assets and undertake inspections. In 2019, it obtained its own CAA operational authorisation to conduct commercial drone operations and today it has over 200 volunteer pilots and a fleet of around 400 drones supplimenting services from external drone service suppliers.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
13 November 2023
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
Requests for further information and any questions or clarifications in respect of this RFI should be addressed to Graham.Holbrook@networkrail.co.uk
Please note any discussions which do occur will cease immediately should a formal competition ultimately be announced. Network Rail is committed to ensuring fairness, openness and transparency, and to following UK procurement regulations. The Periodic Indicative Notice is issued solely for the purpose of conducting pre-procurement market engagement via a request for information and does not constitute any commitment to undertake any procurement in the future. Interested parties will not be prejudiced by any response or failure to respond to the PIN event and a response to this PIN does not guarantee any invitation to participate in this event or any future procurement.
This PIN does not constitute a call for competition to procure any services, supplies or works mentioned in this PIN and Network Rail will not accept any proposals offered in response to this PIN. Network Rail is not liable for any costs, fees, or expenses incurred by any party in replying to or attending any PIN event. Any procurement of any services, supplies or works by Network Rail will be carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016.
Network Rail would like to thank you in advance should you wish to respond to this Request for Information.