Scope
Reference
C26016
Description
Rail Management Software DRS are seeking to procure an off-the-shelf IT solution, covering : 1. Locomotives; 2. Wagons; 3. Maintenance; and 4. Traincrew planning along our value chain. to enable a dynamic planning process across all assets (drivers, locomotives, wagons), train paths, and maintenance to deliver optimised plans in long-term, short-term-planning and in real-time management.
Total value (estimated)
- £210,000 excluding VAT
- £250,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 February 2026 to 1 February 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Goods
Additional procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
Engagement
Engagement deadline
2 June 2025
Engagement process description
Supplier Engagement Day Invitation - Rail Management Software Direct Rail Services (DRS) invites interested suppliers to attend a virtual Supplier Engagement Day for an upcoming procurement of an Integrated Rail Management Planning Software solution. Event Details • Date: 9th June 2025 • Time: Start: 2pm BST (British Summer Time) / 13:00 UTC End: 5pm BST / 16:00 UTC Location: Virtual via Microsoft Teams - link to be provided upon registration Purpose of the Event The purpose of this engagement is to: • Present the project and DRS's objectives • Hold a Q&A session • Provide an overview of the anticipated procurement process and use the engagement session to inform the procurement process, conditions of participation and award criteria • Engage with suppliers to generate interest and prime their resources for the upcoming Tender opportunity. • Understand market capabilities to refine the scope • Understand indicative costs It is intended that the sessions will be recorded to assist with disseminating relevant information from the event to suppliers participating in the procurement process and to suppliers unable to attend the Engagement Day. Please note that the responses to this notice will be used for information purposes and will not be deemed as forming part of any proposed bid now, or any future tender. Project Scope Overview We are seeking to procure an off-the-shelf IT solution, covering : 1. Locomotives; 2. Wagons; 3. Maintenance; and 4. Traincrew planning along our value chain. to enable a dynamic planning process across all assets (drivers, locomotives, wagons), train paths, and maintenance to deliver optimised plans in long-term, short-term-planning and in real-time management. How to Register Responding to this Notice is an excellent opportunity to engage, share relevant information and provide feedback. Should you wish to participate, please complete the registration form via the following link by COB Monday 2nd June: https://forms.office.com/e/dniJRFFmiz Thank you for your interest and we look forward to meeting with you virtually on the 9th June. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to Paula Smith (Senior Buyer) by emailing paula.smith@ntsglobal.uk. NEXT STEPS One-to-One Demonstration Sessions If, following the engagement day, you believe your solution is able to meet our vision and requirements, there may be the opportunity for you to demonstrate your solution to us. We will share more information about this on the 9th June. These sessions will: • Be guided by clearly defined expectations - a scope will be provided in advance. • Last up to two hours per supplier • Be conducted virtually Important Notes • Participation in the Supplier Engagement Day does not guarantee inclusion in the formal procurement process. Likewise, non-participation in the Supplier Engagement Day does not preclude suppliers from participating in the procurement process. • DRS is, on a voluntary basis, operating under the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) for this procurement and is therefore advertising this opportunity on the Central Digital Platform. By doing so, it does not become a public authority and DRS reserve the right to deviate from the PA23 at its discretion but will preserve the principles of fairness and transparency. • DRS reserves the right to revise its procurement approach prior to issuing the formal Tender Notice. • Please note that should demonstrations be conducted at pre-market engagement stage, these will be used for information purposes only and will not be assessed or evaluated.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 September 2025
Contracting authority
Direct Rail Services Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBJ-7645-CMHD
Regents Court, Baron Way
Carlisle
CA6 4SJ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Paula Smith
Email: paula.smith@ntsglobal.uk
Website: https://www.directrailservices.com/
Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government