Scope
Description
This requirement is for a three year renewal for the Microgen Aptitude Software Licence, Maintenance and Support Agreement with Aptitude Software Limited via a Single Tender Action (STA) commencing on 23/06/2025.
The "Track access billing programme" has been established within Route Services IT to deliver a consolidated software application, database and infrastructure for the recording of Track Access, Compensation Payments (Planned and Unplanned) and the maintenance of reference data. The Billing programme is a strategic programme to improve the way in which the billing function for Network Rail (NR) is carried out and managed by the organisation.
As a longstanding client of Aptitude since 2008, Network Rail has leveraged Aptitude
Software Limited platform to support critical internal operations through a customised application built and maintained using the Aptitude Platform.
Key Areas of Support:
• Web Application Development
Network Rail uses the Aptitude Platform's web application generator to develop and operate an internal application. Uniquely, they run their environment on Microsoft Windows, utilising IIS (Internet Information Services) and .NET technologies, rather than the more common Linux-based setup.
• Calculation Capability
The platform supports core business calculations - specifically, those used to model and determine the fees other companies must pay to access and use railway infrastructure. These financial models are essential to Network Rail's operations.
• Ongoing Upgrades and Technical Support
Aptitude has supported several platform upgrades over the years, with the most recent migration to version 24.4.1. We assisted in resolving issues during this process, particularly compatibility concerns with Windows Server 2022.
• Testing and Migration Status
Network Rail is in the final phase of testing their newly upgraded application. Most system tests have been completed successfully, with a few final validations currently underway.
• Continued Engagement
While direct development work has been minimal since 2019, Aptitude
continues to provide proactive technical support, version upgrades, and assistance with troubleshooting to ensure continued platform stability.
Contract 1. Aptitude Software Limited, TABS Software licensing + support & maintenance
Suppliers
Supplier not yet selected
Contract value
- £827,198.33 excluding VAT
- £992,638 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
19 June 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 June 2025 to 30 June 2028
- 3 years, 8 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - unique work of art or performance
- Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
- Single supplier - technical reasons
This award is compliant with the New Procurement Act 2023 under section 41 referencing I7 Sch. 5 para. 4 and para. 5 ; competition is absent for technical reasons . The Rationale is as follows:
Due to a particular supplier having intellectual property rights or other exclusive rights, only that supplier can supply the goods, services or works required, and
There are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services or works.
due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, only a particular supplier can supply the goods, services or works required, and
There are no other suppliers in the marketplace that are able to replace NR's legacy billing systems with a single solution that could manage changes to the billing rules more effectively and to more efficiently manage the workload and improve the accuracy of revenue collection.
Contracting authority
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNZN-9524-VCQJ
Waterloo General Office
London
SE1 8SW
United Kingdom
Contact name: Humza Tayyab
Email: humza.tayyab@networkrail.co.uk
Website: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government