Train Control Systems Framework

Concepts

• railway signalling
• network rail
• train control systems framework
• european train control system
• control periods
• delivery of major train control works
• national train control system frameworks
• frameworks
• tcs frameworks
• train monitoring system

Location

United Kingdom:

Description

Network Rail is responsible for maintaining, developing and operating Great Britain's (GB) railway infrastructure.Network Rail is an arm's length government owned company, whose capital investments are constrained by, and contribute to, the Public Sector Borrowing Requirement. Network Rail needs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its capital spend programmes. NR recognises the opportunity afforded by signalling and is significantly investing in both conventional and digital signalling systems, with a significant programme of work being set out over the next two Control Periods (CP7 (from April 2024 to March 2029) / CP8 (April 2029 to March 2034)).Network Rail is committed to procuring signalling in a different way to drive benefits for the taxpayer, signalling market and wider UK. The current national signalling workbank shows a significant pipeline across European Train Control System (ETCS) or related technologies and Conventional technologies through CP7 and CP8. Whilst a proportion of the Conventional signalling renewals in CP7 will be covered by existing frameworks, these expire during CP7. There is therefore a need for a new contracting route for Conventional signalling and ETCS signalling which will be used by NR's regions in support of their multi-disciplinary project and programme delivery plans. NR is seeking to establish national Train Control System Frameworks (TCS Frameworks) for the delivery of major train control works and renewals to be delivered on the existing rail network comprising two lots:

Lot Division

CPV Codes

• 45234115 - Railway signalling works
• 34632200 - Electrical signalling equipment for railways
• 34632300 - Electrical installations for railways
• 34941800 - Railway points
• 34942000 - Signalling equipment
• 34943000 - Train-monitoring system
• 45316200 - Installation of signalling equipment
• 71320000 - Engineering design services
• 50200000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to aircraft, railways, roads and marine equipment
• 50220000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to railways and other equipment
• 50312300 - Maintenance and repair of data network equipment
• 50312600 - Maintenance and repair of information technology equipment
• 50324100 - System maintenance services
• 50330000 - Maintenance services of telecommunications equipment

Indicators

• Restrictions apply to the lot award allocation.
• This is a one-off contract (no recurrence)
• Renewals are not available.
• Professional qualifications are sought.

Other Information

Lot 1: TCS Framework - Conventional: Conventional signalling (either conventional or related technologies). Framework Suppliers will be required to provide a range of works and/or services covering design and build. Lot 2: TCS Framework - Digital: Digital signalling (either ETCS or related technologies). Framework Suppliers will be required to provide a range of works and/or services covering design, build and ETCS maintenance support. An indicative workbank for each Lot is provided for information only purposes as part of the procurement documents. The TCSF frameworks will each have a duration of 10-years with an estimated value of approximately £4bn across both Lots. Network Rail’s approach is looking to create long-term, national collaborative relationships with suppliers, whilst lowering barriers and investment required for suppliers to enter the market and providing a more certain visibility of pipeline and commitment. Network Rail intends to use the 10-year duration of these frameworks to build strategic longer-term collaborative relationships with suppliers, and with a strong focus on technology development and pipeline visibility to encourage new suppliers to market. ** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** Following previous market briefing event for this procurement (advertised by notice: 2022/S 000-019181), held on 20 July 2022, Network Rail finalised its sourcing strategy and the approach for this procurement event and held a further launch event on 10 March 2023 (advertised by notice: 2023/S 000-006216). A recording of the launch event on 10 March 2023 is available as part of the procurement documents. The figure stated in II.1.5) Estimated total value relates to the maximum value for the duration of the frameworks. The estimated total value ranges between £3bn and £4bn for both lots. Precise overall spend under the TCS Frameworks will depend on a number of factors including Control Period funding and the output of business case processes. Lot 1 - Conventional: £750m - £1bn Lot 2 - Digital: £2.25bn - £3bn The figure stated in IV.1.3 relates to the envisaged maximum number of suppliers to be appointed to the framework agreement per Lot. The TCSF frameworks are intended to be used for major conventional signalling projects and the delivery of ETCS. Examples of conventional projects which may be commissioned under Lot 1: TCS Framework - Conventional include: • Large/complex conventional signalling renewals for which the predominant discipline will typically be the signalling element; and • Large/complex enhancement projects with major infrastructure alterations whereby the associated signalling and train control infrastructure is subject to major modifications or replaced. In both examples, the signalling scope would be commissioned through Lot 1: TCS Framework - Conventional, and other disciplines / adjacent non-signalling infrastructure works if required would be sourced by Network Rail (via market competition or existing frameworks) • Significant/complex signalling scope connected to the separate sourcing of the planning, with integration and design of the works under an enterprise style venture by the region. In this example, the signalling scope would be commissioned through Lot 1: TCS Framework – Conventional but the appointed TCSF supplier would work on a day to day basis with the regionally appointed signalling integrator (acting on behalf of the client). Other conventional signalling work will still be sourced by regional teams via separate arrangements outside of the Lot 1: TCS Framework – Conventional -whether signalling only or as part of a multi-disciplinary scheme. This scope of this conventional signalling work will typically comprise: • Minor non-complex or medium complexity conventional signalling renewal or enhancement schemes which do not involve deployment of a new signalling system; and • Large complex enhancement projects may be placed outside of the TCS framework Lot 1 but these will typically be where the predominant discipline is not the signalling element and/or where the signalling scope requires extensions to signalling system rather than major modifications or the deployment of a new signalling system. Pre-qualification: Organisations wishing to express an interest in this opportunity must complete and submit a PQQ response by the date specified in Section IV.2.2. Submitting a response to this notice does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to tender.Network Railreserves the right to disqualify any candidate who provides information or confirmations which later prove to be untrue or incorrect; does not supply the information required by the PQQ or as otherwise directed during the procurement event; or does not meet the criteria stated in the PQQ. A pack of procurement documents (including the PQQ instructions and questionnaire) is being made available at https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk In order to access the procurement documents, interested organisations must register on the Bravo system (via the link above). If there are any difficulties in registering or accessing the procurement documents, please contact Network Rail via the email address stated in Section I.