Telecommunications services

Tender description

This opportunity relates to the provision, operation and maintenance of telecommunications services between the roadside and various central locations for Highways England, the body responsible for England's motorway and trunk road network. The National Roads Telecommunications Services (NRTS) project currently provides services to approximately 30 000 locations on 3 500 km of motorways and trunk roads. These telecommunications services provide connectivity between control rooms and roadside devices such as variable message signs, emergency telephones and CCTV cameras. The contract under which NRTS is currently provided will come to an end in March 2018, and new supplier(s) will need to be in place at least 6 months before this date to ensure a smooth transition. The scope of the contract will include the maintenance, deployment and further development NRTS services. This is expected to encompass cable-based, wireless and public network technologies. The new Service Provider will also undertake related services (for example provision of a NRTS service management system that is capable of wider use by Highways England for managing roadside devices). The duration of the new contract will be 5 or 7 years with the option to extend by a further 2 years. The value is likely to be in the range 300 000 000 GBP to 900 000 000 GBP. Due to the broad scope of the project it is anticipated that a wide range of suppliers will be required to deliver the NRTS requirements. This opportunity should therefore be of interest to: — Project management contractors; — Telecommunications equipment suppliers; — Telecommunications equipment maintainers; — Fixed telecommunications network operators; — Mobile telecommunications network operators (e.g. 4G, satellite, wireless broadband); — Highways infrastructure civil contractors; and — Small and medium enterprises with relevant specialist expertise. (It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded to 1 or more prime suppliers). Suppliers interested in this opportunity should note that some of the systems used by Highways England are of a bespoke nature; and special conditions apply to working in a motorway environment to ensure the safety of workers and the travelling public. Any organisation taking part in any subsequent procurement exercise will need to demonstrate competence in these areas. Highways England will be holding an Industry day on Friday, 8.4.2016 at 10:30 to 14:00. This will be held at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, Exchange House, Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2EG. The purpose of this event is to provide further detail with regards to the National Roads Telecommunications Services 2, the Competitive Dialogue procurement procedure and time-line. Please note that each organisation will be limited to 2 people due to space restrictions at the venue. To register for this event please send your expression of interest and contact details to the email address below by 12:00, Wednesday, 6.4.2016. TechnologyProcurement@highwaysengland.co.uk