IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Tender description

The Road Space Management directorate within TfL is responsible for managing the road space in London. The Surface Intelligent Transport System (SITS) is a technology based programme which has been launched to provide the capability to unlock significant additional capacity on the road network. A key element of SITS will be the development of an improved Real Time Optimiser. TfL's current Real Time Optimiser is SCOOT (Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique), which TfL license from a third party supplier. Having undertaken extensive desktop analysis, TfL believes SCOOT is the only product in the market which can meet its requirements for an improved Real Time Optimiser. This is due to complexities around inter-operability, programme, functionality and the very significant costs associated with integrating an alternative product. TfL has used the SCOOT software to manage the operation of traffic lights in London for many years and, consequently, it is deeply integrated into TfL's traffic management systems. TfL has invested heavily in the development of SCOOT and subject to the outcome of this market engagement exercise, is contemplating entering into a commercial partnering arrangement with 1 or more of the owners of SCOOT to develop it as a key component of SITS whilst considering its potential for commercial exploitation. TfL's UTC capability and associated IPR will be made available to the commercial arrangement, adding value to the proposition and also securing at least TfL's existing level of capability. Details on its existing arrangements, requirements for a Real Time Optimiser and its current intentions as regards SCOOT and UTC going forward are set out in a Briefing Paper. Suppliers interested in responding to this market engagement exercise should send an email to (SITS@tfl.gov.uk) in order to receive a copy. The Briefing Paper details specific questions which TfL is particularly interested in securing supplier comment on. TfL intends to hold 1:1 sessions with all suppliers that respond with a reasonable case that their product could meet TfL's requirements for the Real Time Optimiser set out in the Briefing Paper. TfL is however committed to transparency and fairness and therefore invites potentially interested owners of real time optimisation software products to consider TfL's requirements set out in its supporting Briefing Paper (which is available from the email address above) and, if they believe they could offer a viable alternative, provide details on how this might be achieved by responding in the manner outlined in the Briefing Paper. Responses must be submitted no later than midday on 1.9.2016 in accordance with the Briefing Paper.