IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Tender description

Network Rail is seeking expressions of interest from potential experienced vendors to work with Network Rail as a strategic partner to identify the architecture and potential supply of a suite of software tools associated with Engineering Design/Collaboration, Document Management and Document work-flow management. Based on the responses received, we will determine whether or not to embark on further OJEU actions to engage with the market in procuring such solutions. Based on Network Rail internal user business requirements. The scope of the procurement will be to supply a suite of software tool solutions that are current off the shelf, or a solution which can with the minimum modification or development meet Network Rails requirements stated below. Network Rail expects, each tool or solution to be the subject of a call-off arrangement under a Framework style agreement. It is anticipated, NR may require up to 3 vendors to cover its existing tools and applications requirements. Currently, Network Rail uses some circa 60 different types of software tools and applications with varying usage patterns, concerned with the engineering design/collaboration requirements of a wide range of railway infrastructure projects. A number of these products are used by our external suppliers in conjunction with NR. The internal Network Rail business strategy, is to utilise tools and applications that enable and promote a high level of collaborative working between NR and its suppliers either on-premise or via remote access, using industry standardised interfaces and file formats. The current tools and applications used by the engineering disciplines (Signalling and Control, Power Supply and OHL), fall into 3 main groups: 1) Engineering Design/Collaboration, e.g. AECOsim, Microstation, 2) Document Management, used for document configuration management and approval, e.g. eB Assetwise, 3) Document Work-flow/Design Collaboration, e.g. Projectwise. Initial investigations have identified some potential contenders however, there will be potentially more suitable contenders from the wider market. Network Rails High Level Requirements are as stated below: Product Must Haves: 1) A high Level of BIM Capability, 2) Be capable of integration with Network Rails existing Systems, across individual tools and applications, using industry standard interfaces and file formats, 3) Support a high level of collaborative working either on-premise or via remote access, 4) Have a high level of cost efficiency in terms of total cost of ownership (incl. licensing, support and upgrade/update costs), 5) A strong and committed technology roadmap for each tool/application, 6) Be very strong in terms of user friendliness. Supplier Must Haves 1) Detailed experience of developing tools and/or applications in one or all of the main groups shown above, either as a OEM or sub-contractor, 2) In depth experience of implementing and supporting BIM solutions for their customers, 2) Cyber security certification to a minimum of ISO 27001, 3) In depth skills in producing engineering design tools with 2D and 3D capability, Good to Have 1) Knowledge and experience in the rail industry, 2) Engineering design tools with geospatial visualisation capability in addition to 2D and 3D capability. We welcome responses from mature potential vendors that are potentially capable of meeting our requirements, who are willing to engage in exploratory discussions. Most important is the willingness to fit in with the Network Rail work-flow, and the ability to develop a close relationship with our internal engineering and supplier based personnel who have been using the existing product stack for a considerable period. The Request for Information period will open on the date of publication of this notice and will run for 3 weeks. At the end of this period submissions received will be reviewed. The potential vendors meeting the criteria will be invited to enter into a dialogue to demonstrate their ability to meet the NR requirements, and the performance of their design and development capabilities. Prospective suppliers wishing to express interest in taking part in this process should register that interest in the first instance by providing a brief statement (no more than three pages of A4) outlining the company, its capabilities, particularly the strength of its resources in the design and development areas against NR's requirements as outlined above via email.