Planning Tools for cycle networks and infrastructure prioritisation – Discovery

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done Government’s Cycling & Walking Investment Strategy sets out ambitions to double levels of cycling in England by 2025; identifying £1.2bn potential investment at national and local levels. Research shows that building high quality infrastructure can increase levels of cycling, but there is little evidence to robustly advise where this should be built at a local level. DfT recognises the instrumental role of cycling infrastructure planning tools for local authorities, showing where the highest cycling potential is and what infrastructure is necessary to realise this potential. Planning tools empower local authorities to take a strategic, spatial, evidence-based approach to prioritising investment. Problem to Be Solved There are many planning tools available to Transport Planners and DfT wants to help rationalise this approach. The Discovery will explore: • User needs in developing and prioritising cycling infrastructure plans; • What most effective user journey and service might look like for someone using planning tools; • How key current planning tools [such as PCT, CyIPT and others] are meeting user needs and establish user needs that aren’t being met; • How existing planning tools could be adapted/further developed to better meet users needs; • How to develop a new service if the discovery finds there is a need. Who Are the Users Local authority officers: require an evidence-base to enable informed strategic planning in developing cycle networks and address wider policy questions such as air quality, travel to school and cycle-rail integration DfT officers: require an evidence-based approach to policy making, to inform decision-making and investment strategies Consultants and transport planners: use as an evidence-based, strategic cycle planning resource, saving consultancy time and money Academics: use to test various research and/or policy questions against hypotheses and inform wider academic thinking Other interested parties: use for evidence to support / challenge cycling investment decisions. Early Market Engagement Some market engagement has already taken place. Propensity to Cycle (PCT) - Phase 1 saw the development of a prototype, which provided proof of concept. The approach taken was informed by extensive policy and technical research, user research and user testing through workshops, conferences and development events such as ‘hackathons’ during engagement with local authority officers and other likely users. In Phase 2 the tool was scaled nationally. The market was again engaged with workshops, one-to-one sessions that led to case study development, as well as presentations and discussions at conferences around the world. At present, the tool has 250-500 user sessions per week on average. Cycling Infrastructure Prioritisation Toolkit (CyIPT) - as part of the 12 month ICF project, engagement with local authorities and transport planners took place during development of the toolkit and an end of project workshop was held with key stakeholders working in the area of planning for active transport, providing them with an opportunity to test the tool and give formal feedback which forms a basis of next steps for developing the tool further. Work Already Done The PCT has gone through prototype development, providing proof of concept and led to national roll-out in Phase 2. This was informed by extensive user engagement, research and policy/technical expertise. The PCT is live at www.pct.bike, featuring current cycling demand, a number of different growth scenarios & works at a range of scales. CyIPT has gone through prototype development only. It offers an interactive national map for cycling infrastructure prioritisation. Building on the work of the PCT, the CyIPT focuses on what cycle infrastructure to build and when, and is underpinned by nine layers of data. Existing Team In the DfT, Kaylisha Archer (DfT Local Transport, Active Accessible Travel – LCWIPs, Engagement Lead) will lead, with Taro Hallworth (DfT Local & Regional Transport Analysis – Economic Advisor) to be kept updated with developments. There may also be opportunity to knowledge share with a range of personnel responsible for developing PCT phases 1 and 2 and the CyIPT prototype. Current Phase Discovery Work Location Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR, the suppliers own offices and workshops / meetings with local authorities around the country. Working Arrangments The team will need to work 5 days a week for the duration of the project. Exact milestones will be determined once a Supplier is appointed. Expenses will be paid in line with DFT policy. Also, CV's of team members will be requested at written proposal stage Security Clearance BPSS – Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Evidence of which will be requested as part of the written proposals @ stage 2 (not part of the word count) Additional T&Cs Following Discovery, there will be a separate procurement exercise to progress the chosen Discovery options, looking to implement new system/s through Alpha and into Beta (subject to successful delivery of Alpha). There is potential that the successful Discovery supplier will remain on-board for a period to handover outputs for the Alpha phase. Skills & Experience Proven experience conducting, documenting and presenting GDS compliant discovery projects. Proven experience delivering discovery projects to central government departments. Have demonstrable experience of complex technical investigation to inform future project stage. Demonstrable expertise in transport planning, cycling strategy and/or cycling demand analysis. Demonstrable evidence of incorporating latest technologies and user feedback to enhance product specifications, resulting in increased functionality and improved user experience Nice to Haves Demonstrable evidence where innovative solutions have been applied to assist in project delivery Demonstrable experience developing systems which combine functionality of multiple systems and open data sources. Demonstrate understanding and ability to deliver digital services/products to the Government Digital Service standards. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria Identify the approach and methodology to the Discovery project planning and delivery, identifying the main stages and activities proposed at each stage. (20%) Explain how the approach or solution meets user needs (15%) Detailed resource plan, including team structure – demonstrating how in-house, supplier and external resource will be used and at what stage (10%) Identified risks, dependencies and offer approaches to manage them (10%) Estimated timeframes for the work (5%) Demonstrate value for money (5%) Cultural Fit Criteria Evidence demonstrating an ability to transfer knowledge and skills to non-technical team members and audiences (3%) Experience of working collaboratively with Government departments, their Incumbent Suppliers and any other future suppliers (3%) Evidence of strategic thinking and striving to deliver best possible solution/concept possible (3%) Experience of taking responsibility for their work and resolving problems effectively (3%) Experience of transparent and collaborative decision making (3%) Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Case study Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 65% Cultural fit 15% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers Budget range £50,000 - £80,000 (capped @ £80k)