Transport systems consultancy services

Tender description

Transport Scotland sought a consultant to conduct the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2). The services to be delivered requires an independent analysis of Scotland’s multi-modal transport network to assess its current and future operational performance and ability to support inclusive, sustainable economic growth. The review will identify projects across the strategic road and rail networks, active travel, island connectivity and the bus sector. It will align with the next National Planning Framework (NPF4) and inform a 20-year infrastructure investment plan for Scottish Ministers. Extensive stakeholder engagement will be undertaken as part of the review. Transport Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, wished to procure consultancy services to carry out the second review of Strategic Transport Projects across Scotland. The contract has procured a suitably experienced service provider to undertake the project over a period of approximately 30 months. The supplier has been procured through a competitive tender procedure, in accordance with the restricted procedure as stated in The Procurement (Scotland) Regulations 2016. Due to the complexity of the project it will not be divided into lots. To be considered for this contract economic operators were required to complete the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) in accordance with the Contract Notice. Economic operators were evaluated in accordance with The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, on the basis of information they provided within the ESPD. The Services comprise, but are not limited to, the management, collation of data, network performance analysis, identification and appraisal of multi-modal projects and schemes across Scotland. The Review will have a national focus to consider the strategic links between the cities and key ports, international gateways and cross-border links. It will also have a regional focus to consider the role of the strategic network in the context of regional economic geographies and changes emanating from the Planning Bill, and city and regional deals. The services will entail modelling, appraisal and forecasting and taking account of policies from a new National Transport Strategy (NTS2). Network performance would be assessed and interventions proposed to address gaps and shortfalls. These would be assessed against operational criteria and priorities in the new NTS2, Scotland’s Economic Strategy and the Climate Change Plan. A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will also be undertaken. The whole process will follow the established Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) procedures to produce recommendations for strategic transport interventions for the next 20 years based on an investment hierarchy.