Signalling equipment

Tender description

Degraded Mode Working System (DMWS) is a system that is being developed by Network Rail to provide signallers with an alternative and more accurate view of a train’s position, speed and direction of travel in real time. The DMWS is a train movement system intended to be used in the event of a significant Primary Signalling System (PSS) failure. DMWS functions independently of the PSS, with the aim of quickly restoring a train service whilst the signalling system is repaired. Operation of trains under DMWS control is termed Degraded Mode Working (DMWS) and is modelled largely on automating the current manual process of temporary block working and emergency special working. Network Rail has undertaken R&D activities to prove the concept of a DMWS and define the business, operational and system functional requirements. Network Rail now wishes to procure a production-standard DMWS and undertake an operational trial in a live rail environment. The DMWS consists of three main subsystems; the central subsystem, the trackside subsystem and the Train borne subsystem, connected by a telecommunications system. It also interfaces to existing rail industry system as both inputs and outputs. As a critical project component, specific new trackside equipment is required, known as the DMWS Inhibit Detect Repeat (IDR), to report the status and prevent interlocking control to points and ground frames. Through market engagement, Network Rail has determined that the IDR trackside equipment is not readily available on the market, and therefore is choosing to use the Innovation Partnership Procedure as a route to market. Following a successful operational trial of the DMWS, Network Rail intend to procure future DMWS IDRs. Network Rail is currently working to confirm the timescales for this opportunity and would like to understand the impact (if any) Covid-19 has had on the availability of the supply chain. Please could you respond to the below 3 questions by 5 p.m. on 28 May 2020 by responding to meera.majeethia@networkrail.co.uk 1) Please could you provide a brief explanation on the availability of your resource/personnel to work on tender opportunities from 1 June 2020 onwards? Please respond within 300 words; 2) Please could you advise if you foresee any obstruction to taking part in a tender opportunity where you would be required to design, build and test a solution? Please respond within 300 words; 3) Could you share concerns regarding working practices if Network Rail issues a contract notice for this tender opportunity in June 2020, allowing 6 weeks for the submission of the PQQ response, and commences the ITT period in August 2020 allowing c; 4) Months for the submission of the ITT response (including the conceptual design)? Please respond within 300 words.