Database services

Tender description

The purpose of this periodic indicative notice (PIN) is to notify the supply market of Network Rail's intention to tender for the future National Gauging Database (NGD). The National Gauging Database (NGD) is used to store information about clearances between objects on the railway (‘Gauging’). The NGD accepts data in the form of electronic files from several sources, which are then stored for use by Track Gauging Engineers, train designers and route operators when deciding what can and cannot run on the UK's rail network. Inaccuracies in this data can be costly and potentially dangerous. Provision of this data is a legal obligation based on Network Rail’s licencing conditions from the Office of Rail and Road. The aim of the project is to: 1) reduce the risk of data errors and automate the process of loading data as much as possible; 2) integrate with other systems through the provision of interfaces for input and output. The procurement for this requirement will be offered out to the market via Network Rail's procurement platform BravoNR issued through the Technology — Supplier Qualification System (SQS) and subsequent software as a service (SaaS) dynamic purchasing system (DPS) under the following category: — Software as a service DPS — asset management. The SQS has been established to provide a single platform for suppliers to register against multiple technology specific categories. Qualification will negate the need for a supplier to complete Network Rail’s mandatory and discretionary questions every time they are invited to participate in a competitive process. Registered and qualified suppliers on the SQS can be considered by Network Rail for contract opportunities without further notification of requirements published via the Official Journal of the European Union. Please refer to the link and instructions below which provides access to a document titled ‘Supplier Guidance — SQS’ this document provides detail on: — how to register an account for BravoNR; — an overview of the technology — supplier qualification system and the dynamic purchasing system; — the instructions on how to register and qualify for the SQS and select technology categories including how to register on Network Rail DPS are available through the instructions below: 1) Follow the link — https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html 2) From the welcome screen, access the ‘View Current Opportunities’ link and select ‘Technology Supplier Qualification System’ Then search for the document supplier guidance. The periodic indicative notice is issued solely for the purpose of conducting pre-procurement market engagement and does not constitute any commitment to undertake a procurement in the future. Network Rail will welcome innovative ideas and best practice suggestions from interested parties who can request a market testing questionnaire from Shemunatsi.Madziba@networkrail.co.uk not later than 24 June 2020. This PIN does not constitute a call for competition to procure any services, supplies or works mentioned in this PIN. Network Rail will not accept any proposals offered in response to this PIN. Network Rail is not liable for any costs, fees, or expenses incurred by any party in replying to or attending any PIN event. Any procurement of any services, supplies or works by Network Rail will be carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016. The indicative timeline to launch this tender is week commencing the 3 August 2020, all suppliers wishing to participate in this event should be registered on Network Rail's SQS and DPS under the asset management category by this date.