Consultancy Services for Train Networking Solutions

Tender description

ScotRail are seeking to conduct market research to understand if there is a suitable supplier available to provide consultancy services for train networking solutions. The supplier will need to have the necessary technical knowledge and competencies in designing on train networking solutions and integrating them with on shore services to help us design this solution and provide sufficient expertise to move to the procurement stage. Interested suppliers are invited to access and submit a short questionnaire via our Wax e-Sourcing https://scotrail.wax-live.com/S2C/DisplayModules/TradeModules/Negotiations/Opportunities/ListEvents.aspx ScotRail are preparing to run a trial of satellite connectivity on 6 of its 158 class trains based out of our Inverness depot. This connectivity will be used for both on train monitoring and telemetry and to support free passenger WIFI services. We are looking to procure support in designing a secure, reliable, and supportable configuration for the solution. This will involve working with ScotRail’s Engineering and IT teams discussing, identifying, and specifying the correct equipment and services to meet our goals. The phases would be: 1.Design of the Service 2.Procurement 3.Approvals 4.Build and Implementation 5.Operation and reporting. Requirements for the solution we are looking to build. -The solution must be able to aggregate and switch between Satellite, 4G, and WIFI backhaul and apply quality of service to ensure a continuous, secure, and high-performance connectivity for both ScotRail data and customer usage of the on train public Wi-Fi. -This engagement must identify the required equipment on the train itself and stable, secure, and reliable configuration of it which will match the requirements. ScotRail also want to understand what additional value can be sought from new equipment such as device counting, etc. and whether that can form part of the trial. -The system must provide full reporting on levels of signal and reception, bandwidth usage and data usage across the varying available backhaul. -Our customer Wi-Fi must be trusted and secure, and as such make use of DNS filtering and additional technologies to ensure online safety. -ScotRail wish to develop the solution in alignment with Future Rail Mobile Communication System and the design and operation of the system should align with that and allow testing. This may include how GSMR can be supported. -ScotRail require regular second by second GPS reporting and other telemetry data to be send back to its cloud-based event processing systems. -The implementation of a monitoring and alerting platform with the twin intention of keeping tabs on the on-train network and devices from an availability and performance point of view and flagging up unusual or malicious activity from a cyber security perspective. -Ongoing support of the trial - we are considering supporting the system and services with existing in-house fleet engineering and IT specialist resources but may look to retain professional services for additional support