Department for Transport - AV Data Discovery Workstream

Tender description

Pre-market engagement As part of our pre-market engagement, we launched an EOI process and held a supplier briefing day on Monday 22nd September 2025. This engagement allowed DfT to engage with and inform the market about our policy area, current approach and answer questions from interested suppliers. The relevant documentation was shared with all interested suppliers. Work done so far Work done so far (5000 Characters) To implement the AV Act and enable the flow of data that automated vehicle regulation will require, the AV Data Workstream has: • developed a shared vision across CCAV, DfT and its agencies (DVSA, DVLA and VCA); • delivered a series of briefing sessions to internal and agency teams to further develop and share the vision, validate assumptions, surface early pain points, and build a common understanding of a future delivery pathway; • gained ministerial approval to commission a dedicated digital project to develop a working mechanism for data management to support effective regulation of automated vehicles; • engaged with industry through bilateral meetings with individual companies and through a working ground session with trade bodies, manufacturers and automated driving system developers represented; • received positive feedback from industry, with support for a phased digital approach, clearer data sharing responsibilities and the development of proportionate, standardised routes for submitting and accessing data; • engaged with counterparts from the German Federal Ministry of Transport to review work conducted by both parties on developing approaches to managing automated vehicle regulatory data; and • completed various tasks to ensure internal readiness for a discovery phase, including: o commissioning policy leads and motoring agency colleagues to collate current thinking regarding data requirements for each regulatory process in preparation for building on this in discovery; and o drafting procurement documentation in coordination with digital and commercial colleagues in preparation for moving to commissioning a discovery. Which phase the project is in Discovery Existing team The supplier will work with:  Senior Responsible Owner for overall decision making.  Contract Owner and Product Lead for day-to-day direction.  AV Data Workstream team for wider support.  Policy and agency leads across the five regulatory functions for subject matter expertise (on an ad hoc basis).  Digital Business Partner for delivery assurance and alignment to DfT digital standards.  AV Implementation team for PMO support, reporting and risk management.  Other DfT and cross government officials as agreed with the AV Data Workstream project team, for alignment with wider departmental and governmental policies and objectives. Address where the work will be done Remote working within the UK only, with arrangements to be agreed with the DfT. Travel to meet stakeholders may be required, so suppliers should take this into consideration. Working arrangements Detailed working arrangements will be agreed between the chosen supplier and CCAV/DfT, but are likely to include:  running the discovery in agile sprints with scrum ceremonies attended by project representatives (e.g. including across DfT), show and tells, and playback sessions with stakeholders supported by DfT;  regular governance board meetings with the Senior Responsible Owner, AV Data Workstream team and other stakeholders identified by DfT;  robust project management mechanisms with decision-making processes documented, RAID log effectively managed, evidence logged and all outputs, artefacts and materials handed to DfT;  adhering to the UK Government Security Secure by Design Principles;  working hours being regular working hours in the UK; and  travel being for essential purposes only and agreed in advance with the DfT project team. Provide more information about your security requirements: Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Provide more information about your security requirements: All work must meet GDS security requirements and follow Secure by Design principles, with supplier staff holding BPSS clearance. Suppliers must also conform with DfT’s Information and Cyber Security Policy and Architectural Principles (which will be shared with the successful supplier). Latest start date 2025-11-20 Enter the expected contract length: 2 years Extension period: 12 months Special terms and conditions Special Terms and Conditions (Optional) (5000 Characters) • All outputs and IP to DfT. • Conform to GDS Service Standard and TCoP. • Accessibility WCAG 2.2 AA for all artefacts and prototypes created during research. • Data residency in UK or approved locations; no offshoring without written consent. • Security by design; apply NCSC guidance and provide a security plan. • Knowledge transfer and handover, including playbooks and reusable assets. • Transparent time and materials reporting, including burn charts and deliverables tracker. • Conflict of interest declaration for any supplier with existing relationships in the automated vehicle or wider vehicle industry or vehicle regulation ecosystem. • Research ethics, consent and safeguarding procedures in line with DfT policy. • Open standards where possible for any technical exploration. • As part of the first stage, suppliers should only respond to the “essential” and “nice to have” questions, with suppliers moving through to second stage completing the “technical”, “social value” and “cultural fit” questions. • The second stage will include a proposal and presentations (60 minutes, preferably delivered in person but could accommodate over Teams, if essential). • Proposals should use a pricing model that reflects capped time and materials (T&M) for discovery, with the expectation for the delivery of an alpha and beta to be managed through a rate card. This means that suppliers should provide their rate card as part of their submission (which would remain valid throughout all phases of delivery). • Suppliers will be evaluated against the five-score matrix. • Progression into the alpha and beta phase will be subject to DfT’s satisfaction with the outputs from the previous phases of delivery. • The DfT reserves the right to terminate the agreement at each phase where the supplier has not met the deliverables set out in agreed statement of works. Write the term or acronym: CCAV Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. DfT Department for Transport. AV Act Automated Vehicles Act 2024. AV Act Implementation Programme Automated Vehicles Act Implementation Programme – a DfT programme for the safe deployment of automated vehicles and implementing the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. DVSA The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency – a DfT agency that is responsible for keeping Britain's roads safe by ensuring people and vehicles meet the required standards. DVLA The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency – a DfT agency responsible for keeping Britain’s roads safe by ensuring that drivers are safe and that vehicles on the roads are taxed and registered. VCA The Vehicle Certification Agency – a DfT agency responsible for type approval and certification. ORR The Office of Rail and Road – an independent, non-ministerial UK government regulator responsible for the health and safety, and economic regulation of Britain's railways, and for monitoring National Highways' management of the strategic road network in England. NH National Highways – an executive, non-departmental public body responsible for England's motorways and major roads. ASDE Authorised Self Driving Entity – the legal entity responsible for an automated driving feature. NUiC operator No User in Charge operator – the licensed operator for NUiC vehicles. EOI Expression of Interest – a formal document used to gauge supplier interest in a project and/or to create a shortlist for a future tender. GDS Government Digital Service – responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government, which is part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). GDS Service Standard A set of fourteen principles and criteria that all government digital services must meet. Are you prepared to show your budget details?: Yes Indicative maximum: 500000 Indicative minimum: 250000 Provide further information: Pricing is expected to fall within the envelope of £250,000 to £500,000, exclusive of VAT. We expect itemised bids that clearly show how the total has been derived and how value for money will be achieved throughout the discovery. Suppliers shall provide firm costs for the discovery phase and indicative costs for the alpha and beta phases (e.g. rate card). The pricing evaluation will be based on the discovery costs provided only. Proposals should use a capped time and materials (T&M) pricing model for discovery, with the expectation that delivery of alpha and beta will be managed using Statement of Works (which will managed through a rate card). This means that suppliers should provide their rate card as part of their submission (which would remain valid throughout all phases of delivery). Confirm if you require a contracted out service or supply of resource Contracted out service: the off-payroll rules do not apply Summary of work The Automated Vehicles (AV) Act 2024 introduces a safety framework for automated vehicles in Great Britain. Objectives and Intended Outcomes The AV Data Workstream Discovery aims to support AV Act implementation by: • Develop a shared understanding of the problem space across DfT and agencies . • Engage stakeholders on user needs, pain points and delivery constraints. • Map current and future data-sharing processes for conventional and automated vehicles. • Define operational, technical, and policy assumptions needing further review. • Assess the feasibility of operating models for a potential future service. Scope Focus areas include: • • Detailed mapping of context, constraints and pain points of current and future data flows. • Examine interdependencies between regulatory processes. • Identify technical, commercial and operational constraints that may influence future service design, including security, privacy and scalability. • Qualitative and/or quantitative research with future users of the safety framework, including at least DfT’s agencies, ASDEs, NUIC Operators, and vehicle manufacturers. • Develop user personas and map end-to-end user journeys. • Review operational readiness of technical systems used by relevant agencies to support AV information and data flows. This includes mapping systems and tools used to collect, process and share vehicle-related data. • Exploration of future service options to support safe and lawful data flow across the safety framework. Identify risks and opportunities for each model, including assumptions and dependencies requiring further investigation. • Develop success measures to assess a future alpha. • Develop an early view of roles, skills, and capabilities to support a future alpha. Out of Scope Not included in this phase: • Prototyping or building technical solutions • Drafting legal or policy text • Broader vehicle policies, although insights may be relevant • Insurance data (except for regulatory purposes) Where the supplied staff will work London Why the work is being done The Automated Vehicles (AV) Act 2024became law in May 2024. Secondary legislation is being developed, with full implementation expected late 2027. The Act establishes mechanisms for pre- and post-deployment of automated vehicles, envisaged to operate in a safety feedback loop. The Act puts in place measures to: • allow government to establish core safety principles to which automated vehicles must seek to achieve as they are used on GB’s roads; • establish new legal entities to ensure appropriate liabilities for the operation and use of automated vehicles; and • create a whole life in-use assurance system for automated vehicles, supported by obligations for operators to provide information and prevent misrepresentation. Opportunity for a Modern Data Service The second half of 2027 deadline for full implementation of the AV Act creates a clear opportunity to shape and stand up a modern data service that supports regulatory oversight of automated vehicles, both pre- and post-deployment. AV Data Workstream Discovery The AV Data Workstream discovery phase starts in November 2025, lasting at least eight weeks, with a precise length and detailed timeline to be agreed with the chosen supplier.. This will support DfT in de-risking the implementation of the AV Act by enabling the development of a working mechanism to address the data management challenges that will arise at each stage of an automated vehicle’s lifecycle. The AV Data Workstream Discovery is expected to gather stakeholder insights, test assumptions and define the scope and critical questions for potential future exploration and solutions. The discovery should examine the opportunities associated with enabling the required flow of data and information across the safety framework (e.g. through delivering effective regulatory oversight while minimising burdens on industry and increasing overall system efficiency). The business problem you need to solve The Automated Vehicles (AV) Act establishes new oversight mechanisms for automated vehicles across their lifecycle. Effective oversight depends on timely, accurate data exchange between industry and other stakeholders and the Department for Transport (DfT), including its agencies (DVSA, DVLA, VCA), pre- and post-deployment. The AV Act’s safety framework includes: • Type approval – confirms a vehicle’s design meets required safety and technical standards before entering the market; • Authorisation – ensures a specific self-driving feature or capability is permitted for use on public roads under defined conditions; • Operator licensing – for vehicles without a user-in-charge, a NUiC operator will be responsible for non-dynamic driving tasks. Licensing will ensure they meet necessary organisational requirements, including safety management and assurance;  • In-use regulation – oversees safety and compliance once vehicles are deployed, including monitoring, investigations and intervention; and  • Incident investigation – provides legal powers to investigate incidents involving automated vehicles from a no-blame perspective.  There is no single system for managing regulatory data across these functions. This could impact safety by slowing decisions, complicating accountability, risking public trust, and adding compliance burdens. Manufacturers and operators have no single point to submit information and data, while regulators don’t have a coordinated way to collect, manage or share data and information, potentially causing inefficiencies. Our Intended Outcome The Discovery will consult stakeholders, test assumptions, and clarify key questions to explore future solutions. The intended outcome is to develop a plan for a feasible, user-centred and legally compliant approach to managing automated vehicle data. This will create the foundation for the design of a working mechanism to support implementation of the AV Act by late-2027. First user type: User Type Key Requirement In-use regulator: Needs access to technical, operational, and safety data from ASDEs and NUiC operators to monitor compliance and vehicle safety, investigate incidents and take action where necessary. Type approval engineer: Needs technical information and evidence to assess automated vehicles against standards. Authorisation official: Needs structured safety case reports for consistent decisions on vehicle and ASDE authorisation. Licensing officer: Needs identifiers and vehicle status information to ensure non-dynamic driving tasks are delivered safely. Incident inspector: Needs access to post-incident data for credible investigations and safety recommendations. Vehicle manufacturer: Needs a clear process for submitting data to regulators for type-approval. ASDE representative: Requires a simple application route for ASDE status, with clear requirements of responsibilities. NUiC operator: Must submit operational data and receive regulatory feedback for ongoing safety and compliance. Local authority transport officer: Needs local operational data for effective network planning and safe vehicle deployment. Police officer: Depending on the incident, must share or access data in regulatory processes to support investigations or refer cases. Questions and Clarifications 1. Has DfT already engaged a supplier in any pre-discovery or scoping work for the AV Data Workstream, or will the successful supplier be the first external supplier engaged on this initiative? Has there already been user research with industry stakeholders or should Discovery assume this needs to be conducted from first principles? How much depth do you expect in Discovery around technical standards and APIs, versus higher-level service blueprinting and governance models? Do you have a preferred direction e.g. a centralised data service/hub or a federated exchange model where agencies retain control but align on standards? Will suppliers be expected to align with existing assurance frameworks such as NCSC CAF, or NIS2 or others for regulatory data? Will international standards be factored into Discovery, given the global nature of AV manufacturing? How does DfT expect suppliers to handle potential conflicts of interest for SMEs already working with OEMs or regulators? Will Alpha and Beta phases be separately competed? For Essential skills and experience Question 4, could you please clarify what you mean by “delivery methodology”? (e.g. data analysis) No external suppliers have been engaged to date for pre-discovery or scoping work related to the AV Data Workstream. The successful supplier appointed through this procurement will be the first external delivery partner engaged on this initiative. Suppliers should approach the discovery phase from first principles. While there has been engagement with stakeholders across government and industry, no formal end user research has taken place. The successful supplier will be expected to lead on identifying user needs, mapping stakeholder perspectives, and gathering insights that will inform the design and delivery of data-related capabilities under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. "We expect the discovery phase to primarily focus on high-level service blueprinting and governance models to support implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. This includes understanding how services should be designed, delivered, and governed across DfT, its agencies, industry and other external public/private stakeholders. However, we also anticipate that there will be some depth of exploration into technical standards and APIs, particularly where these are critical to interoperability, data sharing, or regulatory delivery. The precise level of detail will be agreed and refined with the successful supplier during the discovery phase, based on emerging needs and priorities." "No, the DfT does not have a preferred direction at this stage regarding a centralised data service/hub versus a federated exchange model. We are approaching this as a true discovery phase and are open to exploring a range of options. The aim is to understand what model would best support the implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, taking into account factors such as interoperability, governance, scalability, and agency needs. We welcome supplier insight and expertise in helping shape the most effective and sustainable approach." Last Updated: 8 October 2025, 12:27 2. In Attachment 1, it states bidders are to provide a capped T&M rate card but later in the document it states the pricing model is fixed price. Can you confirm which pricing model approach is correct please? Approximately how many users will need to be involved in the quantitative and/or qualitative research? The Summary of the Work states to 'Review operational readiness of technical systems used by relevant agencies'. Can you provide what these systems are and approximately how many will need reviewed? Can relevant templates (technical and commercial) for Stage 2 be published? There is no word or page limit for Stage 2 responses. Can this be provided? How does DfT define “shared understanding” across agencies—are there specific pain points or misalignments that have already been identified? Are there priority user groups within ASDEs, NUIC Operators, or vehicle manufacturers that should be emphasised? Are there other workstreams in the AV Act Implementation Programme and might there be an interdependency with the Data Workstream? Are the budget figures provided for the 2 year contract or the discovery phase? The Department for Transport does not require a fixed price for this project. In accordance with the special terms and conditions, suppliers are expected to propose a capped time and materials (T&M) pricing model for the discovery phase. The delivery of the alpha and beta phases should be managed via a rate card. Accordingly, suppliers must include their rate card in their submission, which will remain applicable for all phases of delivery. "Rather than specifying a fixed number of users, the research is expected to engage with a range of user groups relevant to the implementation and operationalisation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. We anticipate that this will involve approximately 15 distinct user groups, which may include stakeholders such as manufacturers, regulators, enforcement bodies, technical experts, and end users who will need to engage with the regulatory framework. The exact composition and engagement approach will be refined in collaboration with the successful supplier, based on the agreed scope and research objectives." "The specific technical systems to be reviewed will be defined and agreed with the successful supplier during the initial stages of the engagement. However, it is expected that these systems will primarily relate to those used by the Department for Transport’s regulatory agencies involved in the implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 (e.g. the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Vehicle Certification Authority (VCA)). We anticipate that the scope will focus on assessing operational readiness in relation to digital and technical capabilities that support regulatory functions, but the exact number and nature of systems will depend on further discussions and planning once the contract is awarded." No, the technical and commercial templates will be published once shortlisting has been concluded to the suppliers that will be invited to progress to Stage 2. Last Updated: 8 October 2025, 12:11 3. Hello Team, We have a clarification regarding Q1 "Can you provide demonstrable evidence of delivering a successful digital discovery phase for public and/or regulatory bodies, including a central government department, that involved working with their arm’s length bodies, agencies or regulators?". Is it mandatory to demonstrate evidence within public sector / regulatory bodies or can equivalent and relevant experience from the private sector also be acceptable? "Essential question one asks suppliers to provide evidence of delivering a successful digital discovery phase for public and/or regulatory bodies, including a central government department, that involved working with their arm’s length bodies, agencies, or regulators. It is necessary for the answer to include a link to the public sector. However, this can be interpreted in the way that best demonstrates your relevant experience and expertise. This may include: - Direct delivery for a central government department; - Delivery for an arm’s length body, agency, or regulator where the work was commissioned, overseen, or informed by a central government department; - Or delivery for another public sector organisation where the outcomes were aligned with central government policy, priorities, or standards. We recognise that valuable and transferable experience can come from a range of contexts, including the private sector, but there is a need to demonstrate how that experience has been applied within, or is directly relevant to, public sector or regulatory delivery. Responses should clearly articulate the connection to public sector objectives, governance, or delivery environments to meet the intent of the question." Last Updated: 8 October 2025, 12:01 4. Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this tender. We've reviewed the requirements with great interest and are preparing our response. A point of clarification has arisen regarding the request for evidence of "delivery into central government." As you know, the spirit and intent of the new Procurement Act 2023 are to foster greater competition and make public sector opportunities more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This includes a specific focus on reducing barriers that might unintentionally exclude capable suppliers. We have a proven track record of successfully delivering similar digital outcomes for public sector bodies and other large, complex organisations that operate at a similar scale to central government departments. However, our direct experience may not be specifically with central government, but rather with devolved administrations, local councils, or other large public and private entities. To ensure we can provide the most relevant and comprehensive response, could you please clarify if the experience must be exclusively within central government? Or would delivery experience with other large public sector bodies or equivalent-scale organisations be considered equally valid evidence of our ability to meet the requirement? This clarification would be invaluable in helping us, and likely other suppliers, showcase our relevant expertise in a way that aligns with the wider government objective of opening up procurement to a broader range of suppliers. We appreciate your time and assistance in this matter. Many thanks. "Essential question one asks suppliers to provide evidence of delivering a successful digital discovery phase for public and/or regulatory bodies, including a central government department, that involved working with their arm’s length bodies, agencies, or regulators. The link to a central government department can be interpreted in the way that best demonstrates your relevant experience and expertise. This may include: - Direct delivery for a central government department; - Delivery for an arm’s length body, agency, or regulator where the work was commissioned, overseen, or informed by a central government department; - Or delivery for another public sector organisation where the outcomes were aligned with central government policy, priorities, or standards. We recognise that valuable and transferable experience can come from a range of public sector contexts, including devolved administrations, local authorities, and other large-scale public or regulatory bodies. What’s important is that responses should clearly articulate how the work delivered was relevant to the scope, scale, and complexity of central government delivery. This approach is consistent with the Procurement Act 2023’s emphasis on broadening access and reducing barriers for capable suppliers, including SMEs." Last Updated: 8 October 2025, 11:43 5. Good afternoon, Please find a clarification below: Some Stage 1 questions (e.g., E3) include both past-tense evidence and future-tense wording. Our understanding is that Stage 1 is assessed on demonstrable past evidence only, with any forward-looking statements treated as context rather than scored. Please confirm this interpretation so we can ensure responses align with your evaluation approach. Essential question three asks suppliers to provide evidence of their contributions to futureproofing the delivery of digital or data service in a complex environment, particularly through scalable design, interoperable standards adoption, or anticipating long-term policy and operational needs. Suppliers should answer all stage one questions using demonstratable evidence only. The guidance issued as part of each question should be treated as just helpful steers to answer the questions. Last Updated: 8 October 2025, 11:30 6. Good afternoon, 1. The bid pack attachment 1 refers to both Fixed Price and Time and Materials in two different places (pages 10, 15 and 16), please can you clarify the pricing structure? 2. Please can you confirm if there will be a character limit on the proposal at stage 2? Kind regards The Department for Transport does not require a fixed price for this project. In accordance with the special terms and conditions, suppliers are expected to propose a capped time and materials (T&M) pricing model for the discovery phase. The delivery of the alpha and beta phases should be managed via a rate card. Accordingly, suppliers must include their rate card in their submission, which will remain applicable for all phases of delivery. At stage two, each question will have an assigned word count limit, which will be communicated to shortlisted suppliers upon invitation. Last Updated: 8 October 2025, 11:27 7. Good afternoon, Question 2 of the 'Nice-to-have skills and experience' section mentions digital identity as an example. We understand digital identity in a couple of different ways. Please can you clarify your understanding of digital identity and what you mean by it? Thank you, DXC Technology "The purpose of this question is to provide all suppliers with the opportunity to provide evidence of how their knowledge or expertise of adjacent or emerging technology areas. We have specifically not prescribed specific definitions or frameworks in order to allow suppliers to interpret the term in a way that best reflects their expertise and experience. In this context, digital identity is mentioned as one example of an adjacent or emerging technology area. We understand that digital identity can encompass a range of concepts, including but not limited to: - Identity verification and authentication technologies - Federated identity and single sign-on solutions - Decentralised identity models (e.g. using blockchain) - Identity assurance frameworks - Biometrics and identity attributes - Privacy-preserving identity systems We encourage suppliers to interpret and respond to the question in a way that showcases their relevant capabilities, innovations, or insights, whether in digital identity or other adjacent areas, without being constrained by a fixed definition." Last Updated: 2 October 2025, 17:23 8. In Essential Q2, you’re asking suppliers to detail a solution and approach (with multiple components), rather than to demonstrate experience, all within 750 characters. We would expect a proposed approach to be covered at Stage 2. Would you consider splitting or rewording this question to allow an appropriate response? "Essential question two asks suppliers to only provide demonstrable evidence of end user research across various stakeholders (e.g. public and private sector). Whilst the guidance is drafted in the future tense, suppliers should focus on providing demonstrable evidence to answer the specific question. This guidance is only guidance (e.g. the steer around recruiting participants, manage consent and ethical considerations, and how research findings will be analysed and used to inform outputs and decision making), meaning it is for suppliers to determine the most appropriate response to the question based on their professional expertise and experience. This allows suppliers to tailor their response as they see fit." Last Updated: 2 October 2025, 17:18 9. Thanks for outlining the existing team, which are mostly in leadership or supporting roles. Do you envisage the core Discovery team being a blended team, made up of DfT staff and supplier staff, or do you envisage the supplier providing the full, multidisciplinary team? If you envisage a blended team, which roles would you anticipate DfT providing? The DfT is open to prospective suppliers suggesting the most appropriate delivery methodology as part of their proposal, including how best to structure the team on the whole (e.g. across the DfT and supplier team). However, suppliers should outline what this means in practice, expectations on the DfT project team, and account for this in their pricing model. Last Updated: 2 October 2025, 17:16 10. Cab you please confirm if there are any incumbent or influential digital suppliers working in the AV / Connected Vehicles space and who they are? As this is a discovery, there is no incumbent third-party digital supplier. This procurement open to all those suppliers who are interested in collaborating with the DfT in solving this delivery challenge. DfT cannot comment on suppliers who may be engaged more broadly in the commercial marketplace for connected and automated vehicles. Last Updated: 2 October 2025, 17:14 11. We had expressed interest in the supplier event for this procurement, however we did not appear to receive an invite. As the 1st stage DOS process has started, will you be able to share the slides from the supplier event? Many thanks, An invitation to attend the event was sent at 15:26 on Friday 19th September. Yes, we can share the slide deck that was presented at the event. Last Updated: 2 October 2025, 17:11