Network Rail Digital Railway is seeking to establish a single supplier Framework Agreement to deliver Digital Train Control Systems on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) route. The Framework Agreement comprises 2 main types of call-off contracts:

1) for outline design of the system; and/or

2) detailed design, build, supply and installation of the system together with ancillary conventional signalling as required to facilitate delivery of the digital system and long term (envisaged to be 30 years) maintenance of the system.

Please see the ‘description of procurement’ section of this contract notice and the procurement documents for further detail.

On 10th May 2018 the Secretary of State for Transport and Network Rail set out a joint fifteen year digital train control strategy for the whole railway industry. This contract notice reflects that commitment by initiating the process to establish a Framework Agreement with a Train Control Partner (TCP) for the East Coast Main Line (ECML).

Under the Framework Agreement, it is envisaged that two main types of call-off contract may be awarded:

(i) Professional Services — terms and conditions are based on the NEC 4th edition form of contract and the scope of services may include preparation of outline designs for geographically defined schemes, support on development of alternative commercial and financial models and Outline Business Case and a Full Business Case (FBC) submissions should they be so required;

(ii) Design, Build and Maintain — the terms and conditions are based on the NEC 4th edition Design, Build and Operate form of contract adjusted for Maintenance. These call-off contracts may include preparation of a detailed design, supply of products, goods and services, installation, integration of an end to end system (including mobile and fixed telecommunications and existing / proposed assets) and commissioning of the designed system and once fully commissioned the TCP shall sustain the system performance for the life of the assets over the course of the 30 years maintenance phase.

Network Rail envisages that the first call-off contracts to be awarded pursuant to the Framework Agreement will be (1) a professional services contract for an outline design for a Train Control System covering the southern section of the route from London King Cross to Peterborough North; and (2) a design, build and maintain contract of a system for the Finsbury Park to Moorgate branch. Further details are set out in the procurement documents. These call-off contracts will form the focus of responses during the tender stage.