The objective of the present call for tender is to avail the Contracting Authority with the services of 3 contractors to ensure that the S2R JU is in the position to achieve its objectives, combining the expert knowledge of its diversified membership with the one of stakeholders not currently directly involved in the S2R Programme. Each framework contract will be implemented through specific contracts where the type of expertise, the duration of the specific services and any other relevant element will be detailed.

There are 3 lots:

1) Expertise in European railway operations;

2) Expertise in European railway human capital aspects;

3) Expertise in European railway passenger aspects.

Under the supervision of the S2R JU, the services to be provided under Lot 1 are related to the expertise in railway operations and services. The S2R JU would like to avail itself with expert knowledge from railway undertakings, regional/urban operators and, where relevant, infrastructure managers, in order to establish a holistic railway system architecture, covering the different aspects of rail operations, business models and services. This knowledge will be brought together with other railway stakeholders already involved in the S2R Programme to establish a comprehensive model/architecture, mapping the technologies and strategy for implementation of a new comprehensive railway system approach; with a first release by mid-2020, possibly with some additional intermediary steps.

With the development of information technology in railways, there is the need to establish an integrated and digital system aimed at providing a detailed framework and system architecture design. The activities to be performed by the contractor should cover support towards the establishment of the holistic railway system architecture, through which the main subsystems will interact with one another in an optimal manner.

Under the supervision of the S2R JU, the services to be provided under Lot 2 are related to the expertise in European railway human capital aspects. The S2R JU would like to avail itself of expertise in matters related to human capital in railway operations in the different segments included in the scope of the S2R Programme, through European railway staff associations’ representatives.

The activities should cover the support towards human capital aspects, in connection with rail R&I and its impacts in railway operations.

Under the supervision of the S2R JU, the services to be provided under Lot 3 are related to the expertise in European railway passenger aspects. The Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking would like to benefit from the knowledge of experts representing the European railway passengers’ perspective, in particular to ensure that R&I performed within S2R will be bringing tangible benefits to passengers’ future mobility.

The S2R JU will request the contractors to provide expert knowledge to supports its activities in the refinement of the driving elements of the S2R Programme and overall rail research and innovation, including beyond 2020.