Public procurement notice: Periodic Indicative Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2016-06-01
Buyer: Network Rail (Infrastructure) Limited
Country: UK
Contract type: Supplies
CPV classification: 32000000 | 32270000 | 32510000 | 32522000 | 32524000
Estimated value: 2000000 GBP

Technical requirements: Network Rail is seeking information from potential vendors with regard to the availability of a Signal Controlled Warning System for trackside workers that is a ‘current off the shelf’ solution, or a solution which can with the minimum amount of modification/development meet Network Rails requirements as stated in ll.8).
Based on the responses received, we will determine whether or not to embark on further OJEU actions to engage with the market in procuring such a solution.
There will be no payments ensuing for the information supplied by the OEMs. Also, there will be no payment for any technology demonstration activities performed by OEMs.
Network Rail is currently undertaking a major national programme entitled Transforming Safety and Well-being Strategy. A substantial segment of that programme is the Safer Trackside Working safety improvement programme, which aims to contribute to the elimination of fatalities and major injuries to Track workers. This work is an integral part of Network Rail's Trackworker Safe Access Strategy.
The STW Programme will design, test and approve new warning and protection systems for the UK network that will reduce the risk of our workforce being struck by trains whilst working on or near open lines. The system is anticipated, to be available for Routes to deploy to promote safer working during maintenance, renewal and enhancement works.
Our initial investigations have identified some potential contender technologies, but none that meet our overall requirement for a fully portable trackside device. For this reason we are seeking from the wider market contender technologies that are either ‘off the shelf’ fully developed systems, or systems that, with the very minimum of modification or development can meet our requirements.
— Wireless, easily portable, self-contained, visual and acoustic — adaptive sound warning unit/system,
— Ability to warn track-workers in sufficient time so that they are able to be situated at the nearest position of safety in advance of any approaching trains' arrival,
— Warn the users when it can no longer provide a warning to meet the prescribed requirements for its current location,
We would welcome responses from OEMs with mature technology products that are potentially capable of meeting our requirement, and who are willing to engage in exploratory discussions, and if required, are willing to loan sample equipment for up to 6 months and provide technical support and guidance to our STW team at no external cost to Network Rail.
The Request for Information (RFI) period will open on the date of publication of this notice and will run for 2 weeks. At the end of this period submissions received will be reviewed. The OEMs meeting the criteria described above will be invited to enter into a dialogue to demonstrate the performance of their product and/or how they are able to meet NR's requirements.
Prospective suppliers wishing to express interest in taking part in this process should register that interest in the first instance by providing a brief statement (no more than 2 pages of A4) outlining the company, its capability and the product(s) it believes will meet NR's requirements as outlined above via email to:
In the event, there are no ‘off the shelf’ solutions available matching our requirements, at NR's discretion, those OEM's who have responded to this notice may still be invited to engage in exploratory discussions with regard to the carrying out of a feasibility study.