Public procurement notice: Prior Information Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2019-03-15
Buyer: Transport for London
Country: UK
Contract type: Services
CPV classification: 34000000 | 60000000 | 72000000

Technical requirements: Υπηρεσίες τεχνολογίας των πληροφοριών: παροχή συμβουλών, ανάπτυξη λογισμικού, Διαδίκτυο και υποστήριξη
TfL’s current Revenue Inspection Device (the “RID”) is a business critical tool for protecting TfL’s revenue.
The RID is used across TfL’s operating modes as well as by the National Rail (NR) Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to undertake planned and ad-hoc inspection activities over a diverse operating landscape, covering multiple inspection models across bus, rail and tram services encompassing a number of specified inspection scenarios based on TfL defined business rules to identify and respond to fraudulent activity.
Revenue inspection entails a team of inspectors checking that customers have a valid entitlement to travel on our network regardless of the travel medium the customer has used.
The existing RID is no longer manufactured by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and TfL wishes to replace the current device with a new solution, from January 2021.
TfL’s aim is to procure a compliant, modular, software-centric RID solution, reducing where possible the use of bespoke hardware.
Transport for London (TfL) seeks to obtain market feedback via a Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) in relation to the procurement of a revenue inspection device (the “new Revenue Inspection Device or RID2”). Its primary focus is to better understand market/supplier appetite, capacity and capability, as well as perceived risks and opportunities. Feedback received is important as it will inform the development and finalisation of TfL’s RID2 procurement strategy.
This MSQ is issued solely for the purposes of the market engagement and does not constitute a call for competition to procure service; supply or works for TfL. TfL is not bound to accept any proposals offered. No information contained in this document, or provided during and for the market engagement exercise, constitutes any commitment by TfL or any other member of the TfL group or any of its or their stakeholders to undertake any procurement exercise in the future.
TfL’s aim is to procure a compliant, modular, software-centric RID solution, reducing where possible the use of bespoke hardware.
TfL believes that the types of devices most likely to be able to meet the requirements are all-in-one handheld payment terminals (i.e. Android mPOS devices). These will be designed to meet the requirements of the payment industry, but may need some modification to meet the ITSO and Oyster inspection requirements. These mPOS devices may also support secure hardware (e.g. SAM slots), extended battery life, printing and be ruggedized for use in an operational environment.
At the same time, there is currently a lot of interest in using Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Android smart phone devices with “software-only” solutions to act as cost-effective payment terminals.
TfL understands that consumer COTS devices may not be appropriate and that enterprise COTS devices are more likely to appropriately secure.
TfL wishes to engage with the market to help shape how it might define, procure and contract for a new solution through assessing current market capabilities and appetite for the service identified in the high level requirement capture.
TfL will manage the early market engagement process in an open and transparent manner to maximise the possible benefits. Attendance or non-attendance at the direct supplier engagement meeting will not preclude or disadvantage/advantage any involvement in potential future procurement activity.
However, direct or indirect canvassing of any TfL employee or agent concerning this requirement, or any attempt to procure information from any TfL employee or agent concerning this Prior Information Notice outside of the formal process described in this document may result in disqualification from consideration for any future procurement activity.