ETCS Train Driver Simulation Simulator Infrastructure and Services

Description

Northern Trains Limited ('NTL'), a Train Operating Company delivering passenger rail services across the North of England, is issuing this notice to establish a single-supplier framework agreement for the provision of European Train Control System ('ETCS') Train Driver Simulation Simulator Infrastructure and Services. NTL will act as the contracting authority and owner of this framework agreement. However, both NTL and the Participating Authorities named in this notice will be entitled to call off their respective requirements under the framework. The scope of this procurement includes the purchase of ETCS Train Driver Simulation Simulator Infrastructure and Services to support driver training in preparation for the implementation of ETCS across the Northern network, scheduled for 2030 as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme. ETCS is an industry driven programme aimed at standardising train control and signalling systems to enhance interoperability, safety, and operational efficiency across the rail network. Its introduction along the TRU corridor-connecting Manchester, Leeds, Huddersfield, and York-will have a significant impact NTL's operations. This transition will require rolling stock compatibility with the new signalling system and comprehensive driver retraining, affecting six traincrew depots and approximately 1,800 drivers. The requirement for ETCS Train Driver Simulation Simulator Infrastructure and Services include, but are not limited to: - Portable Simulators, comprising: Hardware: simulator station (e.g., screens, driving controls, DSD pedal, keyboard, mouse, headset, PC base unit, graphics card, cabling) Software: traction type for existing rolling stock as well as newly built trains - Simulator Control Stations: hardware & software - Admin Interface Station, including firewall & network interface equipment - Spare Parts Package - 36 month warranty for each simulator solution - Extended Maintenance & Warranty for subsequent years - CGI Route development - Multi-platform ETCS Application offering various training scenarios Optional items available under the framework may include: - Virtual Reality (VR) training headsets - ETCS traffic simulator workstations - Additional CGI route development (priced per mile and kilometers) Indicative volumes under this framework are expected to be: - 48 portable simulators in total (32 for NTL and 16 for TransPennine Trains Limited ("TPT")) - 16 simulator control stations in total (12 for NTL and 4 for TPT) - 2 admin interface stations (1 for NTL and 1 for TPT). These volumes are estimates and may be subject to change prior to entering into individual work orders. No minimum purchase volumes are guaranteed under this framework agreement. The indicative timings for delivery of the simulators are as follows: NTL - September 2027, TPT - January 2031. Other Participating Authorities may enter into their respective work orders at any point throughout the framework's duration. The estimated total value of the framework is £100,000,000 across its whole duration (8 years). This value has been estimated by taking into account the potential demand from all Participating Authorities mentioned on this notice and is not solely based on the value of the initial expected volumes. NTL is procuring on behalf of the Participating Authorities (as more particularly defined below) and will enter into the relevant framework agreement with the successful supplier where such contract is awarded. The Participating Authorities (as more particularly defined below) are permitted to use the framework via subsequent work orders in accordance with section 1(3)(b) of the Procurement Act 2023. However, NTL is responsible for the conduct of the procurement throughout and all correspondence and communication from suppliers is to be solely with NTL. In addition to NTL, the Participating Authorities who may call-off under this framework are: - the Train Operating Companies - Network Rail Infrastructure Limited - Any holders of a passenger licence or a station licence granted pursuant to section 8 of the Railways Act 1993 and/or a passenger licence granted pursuant to regulation 6 of the Railway (Licensing of Railway Undertakings) Regulations 2005 Where used throughout this notice, the meaning of Train Operating Companies includes all and any of those train operating companies who, currently or in the future, provide services for the carriage of passengers by railway: a) under a franchise agreement with the Secretary of State within the meaning of section 23(3) of the Railways Act 1993 or b) under, or secured under, the Secretary of State's duty in section 30(1) of the Railways Act 1993; or c) in accordance with legislation which supersedes or amends the powers referred to in a) and b), including where such powers are transferred from the Secretary of State to another body. A list of some of the current providers of services for the carriage of passengers by railway under these provisions can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-register-of-rail passenger-contracts. The framework agreement may be novated or assigned by NTL to Train Operating Companies, or to DFT Operator Limited (company number: 07141122) or any successor parent company to a Train Operating Company, following a corporate restructuring or similar circumstance.