992,638

Tender description

This is a voluntary ex ante transparency (VEAT) notice. This notice is to indicate that Network Rail intends to contract with Aptitude Software Limited, for the Software licencing + support & maintenance services. Lot 1: This requirement is for a three year renewal for the Microgen Aptitude Software Licence, Maintenance and Support Agreement with Aptitude Software Limited via a Single Tender Action (STA) commencing on 23/06/2025. The “Track access billing programme” has been established within Route Services IT to deliver a consolidated software application, database and infrastructure for the recording of Track Access, Compensation Payments (Planned and Unplanned) and the maintenance of reference data. The Billing programme is a strategic programme to improve the way in which the billing function for Network Rail (NR) is carried out and managed by the organisation. As a longstanding client of Aptitude since 2008, Network Rail has leveraged Aptitude Software Limited platform to support critical internal operations through a customised application built and maintained using the Aptitude Platform. Key Areas of Support: • Web Application Development Network Rail uses the Aptitude Platform’s web application generator to develop and operate an internal application. Uniquely, they run their environment on Microsoft Windows, utilising IIS (Internet Information Services) and .NET technologies, rather than the more common Linux-based setup. • Calculation Capability The platform supports core business calculations - specifically, those used to model and determine the fees other companies must pay to access and use railway infrastructure. These financial models are essential to Network Rail’s operations. • Ongoing Upgrades and Technical Support Aptitude has supported several platform upgrades over the years, with the most recent migration to version 24.4.1. We assisted in resolving issues during this process, particularly compatibility concerns with Windows Server 2022. • Testing and Migration Status Network Rail is in the final phase of testing their newly upgraded application. Most system tests have been completed successfully, with a few final validations currently underway. • Continued Engagement While direct development work has been minimal since 2019, Aptitude continues to provide proactive technical support, version upgrades, and assistance with troubleshooting to ensure continued platform stability.