T1389 Rules and standards to enable autonomous movement of inspection technologies

RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD LIMITEDcontractFind a TenderRef ocds-h6vhtk-058493Procurement Act 2023SME suitableVCSE suitableclosed for bids
View buyer

Estimated value

£100k

services

Awarded value

Suppliers

0

Lots

1

0 awarded

Published

08 Aug 2025

Deadline 19 Sept 2025

Description

While systems capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous movement have demonstrated operational readiness, their use remains constrained by existing rules and definitions that do not reflect their modern capabilities. While aerial inspection platforms such as drones are increasingly used across the rail industry, this research focuses solely on “systems capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous movement” for inspection operations, defined here as ground-based technologies operating on or near the track. This research aims to unlock their potential by identifying regulatory blockers and enablers. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-London:-Research-services./66S353C8J2 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/66S353C8J2

Scope

Reference
ocds-h6vhtk-058493
Total value
£100,000 excluding VAT
£120,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Commercial tool
Standalone contract
Contract dates
05 Oct 2025 to 06 Apr 2026
Main category
services
CPV classifications
73110000
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Award criteria

Criteria the buyer will use to evaluate bids.

NameDescriptionTypeWeighting
W2 Tenderer’s understanding and methodology [Max 4 pages]quality35.00%
W3 Tenderer’s experience and individual expertise [Max 2 pages, excluding CVs]quality25.00%
W4 Project management: Planning and engagementquality15.00%
W5 Project management: Risks and opportunitiesquality5.00%
Priceprice20.00%

Submission & procedure

Enquiry deadline
05 Sept 2025, 11:00 am
Submission deadline
19 Sept 2025, 11:00 am
Submission address
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/
Electronic submission
Yes
Procedure
Below threshold - open competition