Description
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited through its division GBRX (‘GBRX’), intends to establish a dynamic market for rail innovation and technology. The X platform (the shop window) will provide a compliant, transparent and continuously open route to market for suppliers to participate in future innovation, research development, trials, pilots and scalable deployment opportunities.
It is intended that the Utilities Dynamic Market (UDM) will be made available for use by Network Rail Infrastructure Limited, GBRX, the Department for Transport, DfT Operator Limited and other contracting authorities within the Network Rail group, including any subsidiaries or successor bodies, where their requirements fall within the scope of the UDM.
The UDM, provided through the X platform, supports the identification, development, testing and adoption of technologies and solutions that improve railway performance, safety, efficiency, passenger experience, sustainability and value for money. The UDM will allow suppliers to join by meeting proportionate Conditions of Membership and compete for future requirements issued through tender notices against defined problem statements.
Scope of opportunities under the UDM may include data integration & advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, train-borne asset management technology, network & asset system modelling, network planning, predictability & passenger communications, advanced computation & data science, train control and positioning technologies, and energy generation and management.
The UDM will be operated under the Procurement Act 2023. Future opportunities may may include the following stages: market engagement, R&D, trials, pilots, demonstrations, phased delivery, down-selection and contract awards where solutions are suitable for wider adoption, when funding and business need are confirmed.
The UDM is intended to reduce barriers to innovation by creating a single, accessible and transparent entry point for suppliers, including SMEs, VCSEs, new entrants and established industry partners. It will support supplier collaboration, consortium working where appropriate, and a repeatable pathway from problem identification through to trial, evaluation and potential deployment.
Please note, the contract start and contract end date stated in this notice are the anticipated end date of the market engagement being undertaken.