Official UK procurement notice
Infrastructure Monitoring Core Service
Authority: NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED (Central government)
What is being bought
Published requirement descriptionNetwork Rail (“the Authority”) is procuring an end to end Infrastructure Monitoring (IM) solution to replace its life expired dedicated IM fleet and assure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Great Britain rail network. The supplier will provide, operate and maintain the assets, systems and services necessary to capture, process, assure and deliver all required IM data streams to Network Rail’s Enterprise Data Platform, in accordance with relevant Measurement Standards and IM Data Specifications, so that the Authority receives the right data, in full and on time, for use by end customers across Regions and Routes.
The solution may combine dedicated IM rolling stock, in service monitoring (on timetabled passenger or freight services) and, where appropriate on a cost–benefit basis, non train borne methods (e.g., Road-Rail Vehicle (RRV)), provided all applicable law, policy and standards are met. The supplier will act as Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM), manage obsolescence, ensure approvals for operation on the British network, and deliver services against a jointly maintained Joint Operating Plan. Network Rail will not purchase or own the solution assets.
Core scope of services and outputs
- Data capture & delivery: Provision of 18 IM data streams to the Authority’s defined structures/formats (open, non proprietary) and timelines, including urgent reporting for safety critical findings. Data assurance (including ISO 8000 aligned data quality regime), secure handling/retention, and transmission (default use of Network Rail telecoms where suitable) are in scope.
- Operations: Plan, crew and run IM activities in accordance with the Joint Operating Plan (dedicated paths arranged by Network Rail; in service paths orchestrated by the supplier with the relevant TOC/FOC). The solution must minimise non recording mileage and timetable capacity consumption (e.g., by operating closer to line speed) and be resilient to disruption (e.g., recovery runs to protect maximum measurement intervals).
- Maintenance & reliability: Provide serviceable, compliant, calibrated assets/systems designed for reliability, maintainability and ease of operation; hold/maintain necessary licenses/approvals (including ORR requirements) and product acceptance; manage spares, calibration, and certification.
- Continuous improvement & innovation: Deliver ongoing efficiency/performance improvements and proactively stimulate market innovation against Network Rail’s future ambitions, using open architectures that mitigate vendor/technology lock in and enable integration of best of breed systems via change control where approved.
- Performance management: Meet a KPI regime covering service reliability, on time delivery, completion rate, data compliance, data quality, user satisfaction, continuous improvement, innovation, social value, safety, and environment/sustainability.
- Mobilisation & transition: Mobilise new solution per tendered plan; as capabilities enter service, Network Rail will decommission the current IM fleet. Supplier support may be requested for advice during transition.
Minimum data streams in scope
- Rail flaw detection.
- Rail depth.
- Rail surface crack.
- Rail profile (wear).
- Track bed condition (e.g., ballast depth/fouling).
- Structure gauging.
- Platform gauging.
- Track intervals (six foot gauging).
- Ballast profile.
- Track geometry.
- Track imagery (shoulder to shoulder).
- Automated track inspection.
- Static OLE geometry.
- OLE contact wire wear.
- Conductor rail geometry.
- Conductor rail wear.
- Forward facing imagery.
- Communications networks signal strength (e.g., GSM R, public mobile).
Standards, compliance and constraints
Data streams must meet the relevant Measurement Standards and Data Specifications (e.g., NR/L2/TRK series, NR/L2/ELP/27325, NR/L2/TRK/3204, NR/L2/TRK/038, etc.), with delivery frequencies adhering to nominal and maximum intervals defined per track section in the Baseline Coverage Requirements. The solution must comply with applicable law and Railway Group Standards, data protection/security requirements, and environmental/sustainability obligations; emissions reduction (e.g., electric where feasible, electro diesel where necessary) is expected.
Out of scope
Analysis of data beyond the IM Data Specifications, and the operation, maintenance and disposal of the existing IM fleet.
- How the procedure runs: This procurement will be conducted under the Procurement Act 2023 using the Competitive Flexible Procedure. The process is designed to enable dialogue and negotiation with shortlisted suppliers to achieve the most advantageous tender for Network Rail. The procedure will consist of the following stages: Participation Stage Interested suppliers must complete a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) to demonstrate compliance with the conditions of participation, including financial standing, technical capability, and relevant experience. Responses will be assessed against published criteria, and a shortlist of up to five suppliers (plus 1 further candidate if the sixth-ranked supplier is within 2% of the fifth-ranked supplier) will be invited to the Tender Stage. Tender Stage Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to submit an initial tender and participate in up to three rounds of technical dialogue and commercial negotiation. These sessions will allow refinement of technical solutions and commercial proposals. Interim submissions may be requested following each round. The stage will conclude with a final tender submission and a final electronic commercial submission. Key Features of the Process • Subject to any unforeseen circumstances, the PSQ will be released on 29th August via Network Rail’s Bravo Platform. • A PSQ briefing will be held on 9th September at the Double Tree Hotel, Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST. Registration is mandatory for those attending. • PSQ briefing registration link is in the Bravo opportunity listing titled "Infrastructure Monitoring Core Service". • All further communications and submissions will be managed via the Bravo Portal. • Variant tenders will not be permitted. • Evaluation will be based on the most advantageous tender, considering both technical and commercial criteria. • Compliance with all pass/fail conditions is mandatory throughout the process. Please see the Instruction to Participants document which will be released at the Participation Stage for further details of these activities.
CPV: Hardware integration consultancy services · Information technology services · Locomotives · Monitoring and control services · Railway maintenance or service vehicles, and railway freight wagons · Railway-track inspection services · Railway-track maintenance services · Repair, maintenance and associated services related to railways and other equipment · Rolling stock · Surveying services · System quality assurance assessment and review services · Unmanned aerial vehicles
The lotProcurement structure
single lot · value publishedLot #1RenewalPublished value£1,500,000,000
- Economic & financial standing
Network Rail is using a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) which sets out its Conditions of Participation for this Procurement.
Candidates must confirm they have the legal capacity to perform the contract under the laws of England and Wales, are registered on the Central Digital Platform (CDP), and are not subject to mandatory exclusion grounds or listed on the debarment list. Candidates must also confirm compliance with UK data protection law (UK GDPR) by contract award and provide signed Non-Disclosure and Ethical Walls agreements.
All entities who are relied upon to meet the criteria are required to provide their own up-to-date core information on the Central Digital Platform (CDP).
Financial Capacity
Candidates must demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to perform the contract by meeting the following minimum requirements:
- Financial Health: Completion of the Network Rail Financial and Economic Standing Model and achieving a pass score in accordance with the model’s criteria.
- Financial Information: Provision of financial data for the last three years, including Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet figures, to enable assessment of 10 key financial ratios.
- Parent Company Guarantee: Network Rail reserves the right to require a parent company guarantee or alternative form of security.
Please refer to the Instructions to Participants for full details.
- Technical & professional ability
Network Rail is using a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) which sets out its Conditions of Participation for this Procurement.
Candidates must demonstrate the following technical capabilities to participate in this procurement in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 including, but not limited to:
Relevant Technical Experience
Provide case studies demonstrating capability in the following areas:
- Data Collection and Processing: Delivery of solutions for collecting, processing, storing, and transmitting infrastructure monitoring data.
- Implementation of New Technology & Rolling Stock: Successful introduction of complex technology & rolling stock into a railway network, including regulatory acceptance and integration.
- Operations and Maintenance: Experience in operating train services and maintaining rolling stock and installed systems.
- Technological Advancement: Evidence of driving innovation, research and development, and integration of advanced technologies (e.g., sensor technologies, integrated solutions).
Regulatory Compliance
- Confirmation of holding, or ability to obtain by contract award, a non-passenger operator licence issued by the Office of Rail and Road.
Information Security
- Hold ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials Plus certification or provide evidence of a plan to achieve certification by contract award.
- Where certification is not yet achieved, provide detailed responses to information security control questions.
Sustainability and Social Value
- Commitment to Net Zero by 2050, with evidence of Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation.
- Provision of a Carbon Reduction Plan aligned with PPN 01/24, including measurable GHG targets.
- Evidence of a waste hierarchy policy supporting circular economy principles.
- A social value strategy supported by relevant policies (e.g., Living Wage, Diversity & Inclusion) and recent case studies.
Modern Slavery Compliance
Confirmation of:
- Minimum wage compliance and robust right-to-work checks.
- A published modern slavery policy communicated to all employees.
- Risk assessments, due diligence, and action plans to mitigate modern slavery risks in supply chains.
- Supplier audits and contractual obligations to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Please refer to the Instructions to Participants for full details.
- Condition of participationshortlisting
The shortlisting Process (PSQ) will involve an evaluation and a moderation process resulting in an agreed score which will be weighted according to the designated weight of the question as described in the Instructions to Participants document.
It is the intention of Network Rail to select a shortlist of 5 candidates to progress to the Tender Stage. If the 6th placed Participant is within 2% of the fifth placed shortlisted Participant, they will also be invited to the Tender Stage.
In the event that two or more Participants achieve identical total weighted scores, calculated to two decimal places, the Participant with the highest score in the Financial Standing Qualification Assessment shall be ranked higher.
Please refer to the Instructions to Participants for full details.
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published sub-criteria (2)
- Technical Envelope: 75%
- Commercial Model: 25%
Published award criteria (2)
- Technical Envelope: Technical Evaluation Criteria The high level summary of the tender stage is as follows; the evaluation of each bidder’s proposal will focus on the following aspects: Compliance with Technical Requirements Assessment of whether the proposed solution meets the specified technical requirements, including: • Delivery of the required data outputs. • Gauging and compatibility of assets with the British railway network. Operational Delivery Plan Evaluation of the bidder’s plan for operating the solution to fulfil service requirements, including: • An indicative schedule showing when and where services will be operated to meet coverage requirements. • Measures to ensure resilience to disruption, enabling continued delivery of required outputs. Service Introduction Plan Review of the bidder’s approach to bringing the solution into service, including: • The method for generating evidence to support acceptance and approvals. • Timelines for when the solution will enter into service. Innovation, Continuous Improvement and Strategic Alignment Evaluation of how the bidder will contribute to the advancement and ongoing enhancement of infrastructure monitoring, including: • Proactive stimulation of research and development into new approaches and solutions. • Support for the maturation of emerging technologies to enable adoption by Network Rail. • Initiatives to drive continuous improvement in the performance of the IM service. Social Value • Alignment with Network Rail’s corporate strategy, including specific actions to deliver social value, promote environmental sustainability, and operate responsibly. Further information shall be provided at the Tender Stage to shortlisted participants.
- Commercial Model: The high level summary of the commercial envelope is as follow; the envelope will be scored using a Proportional vs Best approach. Final Submission Opportunity After evaluation of the final tender submissions, you will have a further opportunity to refine your commercial bid. You will be notified of your score and will be invited to optionally provide a revised bid within the following parameters: • a 15 minute window will be provided in which you can update your bid as many times as you wish (there will be no extension to this time and the window will close after 15 minutes from the time it opens). • your revised bid cannot change by more than 10% of your commercial envelope submission. • any revision to your bid must have no impact on your technical submission which remains as was prior to any revision of your commercial submission. Further information shall be provided at the Tender Stage to shortlisted participants.
- Economic & financial standing
Network Rail is using a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) which sets out its Conditions of Participation for this Procurement.
Candidates must confirm they have the legal capacity to perform the contract under the laws of England and Wales, are registered on the Central Digital Platform (CDP), and are not subject to mandatory exclusion grounds or listed on the debarment list. Candidates must also confirm compliance with UK data protection law (UK GDPR) by contract award and provide signed Non-Disclosure and Ethical Walls agreements.
All entities who are relied upon to meet the criteria are required to provide their own up-to-date core information on the Central Digital Platform (CDP).
Financial Capacity
Candidates must demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to perform the contract by meeting the following minimum requirements:
- Financial Health: Completion of the Network Rail Financial and Economic Standing Model and achieving a pass score in accordance with the model’s criteria.
- Financial Information: Provision of financial data for the last three years, including Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet figures, to enable assessment of 10 key financial ratios.
- Parent Company Guarantee: Network Rail reserves the right to require a parent company guarantee or alternative form of security.
Please refer to the Instructions to Participants for full details.
- Technical & professional ability
Network Rail is using a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) which sets out its Conditions of Participation for this Procurement.
Candidates must demonstrate the following technical capabilities to participate in this procurement in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 including, but not limited to:
Relevant Technical Experience
Provide case studies demonstrating capability in the following areas:
- Data Collection and Processing: Delivery of solutions for collecting, processing, storing, and transmitting infrastructure monitoring data.
- Implementation of New Technology & Rolling Stock: Successful introduction of complex technology & rolling stock into a railway network, including regulatory acceptance and integration.
- Operations and Maintenance: Experience in operating train services and maintaining rolling stock and installed systems.
- Technological Advancement: Evidence of driving innovation, research and development, and integration of advanced technologies (e.g., sensor technologies, integrated solutions).
Regulatory Compliance
- Confirmation of holding, or ability to obtain by contract award, a non-passenger operator licence issued by the Office of Rail and Road.
Information Security
- Hold ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials Plus certification or provide evidence of a plan to achieve certification by contract award.
- Where certification is not yet achieved, provide detailed responses to information security control questions.
Sustainability and Social Value
- C…
- Condition of participationshortlisting
The shortlisting Process (PSQ) will involve an evaluation and a moderation process resulting in an agreed score which will be weighted according to the designated weight of the question as described in the Instructions to Participants document.
It is the intention of Network Rail to select a shortlist of 5 candidates to progress to the Tender Stage. If the 6th placed Participant is within 2% of the fifth placed shortlisted Participant, they will also be invited to the Tender Stage.
In the event that two or more Participants achieve identical total weighted scores, calculated to two decimal places, the Participant with the highest score in the Financial Standing Qualification Assessment shall be ranked higher.
Please refer to the Instructions to Participants for full details.
- Price carries 25 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 2.5 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Closed
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Utilities
- Commercial structure
- Stand-alone contract (no framework)
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA, CPTPP)
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 9 May 2025, 10:28 BST
- Last source update
- 29 Aug 2025, 13:43 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 1 Mar 2027
- Authority reference
project_42440- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-050635- Latest notice
- Tender notice (UK4)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-050f71Find a Tender- Contract terms summary
Payment Structure
- Payments will be made periodically per Network Rail's Railway Period (every 4 weeks).
Invoicing and Payment Timelines
- Network Rail will pay valid, undisputed invoices within 28 days of receipt.
- Supplier must flow down prompt payment terms (28 days) to its supply chain.
Please refer to the Procurement Documents for full details.
- How it runs
This procurement will be conducted under the Procurement Act 2023 using the Competitive Flexible Procedure. The process is designed to enable dialogue and negotiation with shortlisted suppliers to achieve the most advantageous tender for Network Rail.
The procedure will consist of the following stages:
Participation Stage
Interested suppliers must complete a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) to demonstrate compliance with the conditions of participation, including financial standing, technical capability, and relevant experience. Responses will be assessed against published criteria, and a shortlist of up to five suppliers (plus 1 further candidate if the sixth-ranked supplier is within 2% of the fifth-ranked supplier) will be invited to the Tender Stage.
Tender Stage
Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to submit an initial tender and participate in up to three rounds of technical dialogue and commercial negotiation. These sessions will allow refinement of technical solutions and commercial proposals. Interim submissions may be requested following each round. The stage will conclude with a final tender submission and a final electronic commercial submission.
Key Features of the Process
- Subject to any unforeseen circumstances, the PSQ will be released on 29th August via Network Rail’s Bravo Platform.
- A PSQ briefing will be held on 9th September at the Double Tree Hotel, Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST. Registration is mandatory for those attending.
- PSQ briefing registration link is in the Bravo opportunity listing titled "Infrastructure Monitoring Core Service".
- All further communications and submissions will be managed via the Bravo Portal.
- Variant tenders will not be permitted.
- Evaluation will be based on the most advantageous tender, considering both technical and commercial criteria.
- Compliance with all pass/fail conditions is mandatory throughout the process.
Please see the Instruction to Participants document which will be released at the Participation Stage for further details of these activities.
- Risks
Technical & acceptance risks
Product acceptance, approvals and network compatibility. Delay or additional testing arising from rolling stock/system approvals, gauging/compatibility, or changes to acceptance evidence (including “equivalency of testing”) could affect mobilisation and service start. Potential need for timetable/roll out adjustment or staged deployment changes.
Obsolescence and system reliability. Through life obsolescence, calibration drift, or reliability constraints of sensors/platforms could require accelerated replacement, updates or integration of alternate technologies consistent with open architecture requirements.
Operational & timetable risks
Timetable and network access variability. Changes in the Working Timetable, possessions, late running/off routing, or engineering overruns may prevent planned runs and require recovery paths or re sequencing to protect maximum measurement intervals.
Capacity consumption vs line speed. Where measurement systems require sub line speed operation, increased pathing pressure could affect completion rates and service reliability, requiring plan changes or localised method substitutions (e.g., in service monitoring, non train borne for specific locations).
Data, assurance & integration risks
Data specifications and assurance. Evolution of Measurement Standards/Data Specifications, and the ISO aligned data quality regime, may necessitate format/schema changes, new attributes, or assurance enhancements.
Integration dependencies. The Authority’s Integration Layer/Enterprise Data Platform is a critical dependency; delays or changes to these enabling services could necessitate interim delivery mechanisms or phasing adjustments to maintain On Time/In Full outputs.
Standards, regulatory & policy change
Changes to railway, safety, cyber/data protection or environmental standards, ORR/Group Standards, NR Security Assurance Framework/Vetting, or Procurement transparency requirements could impose material new obligations affecting cost/scope/timescales.
Innovation & vendor lock in avoidance
Evolving technology and market innovation. New IM capabilities may become available; conversely, withdrawal of third party components or IPR constraints could require substitution to maintain open, non proprietary delivery and avoid lock in.
Supply chain & resourcing risks
TUPE/industrial relations and labour availability. Workforce transfers, competency maintenance, vetting, or industrial action could affect operations, maintenance, or data processing cadence.
Supplier failure/insolvency or critical sub supplier dependency. Concentration risk in specialist IM technologies could impact availability and continuity.
Scope, demand & network change
Baseline coverage/frequency changes. Network alterations, standard driven frequency changes, or new customer demand for additional data streams may require scaled coverage or new streams.
Regional deployment efficiencies. To minimise non recording mileage and meet access constraints, depot/stabling changes or asset re basing may be required during term.
Environmental & extreme events
Emission constraints and environmental performance. Tighter emissions rules or sustainable operations targets could necessitate propulsion/energy changes; severe weather or climate events may disrupt operations or damage assets.
Information security & privacy
Cybersecurity threats or privacy requirements. New threat vectors, resilience expectations, or privacy requirements may drive security architecture changes, additional controls, or incident response measures.
These are risks which the Authority considers could jeopardise the satisfactory performance of the contract, but because of their nature, may not be capable of being addressed in the contract as awarded (noting that this is a competitive flexible procedure and technical dialogue and commercial negotiation are anticipated). Accordingly, these are risks that may require a subsequent modification of the contract under paragraph 5 of Schedule 8 of PA23
How it was run
Official notice- Requests to participate (first stage)
- 9 Oct 2025, 15:00 BST
- Submission deadline
- 9 Oct 2025, 15:00 BST
- Clarification deadline
- 25 Sept 2025, 15:00 BST
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Timeline
9 May 2025 → 1 Apr 2027 · 8 dates- Planning notice published9 May 2025, 10:28 BST
- Market engagement16 Jun 2025, 23:59 BST
A briefing document will be available on Network Rail's Bravo Portal from the date of release of the notice.
- Follow the link: networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html ↗
- From the welcome screen, access the “View Current Opportunities” link and select “IM Programme Core Services”. No login is required.
- Click on the attachment “Preliminary Market Engagement Brief May 2025”.
A briefing call will be held on 9th May 2025. Please refer to the briefing document for further details. Following this call, we intend to release key documents to provide clarity on the exact scope of this procurement, along with a questionnaire to allow you to provide feedback.
- Tender notice published21 Aug 2025, 16:20 BST
- Latest notice published29 Aug 2025, 13:43 BST
- Clarification questions by397 days ago25 Sept 2025, 15:00 BST
- Submission deadline383 days ago9 Oct 2025, 15:00 BST
- Today28 Oct 2026
- Award decision expected byin 124 days1 Mar 2027, 23:59 GMT
- Contract startsin 154 days1 Apr 2027, 00:00 BST
Notice history
6 events · 3 releases on Find a Tender · since 9 May 2025- Preliminary market engagement notice published9 May 2025, 10:28 BSTUK2
- Tender notice published21 Aug 2025, 16:20 BSTUK4
- Published value updated to £1,500,000,00021 Aug 2025, 16:20 BSTwas £1,200,000,000
- Status changed to active21 Aug 2025, 16:20 BST
- Procurement method changed21 Aug 2025, 16:20 BST
- Tender notice published29 Aug 2025, 13:43 BSTUK4
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Official documents & specifications (4)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
- Bidding documents and specificationsAccess: All new documents and updates will be published via Bravo throughout the event. Where a stage is in progress, a message shall be sent to all particpants within the stage to inform them. The documents that will may be issued as part of the Tender stage to the successful participants may be either confidential in nature or be determined by Tenderers responses: • Updated Instruction to Participants • Tender Stage Technical Questions Detailed Scoring Guidance • Updated Commercial Model Summary • Technical and Commercial Dialogue Sessions Brief • Information relating to TUPE
Notices published for this procedure
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender