Request for Information - TPR System

Background:

The project will design and build a central repository of digitally mastered, human readable and searchable TPR (Timetable Planning Rules) values for Network Rail planners and the industry. TPRs are currently mastered in Microsoft Word, with changes to versions tracked by manual highlighting of rows in the Word Document. This highly manual process results in inaccuracies and poor auditability of the TPR values and their provenance.

The project will create a repository that includes and combines all TPR types, so all the information and data is accessible in the same system. The format of some TPRs will be standardised so that misinterpretation of the rules is reduced through greater regional consistency. Enhanced traceability of the TPRs will be introduced to provide accessible information on when, how, and why rules have been changed or created. There will be a association between the codified TPRs (used for automated non-compliance checking) and the human-readable TPRs, to ensure more streamlined governance and accurate interpretation between the two TPR rules sets. This will improve Network Rail and the industry's non-compliance checking and reduce 502a delays. It will also provide efficiency to Capacity Planning, reducing the cost of timetable production.

Both the codified and structured, human readable TPR data sets will be made available to the industry via the system.

Purpose of RFI:

The purpose of this RFI is to engage with the supply base and request information relating to development of a TPR System.

Specifically, this RFI will address the following:

• Identification of existing solutions available in the market:

o These may be singular or multiple solutions, that may cover all or part of the requirements.

• How your system would meet the identified requirements (in the provided Excel workbook).
• The commercial basis of each solution provision, e.g. Software as a Service, traditional licence models.
• Explanation of identified solution architecture flexibility and limitations, including (but not limited to):

o Scalability.

o Compatibility with other technologies.

• Indicative end-to-end solution delivery costs including people and technology, where possible.
• Indicative 5-year post-project annual costs, where possible.
• Indicative 5-year post-project service and maintenance options, where possible.
• High level solution development and implementation plan.
• Identification of value-add capabilities / innovations relevant to this solution that Network Rail may have not considered:

o Separately itemised additional costs of these, where possible.

• Providing awareness to suppliers who are interested in any potential future tender activity relating to this requirement, of the procurement platform that will be used and provision of the steps to complete qualification to that platform (should they not have already done so).

Please note that any content received via response to this RFI will be used purely for information purposes only and will not be deemed as forming part of any proposed bid now, or any potential future tender.

Requirement:

For further information relating to Network Rails requirements and to respond please review the document – “RFI Submission Template – TPR System” via the instructions below:

1. Follow the link - networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html ↗
2. From the welcome screen, access the “View Current Opportunities” link and select: ‘project_38438 - #36337 - TPR System'.
3. Review attached documentation and complete document ‘RFI Submission Template – TPR System’.
4. Once completed please send your submission document via email as attachment to tom.weatherley@networkrail.co.uk with the email subject "TPR System". The response deadline for this RFI is the 08/11/24.
5. Any questions or clarifications in respect of this RFI should be addressed to tom.weatherley@networkrail.co.uk