Synthetic Environment for the Design & Tet of Signalling Solutions

Network Rail requires a digital environment to develop, assure and realise signalling projects and facilitate their integration into the operational railway.

It is envisaged that the core requirements will comprise the delivery of:

• A Synthetic Environment which can be extended and scaled to provide the capabilities required for the development and approval of signalling projects, including:

o Realistic and representative test cases

o System & sub-system requirements and architecture(s) for the Synthetic Environment.

o Verification of the test cases in the synthetic environment

o Open interfaces to target systems from multiple suppliers

• The capability to perform validation, for any defined target configuration (product, sub-system/system or application).

The Synthetic Environment will provide the ability to digitally design, test and assure signalling projects, vastly reducing the amount of ‘on site’ design and test time providing Network Rail with major efficiency opportunities.

The Synthetic Environment is a critical enabler for the delivery of digital signalling projects and to meet the volume of works required from April 2024 onwards.

In determining the optimal supplier approach to delivering the Synthetic Environment, Network Rail will be undertaking early supplier engagement activity (see below).

Network rail requires initial capability to be in place no later than Q2 2024 to support the design of the next generation of signalling solutions.

Prior to commencing any formal procurement process, Network Rail wish to engage with interested suppliers in relation to the proposed procurement and services by undertaking a virtual Suppliers’ Engagement Event, a market engagement survey and potentially other engagement activities as need arises. Additional information: The virtual Suppliers’ Engagement Event will be held on 17th February 2021. To receive an invitation please email the address provided in this PIN with the subject heading SYNTHETIC ENVIRONMENT SUPPLIERS’ EVENT.