Market exploration exercise for Train Simulation - Decision Support Tool

Network Rail owns, operates and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure. This includes enhancing the railway to improve the experience for passengers and freight users. Projects to enhance the railway go through a meticulous development lifecycle, part of which is to understand the impact that potential interventions (changes to power supply/rolling stock/track layout/signalling capability) would have in achieving desired train service outcomes. The current process of developing intervention scenarios to achieve outcomes is predominantly manual, takes considerable time, and requires both a settled infrastructure baseline and concept timetable. Network Rail is undertaking an exercise to determine whether it is possible for an automated system to simulate/model scenarios that show the impact potential interventions would have in achieving desired train service outcomes. The intention is that the operability and/or appropriateness of the planned intervention(s) can be known earlier in the project lifecycle. The aspiration is to have a system/tool to deliver quick iteration of both potential infrastructure interventions and potential train service options that can assess the likely relative contribution of each to achieving the project outcomes. The outputs of which will be used to inform strategic and single-option development in the project lifecycle. Network Rail is seeking information to determine whether this type of system/tool already exists and/or the feasibility of creating this type of tool. Network Rail wishes to consult with relevant market providers, with associated expertise to respond to the following questions only; 1) Are you aware of a tool that exists? If so, please provide an overview of the tool including, the sectors in which it operates, details of how the tool works, the required inputs and system outputs. 2) If you are not aware of a tool, do you think it is feasible to develop a system/tool? If so, what are the potential potential blockers that could preclude the development and/or the effectiveness? We welcome any information that supports your response including examples of where you have been involved in the development of, or have experience using such a system/tool. The information gained in this market engagement exercise will be used to determine what options are available and inform the business case for the requirement. This market exploration exercise is not a call for competition, nor an appeal for an expression of interest. It does not formally begin a procurement exercise or constitute any commitment by Network Rail to undertake any formal procurement exercise. Information provided shall be treated with the strictest confidence and will not be shared with any Third Party. Please send your response to katie.cox@networkrail.co.uk by Monday 5th August 2024.