Upgrade of Train and Bus WiFi

Translink are currently seeking to engage with suppliers that can provide a suitable WiFi solution for Translink’s train and bus fleets. Translink require the installation of a WiFi system on both fleets that will provide an adequate WiFi service for passengers and a reliable connection for staff onboard. It is intended that a WiFi upgrade contract be established with the aim of achieving, but not limited to, the following: • Standalone WiFi solution; • Reliable WiFi connection; • Large capability; • Passenger insights using data; • Improve efficiency of data access; • Standardise WiFi equipment across all fleets. It is anticipated that this contract will commence Q4 2024. Before embarking on a tender process, we wish to engage with the marketplace to gather intelligence which will inform the sourcing strategy for this contract and thus, the procurement process. We are therefore seeking to engage with experienced WiFi providers, which are capable of fulfilling all of the requirements listed above. It is the intention of Translink to invite suitably interested Economic Operators to present during September/October 2023 (days, dates and times to be confirmed) Interested suppliers are requested to e-mail their contact details to: Aimee Laverty, Technical Engineer – Fleet Systems (aimee.laverty@translink.co.uk) NO LATER THAN 15.00 hrs on WEDNESDAY, 30th of August 2023 Additional information: Suppliers registering their interest in participating in this exercise should note that:. . 1. This Notice is to initiate a market engagement and information gathering exercise and does not indicate the start of a procurement exercise. It is instead intended to act as an informal market research document providing a brief synopsis of Translinks’ future requirements. This document is not intended to provide a definitive list of requirements. . 2. We intend to invite interested suppliers to present to a range of Translink personnel to discuss the range of WiFi solutions each can offer.. . 3. This document is not a tender specification nor request for quotation. Translink is merely investigating market opportunities at this stage without entering into any contractual or financial commitments.. . 4. Please note, progress in the project will be subject to the availability and timing of funding. If this requirement is given financial approval, it will be tendered under the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016. Any documents, discussions, presentations, demonstrations, or clarifications submitted for this Market Research will not be considered as any part of the tender exercise. If Translink does decide to proceed with a competitive tender process, a separate detailed tender specification document will be produced as part of that process.. . 5. Nothing in this advertisement or any other documents or information provided by Translink or any of its advisers or agents is to be construed as implying a commitment by Translink to place any Contract, now or in the future with any participating supplier in respect of the requirement under consideration.. . 6. Translink takes no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken, costs incurred, or commitments made by interested parties in responding to this notice or by being involved in any subsequent discussions in this market engagement and information gathering exercise.. . 7. At this stage it is not possible to give an accurate timeframe for this requirement.. . .