ETCS Train Driver Simulation Simulator Infrastructure and Services

Overview

Northern Trains Limited ('NTL'), a Train Operating Company ('TOC') delivering passenger rail services across the North of England, has completed a procurement for the provision of European Train Control System ('ETCS') Train Driver Simulation Simulator Infrastructure and Services. The procurement has established a single supplier Framework Agreement to support NTL's and other Participating Authorities' requirements for the provision of ETCS Train Driver Simulation Simulator Infrastructure and Services. NTL is the contracting authority and owner of the Framework Agreement. However, both NTL and the Participating Authorities identified in this notice may place Work Orders under the Framework Agreement in respect of their own requirements. The scope of this procurement included the purchase of ETCS Train Driver Simulation Simulator Infrastructure and Services to support driver training in preparation for the implementation of ETCS across the Northern network, scheduled for 2030 as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme. ETCS is an industry driven programme aimed at standardising train control and signalling systems to enhance interoperability, safety, and operational efficiency across the rail network. Its introduction along the TRU corridor, connecting Manchester, Leeds, Huddersfield, and York, will have a significant impact on NTL's operations. This transition will require rolling stock compatibility with the new signalling system and comprehensive driver retraining, affecting six traincrew depots and approximately 1,800 drivers. The requirements for ETCS Train Driver Simulation Simulator Infrastructure and Services include, but are not limited to: - Portable Simulators, comprising: Hardware: simulator station (e.g., screens, driving controls, DSD pedal, keyboard, mouse, headset, PC base unit, graphics card, cabling) Software: traction type for existing rolling stock as well as newly built trains - Simulator Control Stations: hardware & software - Admin Interface Station, including firewall & network interface equipment - Spare Parts Package - 36 month warranty for each simulator solution - Extended Maintenance & Warranty for subsequent years - CGI Route development Optional items available under this Framework Agreement include, but are not limited to: - Virtual Reality (VR) training headsets - ETCS traffic simulator workstations - Additional CGI route development (priced per mile) Indicative volumes under this Framework Agreement are expected to be: - 48 portable simulators in total (32 for NTL and 16 for TransPennine Trains Limited ("TPT")) - 16 simulator control stations in total (12 for NTL and 4 for TPT) - 2 admin interface stations (1 for NTL and 1 for TPT). These volumes are estimates and may be subject to change prior to entering into individual Work Orders. No minimum purchase volumes are guaranteed under this Framework Agreement. The estimated total value of the Framework Agreement is £100,000,000 over its full eight-year term. This value has been estimated by taking into account the potential demand from all Participating Authorities mentioned on this notice and is not solely based on the value of the initial expected volumes. NTL has procured this Framework Agreement on behalf of the Participating Authorities (as more particularly defined below). The Participating Authorities are permitted to use the Framework Agreement via subsequent Work Orders in accordance with section 1(3)(b) of the Procurement Act 2023. In addition to NTL, the Participating Authorities who may enter into Work Orders under this Framework Agreement are: - the Train Operating Companies - Network Rail Infrastructure Limited - Any holders of a passenger licence or a station licence granted pursuant to section 8 of the Railways Act 1993 and/or a passenger licence granted pursuant to regulation 6 of the Railway (Licensing of Railway Undertakings) Regulations 2005 Where used throughout this notice, the meaning of Train Operating Comp