Manchester Metrolink -Tram Safety Improvement Programme (TSIP)- Market Sounding

Further Market Sounding Exercise following initial market Sounding Exercise in May 2020 reference 20200519-005907.

TfGM previously held a Market Sounding exercise to better understand the capabilities of the marketplace in delivering a Tram Overspeed Prevention System for Metrolink.

TfGM’s project requirements have developed and are now in a much more mature position and as such a further Market Sounding exercise is being held. The requirement has now been extended to include both the Tram Overspeed Prevention System and a Driver Vigilance Device (DVD) to reliably detect the state of driver attentiveness.

The purpose of this Market Sounding exercise is twofold;

• To establish the appetite for the project from the market place in its currently proposed form (two systems) in terms of procurement approach and technical requirements, and,
• To obtain feedback on the draft contract documentation.

This is not a call for competition.

Participation in this market sounding exercise is voluntary, and this exercise is entirely

separate from any subsequent procurement activity. Participation in this market sounding will not affect the opportunity for suppliers to participate in any subsequent procurement and will not form part of any future procurement assessment or selection process.

As the process will be managed through the Pro Contract ePortal Interested parties should;

• Express interest via the ePortal. (Reference DN596569) by 19/09/22
• Email via the ePortal (question section for DN596569) confirming interest and provide

current prime ProContract contact details. by 19/09/22

Following Expression of Interest and supporting email TfGM will issue (at the close of the expression of interest window), via the ePortal, supplementary documentation and the supplier questionnaire which will confirm the outline timeline.

On the 9th of November 2016 a tram incident occurred at Sandilands, Croydon .

The subsequent investigation by the Rail Accident and Investigation Branch (RAIB) made several recommendations applicable to the wider industry. TfGM have been supporting the wider industry on understanding the impact of these recommendations.

Recommendation 3 requires UK tram systems to be fitted with a system to automatically reduce tram speeds if they approach higher risk locations at speeds which could result in derailment or overturning.

Recommendation No. 4. requires that a suitable Driver Vigilance Device (DVD) is installed on trams to reliably detect the state of driver attentiveness

The purpose of this supplemental Market Sounding exercise is twofold;

• To establish the appetite for the project from the market place in its currently proposed form (two systems) in terms of procurement approach and technical requirements, and,
• To obtain feedback on the draft contract documentation.

This market sounding will consist of three stages:

● Stage 1 - TfGM will issue a briefing pack that includes a questionnaire and supporting documentation. (Following expression and email via Pro Contract - Please note that the briefing pack will be issued to all interested parties that expressed interest and will be issued upon closure of the PIN window)

● Stage 2 - TfGM will invite parties that have expressed an interest to take part in individual face to face workshops. Under the current climate it is anticipated that this will be via MS Teams.(via ProContract)

● Stage 3 – Interested parties submit the completed questionnaire to TfGM.(Via ProContract)

The market sounding Briefing Pack contains the following documentation:

1. TfGM Metrolink Tram Safety Improvement Programme (TSIP) Project Introduction

2. TfGM Metrolink Tram Safety Improvement Programme (TSIP)Project Questionnaire

3. Technical Specification

4. Contracting Principles

5. Works Information and Drawings

6. Procurement Strategy

Participation in this market sounding exercise is voluntary, and this exercise is entirely separate from any subsequent procurement activity. Participation in this market sounding will not affect the opportunity for suppliers to participate in any subsequent procurement and will not form part of any future procurement assessment or selection process.

As the process will be managed through the Pro Contract ePortal Interested parties should;

• Express interest via the ePortal. (Reference DN596569)
• Email via the ePortal (question section for DN596569) confirming interest and provide current prime ProContract user’s email address.

Following Expression of Interest, supporting email and closure of the PIN period (19/09/22) TfGM will issue, via the ePortal, supplementary documentation and the supplier questionnaire which will also confirm the outline timeline to the steps noted above.