Procurement of Technology Partner for Metrolink Supervisory and Controls System Renewal

The existing Metrolink Supervisory and Controls System (MSCS) was procured in 2008 and it reached the end of its useful life in October 2023.

Scope of Procurement

TfGM is now looking to replace the existing MSCS with a new generation of the Metrolink Supervisory and Controls System. The purpose of the MSCS is to become vehicle for providing safe, reliable and continuously improving operation of the Metrolink network, whilst supporting TfGM’s aspirations for growth and innovation.

The aim of this procurement focuses on achieving two key objectives:

1. The procurement of a long-term Technology Partner who will renew the MSCS assets and continue to support it over the life of the contract. The Technology Partner shall design, procure, install, test and commission new System. However, the engagement of the Technology Partner does not end with the initial deployment of the new System. TfGM is looking for Partner who will progressively continue to:
i. improve the System – as the MSCS is introduced into operation and the functionality of the System is better understood;
ii. modify the System – as the Client’s and/or Operator’s requirements are evolving over time;
iii. expand the System – as additional infrastructure is being introduced by TfGM
iv. upgrade the System – as per the System requirements themselves; and
v. renew the System through the life of the contract – to enable continuous safe and reliable operation of the Metrolink Network.

Furthermore, the Technology Partner will be required to provide an operational and maintenance support to the future Metrolink Operator(s), as well as support TfGM in its technical development of future Metrolink schemes, including new lines, new stops, upgrade or procurement of new vehicles and others.

2. The procurement of an expandable multi-functional management platform, to allow a range of functions to be managed on the Metrolink network. TfGM requires the Technology Partner to provide an expandable modular multi-functional management platform to replace the current Metrolink tram management system (TMS). The new MSCS System shall provide monitoring, control and management (via interfaces as required) of range of functions to be managed on the network. The MSCS shall interface with various other Metrolink systems and sub-system as well as various assets on the Metrolink network to process information relevant to an operational tramway.

The System will require to present this information to those who need to use this information to make decisions in relation to the operation of the tramway. Where required, the System will need to output these commands and relevant data to various other assets and systems (including third party systems).

The System shall also provide automation of functions (where appropriate) in support of operational processes, minimising the amount of input from Metrolink Operator.

As existing systems and assets are replaced, the new ones shall also interface into the MSCS. The System shall be expandable to oversee a range of future assets and systems as required.

Through this procurement process, TfGM is engaging with potential suppliers to participate in a preliminary market engagement exercise, to provide TfGM with an understanding of the current capabilities of the market.

To participate in this preliminary market engagement, please refer to the attached documents. Any responses should be submitted (as an attachment) via the ProContract messaging facility by no later than 5pm, 30th June 2025.

Please be advised that the information obtained from the responses to the Request for Information may be utilised to facilitate one-on-one meetings with relevant parties. Should TfGM determine the necessity to convene with interested stakeholders, we will communicate further details through ProContract.

Please note that the pre-market engagement notice was published on Central Digital Platform under the following references:

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-020115
Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-050fdb