Crisis Response and Resilience Digital Twin (CRDT)

The DfT requires an analytical platform, that is robust, scalable, user-friendly and capable of combining methods across analytical disciplines to improve the DfT’s Crisis Response and Resilience capabilities. Recognising the rapid pace of change in technology and the range of possible technological methodologies, DfT is using an outcomes-based approach to enable innovation and use of novel data and technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

We will be going to market via the CCS Spark DPS Framework and suppliers who are interested but not on the Framework are able to join, information and guidance - https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/agreements/RM6094 The aim of this work is to create a platform capable of identifying disruptions across transport modes in a timely fashion using a variety of data sources, estimate and inform users of their likely impact to people and goods, track developments, model potential interventions and gather learnings for future use.

While the appraisal of options does not need to be consistent with the Transport Appraisal Guidance, and more emphasis is expected on the estimated number of people, threat level and disruption duration, all modelling capabilities need to be appropriate, reliable and have proportionate quality assurance. The disruptions in scope are those highlighted at the National Risk Register (NRR, 2025), and the key users of this system are DfT teams .

Additionally, insights should be shareable for collaboration across government including other departments (such as the Cabinet Office), Local Resilience Forums and DfT Arm’s Length Bodies (such as National Highways) who will have their own systems that CRDT. Enabling safe and timely collaboration between DfT, its Arms Length Bodies, local authorities, across-government and with first responders.

It is expected that this will be a multi-year programme, with break clauses. The supplier will be responsible for the delivery of the end-to-end analytical platform, which will also allow further model development by the DfT and other subcontractors.

Recognising the fast development of data sources, ranging from sensors, to mobile-phone and satellite applications, it is expected that this platform will enable new data sources to be dynamically added over time. Additional information: Current situation The recent combined impacts of COVID-19, global geo-political disruptions, extreme weather events and accidents, have led to significant disruption in UK mobility of people and goods.

While any individual major risk remains a low probability, it is evident that major disruptions are becoming more frequent. The day-to-day management of the different parts of the transport network