Infrastructure Monitoring Core Service

Network Rail (“the Authority”) is procuring an end to end Infrastructure Monitoring (IM) solution to replace its life expired dedicated IM fleet and assure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Great Britain rail network. The supplier will provide, operate and maintain the assets, systems and services necessary to capture, process, assure and deliver all required IM data streams to Network Rail’s Enterprise Data Platform, in accordance with relevant Measurement Standards and IM Data Specifications, so that the Authority receives the right data, in full and on time, for use by end customers across Regions and Routes.

The solution may combine dedicated IM rolling stock, in service monitoring (on timetabled passenger or freight services) and, where appropriate on a cost–benefit basis, non train borne methods (e.g., Road-Rail Vehicle (RRV)), provided all applicable law, policy and standards are met. The supplier will act as Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM), manage obsolescence, ensure approvals for operation on the British network, and deliver services against a jointly maintained Joint Operating Plan. Network Rail will not purchase or own the solution assets.

Core scope of services and outputs

• Data capture & delivery: Provision of 18 IM data streams to the Authority’s defined structures/formats (open, non proprietary) and timelines, including urgent reporting for safety critical findings. Data assurance (including ISO 8000 aligned data quality regime), secure handling/retention, and transmission (default use of Network Rail telecoms where suitable) are in scope.
• Operations: Plan, crew and run IM activities in accordance with the Joint Operating Plan (dedicated paths arranged by Network Rail; in service paths orchestrated by the supplier with the relevant TOC/FOC). The solution must minimise non recording mileage and timetable capacity consumption (e.g., by operating closer to line speed) and be resilient to disruption (e.g., recovery runs to protect maximum measurement intervals).
• Maintenance & reliability: Provide serviceable, compliant, calibrated assets/systems designed for reliability, maintainability and ease of operation; hold/maintain necessary licenses/approvals (including ORR requirements) and product acceptance; manage spares, calibration, and certification.
• Continuous improvement & innovation: Deliver ongoing efficiency/performance improvements and proactively stimulate market innovation against Network Rail’s future ambitions, using open architectures that mitigate vendor/technology lock in and enable integration of best of breed systems via change control where approved.
• Performance management: Meet a KPI regime covering service reliability, on time delivery, completion rate, data compliance, data quality, user satisfaction, continuous improvement, innovation, social value, safety, and environment/sustainability.
• Mobilisation & transition: Mobilise new solution per tendered plan; as capabilities enter service, Network Rail will decommission the current IM fleet. Supplier support may be requested for advice during transition.

Minimum data streams in scope

• Rail flaw detection.
• Rail depth.
• Rail surface crack.
• Rail profile (wear).
• Track bed condition (e.g., ballast depth/fouling).
• Structure gauging.
• Platform gauging.
• Track intervals (six foot gauging).
• Ballast profile.
• Track geometry.
• Track imagery (shoulder to shoulder).
• Automated track inspection.
• Static OLE geometry.
• OLE contact wire wear.
• Conductor rail geometry.
• Conductor rail wear.
• Forward facing imagery.
• Communications networks signal strength (e.g., GSM R, public mobile).

Standards, compliance and constraints

Data streams must meet the relevant Measurement Standards and Data Specifications (e.g., NR/L2/TRK series, NR/L2/ELP/27325, NR/L2/TRK/3204, NR/L2/TRK/038, etc.), with delivery frequencies adhering to nominal and maximum intervals defined per track section in the Baseline Coverage Requirements. The solution must comply with applicable law and Railway Group Standards, data protection/security requirements, and environmental/sustainability obligations; emissions reduction (e.g., electric where feasible, electro diesel where necessary) is expected.

Out of scope

Analysis of data beyond the IM Data Specifications, and the operation, maintenance and disposal of the existing IM fleet.