Network Rail has announced it is preparing to launch the procurement for its Future Infrastructure Monitoring Service, a significant tender aimed at transforming its approach to data collection. The tender notice is scheduled to be issued during the week commencing 18th August 2025, with a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) to follow shortly after.
The rail operator has confirmed that its vision is to procure a comprehensive service that will replace its current approach, delivering the necessary data outputs for its users. This new service is expected to be a key component of Network Rail’s commitment to improving the efficiency and reliability of its network.
In preparation for the tender, Network Rail is urging suppliers who intend to participate to review its expectations regarding supplier conduct. The company has also set a deadline of 15th August 2025 for suppliers to submit their details to be included in the Collaboration Hub.
The Collaboration Hub is a central online platform designed to help suppliers connect and form partnerships for the procurement. It features an online catalogue where companies can create a “Collaborator” profile detailing the following:
- A short bio (maximum 200 words)
- Company logo (jpeg or png)
- Top ten skills or strengths
- Description of what is sought in a collaboration partner
- Lead contact details
- Collaborators may also host short promotional videos (up to 2 minutes) on their page. To add or update a video, please share it via the IM inbox.
The hub will also highlight collaborators who are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in line with Network Rail’s commitment to supporting smaller businesses.
Network Rail has requested that suppliers who wish to be listed on the hub and included in a collaborator list to be shared on 18th August must submit their profile details by 15th August.
During the formal tender process, Network Rail will adhere to strict communication guidelines. While the existing Infrastructure Monitoring inbox will remain open for questions related to the Collaboration Hub, all specific procurement questions will be handled exclusively through Network Rail’s Bravo platform once the tender begins.
