Scotrail contract notice published

[matchmaker]

http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL149401

Transport Scotland is implementing its procurement strategy for the
replacement of the existing ScotRail Passenger Franchise. Under this
notice Transport Scotland is seeking to appoint an appropriately
experienced and qualified operator to operate the ScotRail Passenger
Services Franchise (the “ScotRail Services”).
Expressions of interest are now being sought from the market. Shortlisted
potential operators will receive the Invitation to Tender planned to be
issued in January 2014. It is anticipated that the successful bidder will
be announced in October 2014 with the contract commencing in April 2015.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL149401

And the new operator will be procuring rolling stock for EGIP, not Transport Scotland or the Government.
So procurement won't start until contract award (Oct 2014).

 

[michael769]

And the new operator will be procuring rolling stock for EGIP, not Transport Scotland or the Government.
So procurement won't start until contract award (Oct 2014).

That does not necessarily mean that First cannot start the process and hand it over as ongoing.

 

[SkinnyDave]

Tongue and cheek comment with a hint of seriousness but I would not be surprised if it wasn't First or Stagecoach

 

[route:oxford]

It would be good if Scotrail was operated by a state owned company.

DB Regio for example.

 

[JohnB57]

It would be good if Scotrail was operated by a state owned company.

DB Regio for example.

That would fit in nicely with Alex Salmond's aspirations for Scotland to become another region of Germany.

 

[clc]

And the new operator will be procuring rolling stock for EGIP, not Transport Scotland or the Government.
So procurement won't start until contract award (Oct 2014).

That would give them just over 2 years to procure and deliver the new fleet - is that a realistic timeframe?

 

[route:oxford]

That would give them just over 2 years to procure and deliver the new fleet - is that a realistic timeframe?

Yes

Or refurb some old stuff.

 

[clc]

Scotrail has published a Contract Notice for new electric rolling stock, up to 400 vehicles to be supplied over an 11 year period:

http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=AUG152580

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

What's it got to do with Abellio?
Are they acting as consultants on behalf of Transport Scotland?

 

[michael769]

It is normally expected that the operator will manage procurement, but there is nothing to stop them subcontracting that.

 

[clc]

It is normally expected that the operator will manage procurement, but there is nothing to stop them subcontracting that.

Is it not strange that they would subcontract to one of their rivals for the new franchise?

 

[Stats]

What's it got to do with Abellio?
Are they acting as consultants on behalf of Transport Scotland?

As one of the bidders for the new franchise they will be hoping that with a secured order for rolling stock it will show they are serious in their bid and that it will put them in a prime position to win the franchise.

 

[michael769]

Is it not strange that they would subcontract to one of their rivals for the new franchise?

Not really, no. The whole world of public sector procurement is rather strange with the same handful of companies turning up all over the place.

I mean, when the manufacturers of our on train ticketing systems also carries out medical examinations for the DWP (yes really!) - well anything is possible!

 

[Blindtraveler]

As one of the bidders for the new franchise they will be hoping that with a secured order for rolling stock it will show they are serious in their bid and that it will put them in a prime position to win the franchise.

which, if they are on there own/in a joint venture with someone other than Serco I'd be happy enough with. On the other hand, hate first as I do they have done a good job with Scotrail and would like to see them win both this and the sleapers.

 

[WatcherZero]

And the new operator will be procuring rolling stock for EGIP, not Transport Scotland or the Government.
So procurement won't start until contract award (Oct 2014).

For the West Coast refranchising First had several written quotes for rolling stock from different manufacturers and Virgin had a signed price option for the baby pendos so the bidders could well get started on procurement before the contract award.

 

[clc]

Has the Scot Govt already told the bidders exactly what new rolling stock (no of vehicles etc) they will have to procure if they win?

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

But we are still at the pre-qualification/expressions of interest stage aren't we?
The other bids were at the ITT stage where the franchise scope and service patterns had been specified.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Government ordering rolling stock not the TOC are you sure we arnt going to see IEP?

Everyone loves a cynic