This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

05 Jun 2026 at 14:59

Tender

09 May 2025 at 11:03

Summary of the contracting process

Merseyrail Electrics 2002 Limited has completed the award stage for a competitive tender initially issued for Human Resources and Payroll Software, with the contract expected to commence on 28th October 2026. The procurement process was carried out using a selective method under a competitive flexible procedure, aiming to implement a new HR and Payroll system, integrating recruitment and onboarding processes, and enhancing payroll automation. The contract spans five years initially, with potential extensions until 2033. Located in Liverpool, UK, this contract pertained to the services industry under a special regime for utilities, showcasing a substantial commitment with a gross value of £1,492,422 in the final award.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses in the technology sector, particularly those specialising in HR and Payroll software solutions. The requirement for at least 1,250 licenses, with scalability in mind, presents an opportunity for large-scale software providers who can deliver integrated, automated systems tailored to the transport and utilities sector. Companies capable of meeting technical and quality evaluations and aligning with industry standards such as compliance with HMRC and The Pensions Regulator are well-suited to engage in such opportunities. Given the potential for extensions and additional module purchases, this contract also offers long-term collaboration possibilities, encouraging business growth and portfolio expansion within the supplier market.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Payroll and HR Software

Notice Description

The scope of this opportunity relates to an anticipated initial period of five (5) years commencing from 28th October 2026 (further extension options may be applicable). The current Payroll and Human Resources Software has been in place since 2010. However, with new technology emerging within the market, MEL is looking to update its current software to identify if there can be any efficiencies gained. Scope / Deliverables 1. New HR system 2. New Payroll system 3. Integrate Recruitment and On-Boarding 4. More Payroll automation through Manager/Employee self-service Benefits 1. Improved Administrative Efficiency 2. Integrated Recruitment/On-Boarding/Payroll 3. Improved Management Reporting 4. More Effective Expense Management 5. More automated processes It is recognised that there may be no one solution available off the shelf to provide all the required functionality and that some elements may take time to develop and implement. However, we as a business are keen to have one HR and Payroll system which provides consistency and ease of use to its users. We require a minimum of 1,250 licenses with scalability built in if required.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: As the company grows, MEL may require the right to purchase additional licenses and/or modules to meet existing or future needs.

Renewal: Opportunity to extend until 20th July 2033 in increments to be agreed between the Supplier and MEL.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-050f9a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053483-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support


CPV Codes

48450000 - Time accounting or human resources software package

72212450 - Time accounting or human resources software development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£3,100,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£3,100,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£1,492,422 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 May 20263 weeks ago
Contract Period
26 Oct 2026 - 25 Oct 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MERSEYRAIL ELECTRICS 2002 LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LIVERPOOL
Postcode
L1 1JF
Post Town
Liverpool
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD7 Merseyside
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD72 Liverpool
Delivery Location
TLD7 Merseyside

Local Authority
Liverpool
Electoral Ward
Brownlow Hill
Westminster Constituency
Liverpool Riverside

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ZELLIS

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-050f9a-2026-06-05T15:59:27+01:00",
    "date": "2026-06-05T15:59:27+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-050f9a",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-04356933",
            "name": "MERSEYRAIL ELECTRICS 2002 LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "04356933"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Rail House",
                "locality": "Liverpool",
                "postalCode": "L1 1JF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKD72"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement@merseyrail.org"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.merseyrail.org/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "privateUtility",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Private utility"
                    }
                ]
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PLZV-3258-DCDV"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-01587537",
            "name": "ZELLIS UK LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "01587537"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PQHG-5162-TXDV"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "740 Waterside Drive Aztec West",
                "locality": "Bristol",
                "postalCode": "BS32 4UF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK12"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "bidsupport@zellis.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.zellis.com",
                "scale": "large",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-COH-04356933",
        "name": "MERSEYRAIL ELECTRICS 2002 LIMITED"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "MEL02-2025",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Payroll and HR Software",
        "description": "The scope of this opportunity relates to an anticipated initial period of five (5) years commencing from 28th October 2026 (further extension options may be applicable). The current Payroll and Human Resources Software has been in place since 2010. However, with new technology emerging within the market, MEL is looking to update its current software to identify if there can be any efficiencies gained. Scope / Deliverables 1. New HR system 2. New Payroll system 3. Integrate Recruitment and On-Boarding 4. More Payroll automation through Manager/Employee self-service Benefits 1. Improved Administrative Efficiency 2. Integrated Recruitment/On-Boarding/Payroll 3. Improved Management Reporting 4. More Effective Expense Management 5. More automated processes It is recognised that there may be no one solution available off the shelf to provide all the required functionality and that some elements may take time to develop and implement. However, we as a business are keen to have one HR and Payroll system which provides consistency and ease of use to its users. We require a minimum of 1,250 licenses with scalability built in if required.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "48450000",
                        "description": "Time accounting or human resources software package"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72212450",
                        "description": "Time accounting or human resources software development services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKD7",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 3100000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "selective",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure",
        "procedure": {
            "features": "The opportunity will be advertised via the Central Digital Platform. With regards to the procedures, we will look to undertake a single Lot under the competitive flexible procedure, ensuring compliance with MEL's procurement policy and the PA23 Regulations. We will look to reserve the right to undertake a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire now known as a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) dependant on number of expressions of interest received. A Pre-Tender Engagement Session will be held with suppliers expressing an interest in the opportunity. The Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) shall be evaluated in two (2)stages: Stage 1 - Submissions from bidders who have failed any of the mandatory pass-fail questions will not progress to Stage 2 of the evaluation. Stage 2 - All submissions that have passed the mandatory pass-fail questions will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria which will be provided within the tender documentation. The PSQ will have a total score of 100%. Where questions are to be scored by more than one evaluator, an average of all evaluator scores will be taken and used as a final score, rounded to the nearest whole number. The total score for each Bidder shall be ranked in descending order and a minimum of five (5) of the highest scoring submissions will be selected for the next stage of the tender process. Unfortunately, all other submissions will be declined. The Customer reserves the right not to score any question responses consisting of links to web pages and/or documents, all responses must be provided in the format specified within the PSQ. The Tender will have an overall total score of 100%. The total score (100%) will be divided by the criteria outlined within the Tender Documentation. Where questions are to be scored by more than one evaluator, an average of all evaluator scores will be taken and used as a final score, rounded to the nearest whole number. The total score for each Bidder shall be ranked in descending order. The anticipated weightings for the ITT stage of the Tender process will be 60% - Quality and 40% - Commercial, this will be confirmed within the tender documentation. Following evaluation of the ITT, a minimum of the top 3 (three) highest scoring bidders will be invited to submit Best and Final Offers(BAFOs). Shortlisted bidders may be invited to present their proposals and provide a demonstration of the software. MEL strongly encourages all bidders to submit competitive Tender submissions. Whilst the Customer may request Best and Final Offers (BAFOs), bidders should not rely on any potential subsequent opportunities for providing improved commercial offers. The ITT will focus on the technical questions of the service provision, such as integration, contract management, etc. The full scope of the requirements with supporting documents and applicable T&C's will be attached to the Sourcing project."
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://me-2-procure.org/ Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via https://me-2-procure.org/MerseyrailElectrics/DisplayModules/TradeModules/Negotiations/Opportunities/ViewOpportunityEvent.aspx?EventID=574&Culture=en-GB",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "expressionOfInterestDeadline": "2025-06-13T23:59:59+01:00",
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-01-09T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 3100000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality (General / Technical)",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Commercial & Contract",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "Industry Recognition and Compliance with HMRC and The Pensions Regulator."
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-10-28T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2031-10-27T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2033-07-20T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Opportunity to extend until 20th July 2033 in increments to be agreed between the Supplier and MEL."
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "As the company grows, MEL may require the right to purchase additional licenses and/or modules to meet existing or future needs."
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "020019-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020019-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-05-09T12:03:37+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "specialRegime": [
            "utilities"
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Payroll & HR Software",
            "status": "pending",
            "date": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 1492422,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-01587537",
                    "name": "ZELLIS UK LIMITED"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "48450000",
                            "description": "Time accounting or human resources software package"
                        },
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "72212450",
                            "description": "Time accounting or human resources software development services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKD7",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-06-17T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-10-26T00:00:00Z",
                "endDate": "2031-10-25T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2033-07-20T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "Opportunity to extend until the 20th of July 2033 in increments to be agreed between the Supplier and MEL."
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "As the company grows, MEL may require the right to purchase additional licenses and/or modules to meet existing or future needs."
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "053483-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053483-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-06-05T15:59:27+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2026-06-05T00:00:00+01:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-08-05T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}