Tender

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH - BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE USERS ON RAIL

TRANSPORT FOCUS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

23 Dec 2025 at 15:45

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by Transport Focus, a public authority within the central government, invites tenders for the "QUALITATIVE RESEARCH - BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE USERS ON RAIL" project. Located in London and at various UK locations, this project falls under the services industry category, specifically research services. The current procurement stage is the tender stage, with an end date for submissions set for 15th January 2026, and any enquiries must be submitted by 8th January 2026. This open procurement method involves an open competition for a contract valued at £72,000 gross (£60,000 net), with the contract period starting on 1st February 2026 and concluding on 30th April 2026.

This tender offers significant opportunities for academic teams, research suppliers, consortia, independent experts, and other qualified organisations focusing on accessibility, inclusive design, or transport research. Businesses experienced in qualitative research with the d/Deaf community and in conducting research in British Sign Language or with high-quality interpreting support are particularly well-suited to compete. Successful bidders will need to demonstrate a strong track record in translating complex insights into actionable recommendations, making this an advantageous proposition for those involved in the rail industry or broader accessibility fields. The tender assessment will prioritise the quality and clarity of the proposed methodology, relevant expertise, track record, and value for money. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are especially encouraged to participate.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH - BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE USERS ON RAIL

Notice Description

Specification / deliverables The appointed supplier will work with Transport Focus and SISJ partners to design and deliver qualitative research addressing how BSL users want to receive passenger information across rail environments. If quantitative work is also considered to be feasible, then we would consider also including this. The areas to be covered are: Access and preferences * How BSL users prefer to access information across station, onboard and digital channels. * What constitutes an acceptable and desirable minimum viable product (MVP) for BSL provision. Content and language considerations * Expectations around regional BSL dialects and whether a single "universal" version is acceptable. * Preferences regarding interpreter choice, including lived experience of deafness. * Views on consistency versus localisation of BSL content. Physical and digital delivery * Expectations for placement, prominence and visibility of BSL information within station environments. * Integration with existing screens, boards or digital platforms. Technology and innovation * Perceptions of AI-generated BSL (including avatar-based and hybrid approaches). * Acceptability of AI in different contexts, such as planned information versus disruption. * Expectations around subtitling alongside BSL. User diversity * Based on demographics (age, gender, employment and income, presence of additional disabilities, region and nation, ethnic background), BSL fluency, hearing status, travel confidence, travel frequency and technology comfort. Methodological expectations A qualitative approach is essential. Proposals should demonstrate experience working with the d/Deaf community and may well include, some or all of: * Short desk research to inform fieldwork design. * Engagement with relevant stakeholders or expert organisations (such as BDA, RNID...). * Depth interviews, accompanied journeys, focus groups or online platforms where appropriate. * We would be open to other methods being included including quantitative surveys. Please note that it is essential that all recruitment and fieldwork is conducted using: * BSL-fluent moderation and appropriate interpreting support. * Inclusive and accessible research environments and materials. Deliverables As a minimum, we will require a debrief presentation and a report to our publication standards (probably PowerPoint). Other outputs may be

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05fcce
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/085937-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£60,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£60,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Dec 20256 days ago
Submission Deadline
15 Jan 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2026 - 30 Apr 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRANSPORT FOCUS
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurementadmin@transportfocus.org.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E14 4QZ
Post Town
East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI42 Tower Hamlets
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Tower Hamlets
Electoral Ward
Canary Wharf
Westminster Constituency
Poplar and Limehouse

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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.

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