--- title: "FRH - AWC Train Planning Software & Services Tender" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05f622" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05f622" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f622.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f622.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "FIRST RAIL HOLDINGS LIMITED" published: "2025-12-15" --- # FRH - AWC Train Planning Software & Services Tender Buyer: FIRST RAIL HOLDINGS LIMITED Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05f622 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05f622) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f622.json) ## Summary First Rail Holdings Limited, located in London, is inviting tenders for the "FRH - AWC Train Planning Software & Services" procurement. The aim is to implement a modern train planning solution to support Avanti West Coast operations, particularly in readiness for HS2. This selective procurement follows a competitive flexible procedure, where interested suppliers must submit an Expression of Interest by 19th January 2026. The procurement stage is currently active, and it falls under the railway traffic control software category, slated for integration with current rostering and control platforms. Key deadlines include an enquiry period ending on 5th January 2026 and award conclusions by 2nd July 2026. The procurement’s estimated value is £1,731,784 gross, with a focus on delivering a full set of functionally rich software services. This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in railway technology and software development to grow by providing advanced services aligned with the Digital Railway strategy. Ideal competitors would be those with a proven track record in similar large-scale implementations within the UK rail sector, offering scalable and flexible solutions with strong integration capabilities. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in automation, analytics, and AI-driven decision-making, and be able to supply robust technologies built on modern platforms. Companies that excel in quality of service and have previous experience in change management delivery for similar projects are encouraged to apply, making this a strategic opportunity to engage with a prominent private utility buyer and expand market presence in the rail industry. ## Notice Avanti West Coast's current train planning system is approaching end-of-contract. This project seeks to procure and implement a modern, future-proofed train planning solution that ensures continuity of service delivery, operational safety, and readiness for HS2 operations. The new system will integrate seamlessly with rostering and control platforms, enabling incremental enhancements aligned with the Digital Railway strategy. First are seeking bidders who can support delivery of the following objectives: * Deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) replacement for a train planning solution by February 2028. * Ensure integration with rostering and control systems to streamline operational workflows. * Enable future development roadmaps for automation, analytics, and AI-driven decision-making. * Have a full set of functionally rich software services, out of the box, to meet the requirements detailed in the ITT. * Have robust and proven technologies, built using modern services, software and platforms. * Can provide a flexible and scalable solution which can continue to operate seamlessly during peaks in demand for services. * Provide examples of similar successful implementations to at least this scale, within the UK rail sector. * Can demonstrate a high-level quality of service and change management delivery for similar services provided to other customers. ### Lot Information Lot 1 Options: This will be additional peripheral software & services that may arise from the provision of the main train planning services. Renewal: A five-year contract will be awarded with the option to extend for a maximum of two years, in one-year increments. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083075-2025 | | Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Goods | | Procurement method | Selective | | Procurement method details | Competitive flexible procedure | | Tender suitability | Not specified | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 15 Dec 2025 | | Submission deadline | 5 Jan 2026 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 24 Sep 2026 - 24 Sep 2031 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £1,443,154 | | Lots value | £1,443,154 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | FIRST RAIL HOLDINGS LIMITED | | Locality | LONDON | | Post town | West London | | Postcode | W2 1AF | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLI London | | ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West | | ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London | | Local authority | Westminster | | Electoral ward | Hyde Park | | Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster | | Delivery location | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 48 - Software package and information systems ### Codes - 48140000 - Railway traffic control software package ## Release History - 15 Dec 2025 at 17:59 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083075-2025 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083075-2025 15th December 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender - https://s2c-uk62.waxdigital.com/FirstGroupPlc/DisplayModules/TradeModules/Negotiations/Opportunities/ViewOpportunityEvent.aspx?EventID=4990&Culture=en-GB ## Notice URLs - http://www.firstgroupplc.com - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05f622. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f622.json.