Engineering labour services for on-train GSM-R radio installation

Abellio ScotRail intends to invite suppliers to bid to provide labour services for the replacement of the GSM-R radios on the ScotRail train fleet, amounting to 704 on-train radios. Abellio ScotRail is delivering this project on behalf of Network Rail as part of their national GSM-R Version 4.0 radio upgrade programme. With the project covering ScotRail’s entire fleet it is anticipated that work will be carried out at all ScotRail maintenance locations. The supplier would be expected to provide project management, logistical support, GSM-R technical expertise and experienced GSM-R technicians to deliver this complex programme in the most efficient way possible. This is a labour-only project as all materials will be free-issued. Due to the safety-critical nature of the GSM-R radio system it is imperative that any suppliers who bid on this work are existing suppliers to the rail industry, have direct experience with GSM-R, and will use staff with experience and underpinning knowledge of the GSM-R system, and this must be demonstrable with evidence provided for Abellio ScotRail to review. It’s expected the procurement process will begin in summer 2020 with the project starting as soon as possible thereafter.