The Public Transport Authority (PTA) is focused on providing a better future for Western Australians through connected, resilient, safe, and sustainable public transport. The PTA delivers accessible, reliable, and safe public transport through the provision of metropolitan and regional services, country rail and coach services as well as regional school bus services.  The PTA protects WA’s economy by ensuring the long-term functionality of the rail corridor and railway infrastructure.

A coordinated program of work is planned to address defects, replace end-of-life assets, and upgrade communications infrastructure across the rail network. The value of this works program is estimated to be approximately $30 million over a five-year period.

This program is essential to bridge the gap in asset quality, ensure sustainable management of communication assets, and enhance the overall reliability and performance of the network.

This works program will mainly (but not limited to) focus on following communications assets:

• Transmission supporting Train Control and Traction Power data links;
• Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and Intrusion Detection Systems;
• Driver Assist Video System (DAVS) – provides station platform video to the train driver;
• Long Line Public Address (LLPA) – announcements to station remote and local Passenger Information;
• Critical Telephony (Network Control Phones);
• Radio – for train drivers and transit officers;
• Cable Routes;
• Fibre – for IT, OT, Signalling, 3rd parties;
• Equipment Rooms (cabling and racks).
• Communications minor works improvements.

The program will be delivered through the Network & Infrastructure (N&I) Division of PTA which is responsible for the safety and operation of critical communications systems and infrastructure to enable the operation of train services on the metropolitan rail network.

Titled the Renewal and Improvement Works Program, this strategic initiative will align with the Communication Asset Management Plans and focus on renewing and enhancing aging communication assets, improving their visibility and maintainability across multiple communication asset classes.

Key points include:

• Alignment with Asset Management Plans: The program integrates with existing plans to ensure a cohesive approach to asset renewal and enhancement.
• Addressing Aging Assets: Many communication assets, including Station Equipment Cubicles (SECs) and smaller components like speakers and structured cabling, have exceeded their design life.
• Resource Challenges: The delivery of Metronet has put pressure on available resources. The scale of required works to ensure common standards makes internal delivery impractical without significant resource diversion from maintenance.
• Reliability Gaps: Newer equipment housing locations, such as those built for Metronet, are of a higher standard.
• Risks of Deterioration: Continued deterioration of assets poses risks of equipment failure, impacting both safety and customer experience at stations, as well as the punctuality of the network.

Intent of this Request for Information (RFI)

PTA is currently in the planning stages of this program and this RFI will inform the Procurement Plan, identify issues and risks, and determine the right strategy to engage the market in line with the WA Procurement Act 2023, PTA’s Procurement Polices, and any relevant legislation.

This RFI will also allow the PTA To gain a comprehensive understanding of the market’s ability to better meet PTA’s needs, including:

o    identifying and managing emerging opportunities;

o    gaining visibility of potential sub-contractors who can be the source of innovation; and

o    Identifying potential new entrants to the market.

This RFI is seeking feedback from the market to ascertain:

• The level of interest from respondents who wish to tender.
• If there is an established market for this requirement.
• Whether there are enough interested suppliers to ensure that the preferred procurement process / panel arrangement will be sufficiently competitive.
• Feedback on the proposed procurement activity and approach, and to determine if this preferred panel approach is feasible.
• Feedback on the size and scope of the requirement; and if a single supplier has the capability and capacity to achieve this program of works and what the nature of possible subcontracting arrangement may be.
• Whether the market has alternative commercial and service models that the PTA should be considering.
• The market can achieve what is required quickly enough, or on a large enough scale.
• What PTA can consider to make the procurement more attractive to market respondents,