Innovating Traffic Management Fund EOI Event

The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to notify the market of forthcoming market engagement event relating to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Grant Application, as part of the DfT's Intelligent Traffic Management Challenge Fund.

The Department of Transport (DfT) announced in October 2023 the intention to provide a targeted grant for the delivery of innovative traffic management solutions by local Highway Authorities in England. This is in recognition of the essential role traffic signals and control systems play in ensuring network traffic management works smoothly and safely across the highway network. A £20 million Intelligent Traffic Management Challenge Fund (ITMF) has been established by the DfT to deploy advanced technology for traffic signals, making use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to optimise traffic flow and balance traffic across highway networks. The ITMF bid submission is due by 31st July 2024 with successful projects expected to commence in September 2024 with funding for a two-year period. For details of the ITMF process see Traffic Signal Funding - Technology Transport Forum (ttf.uk.net).

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is the public body responsible for co-ordinating transport services in the West Midlands and it is an executive body of the WMCA. TfWM works with our local Highway Authority partners to make sure public transport is safe, accessible and reliable; we monitor and improve road safety; and also provide and manage the Regional Transport Coordination Centre (RTCC) for the West Midlands. As part of this latter role we monitor and coordinate the region's key highway network including supporting and improving network traffic control.

TfWM is announcing its intention to apply for funding from the ITMF grant to deliver a number of innovative and advanced technology solutions for network traffic control across the WMCA area. The bid submission will be research and development focused, aimed at delivering a workable range of new and emerging solutions to UK traffic management challenges to benefit traffic control on a corridor or area wide basis across the region. In accordance with DfT guidelines we intend to create a consortium of technology suppliers and local authority partners to deliver an ITMF project with the following key outputs:

- A platform for integrated digital infrastructure and connected mobility; - Weighted algorithms to manage traffic signal timings; - Public facing real-time in-vehicle messaging systems; - Traffic signal priority for blue light services; and - Innovative use of video detection technology.

Additional information: To commence this process, TfWM is releasing an Expression of Interest to engage with potential suppliers to help inform our approach to the delivery of an ITMF project within the West Midlands - including gaining a better understanding from suppliers about what is possible in this technology area, and the likely costs that would be needed to deliver such technology. In addition, we expect this process to allow suppliers to understand the timescales, scope and scale of the TfWM bid in order to prepare to meet the required demand. Whilst it is expected that TfWM will create a consortium to deliver the project led by a prime contractor, currently we wish to engage with all suppliers to understand their capabilities and interest. We are particularly interested in hearing from suppliers working in the following technology areas: - Traffic control systems and technology; - Detection and monitoring; - Intelligent transport systems; - Transport innovation solutions; - Platforms and data services; - New technologies (AI and machine learning); and - Systems integration.

TfWM will be undertaking an online event on the 16th of May 2024 at 14:00 for potential suppliers that are interested in assisting TfWM with their funding application and, subject to grant approvals, would be interested in a potential procurement within this programme. This will be followed up by a supplier questionnaire, which will assist the TfWM with their ITMF bid application. There will also be the potential opportunity for interested suppliers, to have 1-2-1 conversations with TfWM, on a first come, first serve basis. Interested parties should register through Bravo, and search for project_844/pqq_216 and express interest in attending the event via the message function under pqq_216 no later than the 14th May 2024 - 9:00. Your registration will ensure that you will receive the relevant details for the online event and any future correspondence regarding the IMTF. Please note, the information in this document represents TfWM's current plans and may be subject to change prior to a potential tender publication. TfWM reserves the right to amend or change all and any aspects discussed in this exercise.

This PIN is not a call to competition and the TfWM is not bound to enter into any procurement activity because of it. All procurement activity is subject to TfWM priorities, funding and any or all procurement activity is subject to change at the Authority's absolute discretion.