TII opens MetroLink PPP tender for bidder stage

MetroLink PPP tender activity has entered its first tendering stage. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is inviting prospective bidders to participate. The process concerns a Public Private Partnership contract within the wider MetroLink programme. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The contract will follow an availability Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain model. It is expected to be awarded to a single consortium. That consortium will deliver specified railway works. It will also provide the integrated operation and maintenance of the public passenger metro service, known as M500 Services, for 25 years.

The PPP package is focused on railway systems, rolling stock, station fit-out and long-term operations. Major civil engineering and infrastructure works are outside its scope. Those parts of MetroLink are set to be delivered separately through non-PPP mechanisms within the wider programme.

TII has now issued the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to the market. This marks a major milestone for MetroLink as the project shifts from planning into procurement and delivery for Ireland’s largest public transport infrastructure project.

MetroLink PPP tender follows earlier procurement steps

The procurement is being carried out by TII on behalf of MetroLink. It follows a dedicated sequence of market engagements. That process began with the tendering of the Programme Delivery Partner contract for essential professional services. These include safety management, project management and site supervision.

Earlier this year, this was followed by the commencement of the M100 contract to provide enabling works. M400 contracts also began, to provide heavy civil engineering works.

Once the pre-qualification process has been completed, the three highest ranked eligible applicants are expected to be shortlisted. They will then be invited to move to the next stage of the competition.

Anne Shaw, CEO of the National Transport Authority, said:
I am very pleased to see this important project progressing, reflecting the strong and growing desire to progress this transformative project. MetroLink is a cornerstone of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy (2022-2024) and a key component of the National Development Plan, strengthening connections across the wider Transport for Ireland network and enabling more sustainable travel for commuters, visitors and passengers.

The project has the potential to support housing delivery, economic growth and reduced emissions, while addressing long-standing congestion challenges. Through this procurement, we welcome ambitious and experienced partners to be part of a once-in-a-generation transport project and to play a vital, long-term role in designing, building, operating and maintaining a system that will reshape mobility across Dublin and beyond.

Contract scope covers rolling stock, systems and stations

The DBFOM contract scope is set to include the design, supply, construction, operation, maintenance and financing of metro rolling stock. It also includes a Grade of Operation 4 signalling system for an automated railway, or GoA4.

It also covers a railway depot and maintenance facility. A park and ride facility is included, along with metro control centre building or buildings. Other line-wide elements include trackwork, the overhead contact system, power systems and communications systems.

Mechanical and electrical systems are also included. These cover tunnel and station ventilation and people movement systems. The works will extend to internal walls and secondary civil and building works within the shell and core structures of underground stations.

The package also includes fit-out and finishes for 16 stations, both above and below ground. It also includes the design and construction of urban realm enhancements. Operation and maintenance of all assets forming part of MetroLink are also included.

TII has also proposed awarding an Early Services Agreement to the Preferred Tenderer. This would cover the performance of Early Services during the Preferred Tenderer Stage.

PQQ stage will screen eligible bidders

The MetroLink procurement process begins with the PQQ phase. This phase acts as the initial screening stage of the competition. It is designed to assess each bidder’s capability, experience and capacity before a full tender may be submitted.

Once the PQQ process is complete, shortlisted pre-qualified applicants will be invited to submit detailed tenders.

The estimated contract value stated in the contract notice is currently 7.3 billion EUR, excluding VAT, in Net Present Value terms. The contract duration is expected to be around 32 years. It consists of an approximately seven-year works period and a 25-year services period for the operation and maintenance of MetroLink assets.

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