HS2 has begun the search for a specialist contractor to deliver the high-tech monitoring systems that will enable remote supervisory control of railway assets and systems by key operational personnel, allowing the UK to run some of the world’s most reliable, safe and efficient high-speed rail services.

The new contract opportunity covers the design, manufacture, installation, integration, testing and commissioning of an integrated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) solution that will be used across the whole network – and up to 25 years of technical support.

The Engineering Management System (EMS), which is principally a software system, will provide an integrated SCADA layer by consolidating multiple SCADA systems from multiple domains and contracts.

This will enable the status of HS2’s railway assets and systems to be monitored in real time from the Network Integrated Control Centre in Birmingham and other key locations, facilitating both the operation and maintenance of the railway.

Worth an estimated £65m, the EMS will be one of the most advanced in the world, using diagnostic and analytical functionality for predictive maintenance enabling problems to be identified before they occur.

David Poole, HS2 Ltd’s procurement and commercial director, said: “HS2’s Engineering Management System will play a crucial role in the operation and maintenance of the network, allowing operational personnel and engineers to monitor and analyse the condition of the infrastructure in real time. This data will make it possible for maintenance to be planned in advance allowing HS2 to run some of the most reliable services anywhere in the world.

“With construction now well underway and more than 15,000 jobs already supported by the project, these contract opportunities are another important opportunity for companies across the UK to get involved in delivering Britain’s new high speed rail line.”

Shortlists are set to be announced in the summer with contract award in 2022.