Transport Focus has published a procurement opportunity for qualitative research - british sign language users on rail with an estimated value of value not disclosed. The submission deadline is See official notice, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-08, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

The appointed supplier will work with Transport Focus and SISJ partners to design and deliver qualitative research addressing how BSL users want to receive passenger information across rail environments. If quantitative work is also considered to be feasible, then we would consider also including this. The areas to be covered are: Access and preferences • How BSL users prefer to access information across station, onboard and digital channels. • What constitutes an acceptable and desirable minimum viable product (MVP) for BSL provision. Content and language considerations • Expectations around regional BSL dialects and whether a single "universal" version is acceptable. • Preferences regarding interpreter choice, including lived experience of deafness. • Views on consistency versus localisation of BSL content. Physical and digital delivery • Expectations for placement, prominence and visibility of BSL information within station environments. • Integration with existing screens, boards or digital platforms. Technology and innovation • Perceptions of AI-generated BSL (including avatar-based and hybrid approaches). • Acceptability of AI in different contexts, such as planned information versus disruption. • Expectations around subtitling alongside BSL. User diversity • Based on demographics (age, gender, employment and income, presence of additional disabilities, region and nation, ethnic background), BSL fluency, hearing status, travel confidence, travel frequency and technology comfort. Methodological expectations A qualitative approach is essential. Proposals should demonstrate experience working with the d/Deaf community and may well include, some or all of: • Short desk research to inform fieldwork design. • Engagement with relevant stakeholders or expert organisations (such as BDA, RNID...). • Depth interviews, accompanied journeys, focus groups or online platforms where appropriate. • We would be open to other methods being included including quantitative surveys

Transport Focus is the contracting authority for this procurement. The estimated contract value is value not disclosed and the submission deadline is See official notice. Suppliers should download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to businesses with relevant experience and qualifications. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing for a contract of value not disclosed, and hold relevant professional certifications and insurance.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, Transport Focus must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots accessible to smaller businesses.

• Proven track record in professional services contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a value not disclosed contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant professional certifications and insurance
• Capacity to mobilise within Transport Focus’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the See official notice submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032022-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before See official notice: Late submissions are not accepted under UK procurement rules

What the buyer will evaluate

Transport Focus will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. For professional services contracts, buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion — demonstrate specific, costed commitments to local employment, skills, or environmental sustainability.

Writing a winning bid

The most common reason bids fail is generic content that does not address the buyer’s specific requirements. Transport Focus has stated precise objectives — your bid must demonstrate you have read and understood them.

• Lead with an executive summary addressing Transport Focus’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before See official notice

Key dates and next steps

The submission deadline is See official notice. Competitive bids for professional services contracts require two to three weeks of preparation. Following submission, Transport Focus will typically complete evaluation within four to eight weeks.

• Download all documents from Find a Tender today
• Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements
• Assign a bid lead and set internal milestones now
• Submit clarification questions as early as possible

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires Transport Focus to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers. Check for lots designed to be accessible to smaller businesses.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The See official notice deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

How long does evaluation take?

Transport Focus will notify all bidders once evaluation is complete. Allow four to eight weeks from the submission deadline.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032022-2026. Always use the official source.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by Transport Focus or the UK government.