Modellers study W Mids procurement

Modelling

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has alerted the transport modelling and data communities to an upcoming procurement for a new transport model.

It wants to procure a multi-resolution modelling suite, creating “scalable forecasting models at a micro-meso-macro and strategic level that enable users to switch from strategic to meso to micro models (or levels of modelling within one large model)”.

WMCA will procure: 

• an internationally-recognised best practice model developer 
• a big data specialist with real-time processing and artificial intelligence/machine learning capabilities
• a behavioural modelling specialist
• a software supplier, including of dynamic traffic modelling, visualisation, and data manipulation
• an academic/research institute to use the model to support further research and development activities
• a technical project manager

Procurement will commence in the New Year.

Separately, the WMCA has begun the procurement of a contract to apply, maintain and enhance the existing PRISM model from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2024. 

WMCA says some of the new modelling capability “could supersede parts of the modelling functions offered by PRISM”. “However, we expect to continue using PRISM for the whole of this services framework period.”