Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13cba-a27c-70c0-a3fd-3caf1e5936e7/fbc-for-dft-crsts-grant-funding closed GB restricted procedure Suitable for SMEs # FBC for DfT CRSTS grant funding [Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation](https://tendernation.io/buyers/black-country-innovative-manufacturing-organisation) Estimated value £25,000 Published 1 Nov 2023 Deadline Closed 10 Nov 2023 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Small contract value Valued under £135,018 including VAT, the lowest Procurement Act threshold for goods and services. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender BCIMO has a need to outsource the development of a Full Business Case that will be submitted to the UK's Department for Transport for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) grant funding for the following. The Very Light Rail National Innovation (VLRNIC) has been established with ERDF and LEP funding to be a unique, world-class, test, research and development facility, focussed on advanced cost reduction technologies and innovations in Light and, in particular, Very Light Rail. Now operational, it can be considered as a national rail research asset. BCIMO is the not-for-profit research and technology organisation that was created to launch and operate the centre. The VLRNIC now requires additional funding to lead and deliver a programme of R&D to develop the technologies, become a collaborative incubator space for regional SMEs, innovators and technology providers who can contribute to the growth of the burgeoning Very Light Rail industry - reducing the operational costs of public transport schemes to include, but not limited to, Coventry VLR. The model follows the hugely successful formula followed by the UK Government's Catapult network and others, including HoribaMIRA and UTAC (Millbrook) in the automotive industry. There is an immediate opportunity to recreate this in the rail industry with an urgent focus on cost reduction and introducing mid-TRL-level technologies. Further details are included in an attached file. To apply: Submit a quotation via email by COB Friday, November 10th to: Read full description ## CPV classification Research and development services and related consultancy services Source Contracts Finder (UK) [View official notice](https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/6605d9a3-7a5f-4c89-9644-ca914b648de9) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. 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