Upgrading of the NorStøy software.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration and other site owners are facing a new statutory noise mapping that shall be carried out and reported by summer 2027 in accordance with the pollution regulations and the EU Noise Directive. This involves a fixed and unalterable deadline for completion of calculations, quality assurance and reporting.

A VU measure was previously proposed for the period 2025-2030 to manage the challenges connected to noise mapping and digitalisation of the processes. This proposal was not prioritised.

The need for a new system and modernisation, however, consists, and based on this, the work on a new system and the accompanying process improvements must be carried out as a measure in the line.

The relevant delivery concerns specialist competence in noise modelling and the product Norstøy. Due to technical debt in central parts of the system, it is necessary to upgrade to a newer version of the platform/framework, as well as a user interface, with requirements for minimal functional changes.

Sintef has developed the system originally and has in-depth competence within noise modelling, system architecture, code base and technical dependencies. Other tenderers do not have an equivalent combination of specialist competence and prior knowledge of the system. Missing system comprehension will result in significant entry work, increased risk of errors and a potential need for comprehensive reimplementation, which is not compatible with the requirement for minimal changes and controlled migration.

The source code is owned and maintained by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. Sintef has prepared the noise-related algorithms used in NorCalc and therefore has a unique understanding of the existing structure and historical design choices. to ensure correct migration, reduced technical risk and limited test scope.

Other technical consultants in this field only have competence connected to the use of the algorithms and not the preparation of them.

The project will use other internal resources and external consultants for most of the other assignments that do not require specialist competence in noise modelling. The tenderer in question is only used for this specific service, justified by the special professional and technical competence connected to NorCalc.

Based on the above, the terms for exemptions from the procurement regulations are assessed as fulfilled, as competition is not deemed really possible as a result of the absence of alternative tenderers with the necessary specialised competence and system knowledge to carry out the assignment within proper limits for quality, risk and cost efficiency.