FRH (FTWCR) Rail Operations Systems and Software Support Services

• Single supplier - technical reasons
• Additional or repeat goods, services or works following a competitive procedure.

The Worldline (Magellan) Production Suite Rail (PSR) platform, including VoyagerPlan (VP), is business-critical and deeply integrated into Avanti West Coast's train planning, resource management and operational processes. A competitive procurement has been undertaken for the replacement of VP, which is approaching end of life, and a successor solution has been selected. However, implementation of the replacement solution requires system integration, interface development, data migration, testing, user acceptance and parallel running before operational services can safely transition. The incumbent services support established operational workflows and are integrated with multiple operational systems and datasets. A change of supplier prior to completion of these activities would create significant technical, operational and service continuity risks which could adversely impact the safe and uninterrupted delivery of rail services.

Accordingly, Avanti West Coast intends to enter into an interim arrangement with Worldline to ensure continuity of service whilst the replacement programme is delivered. The VP element of the contract is limited to a period of 24 months to support the planned migration to the replacement solution, including implementation, integration, migration, operational acceptance and transition activities.

The remaining PSR services are required for a period of up to 36 months as they continue to support critical operational activities and remain dependent upon existing operational processes, integrations and datasets. These services are separate from the VoyagerPlan replacement programme and continue to underpin wider operational planning and resource management activities. Replacement or transition of these services requires further assessment of business requirements, operational dependencies, market capability and integration impacts. This arrangement is intended as an interim solution to maintain operational stability whilst Avanti West Coast continues its assessment of future train planning and operational systems requirements.

Awarding the services to an alternative supplier at this stage would require duplication of transition, integration and operational assurance activities, resulting in disproportionate technical and operational risk without delivering corresponding operational benefit. Continued use of the incumbent services during the interim period is therefore considered necessary to support operational continuity and ensure an orderly transition to future service arrangements.

Prior to the expiry of the interim arrangement, Avanti West Coast will continue and complete a comprehensive review of business requirements, market capability, available technologies and sourcing options, taking into account the transition to the DfTO and its wider rail industry strategy, to inform the future sourcing approach and any subsequent procurement activity in accordance with applicable procurement legislation and governance requirements.

Retaining the incumbent PSR services during this period will avoid unnecessary implementation and transition risks, maintain continuity of business-critical operational services, preserve existing technical integrations and operational processes, and ensure the safe and uninterrupted delivery of rail operations whilst future requirements and sourcing options are fully evaluated.