Hire of 3 x air compressors

(a) a change in supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving goods that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing works.

The Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant ("Thorp"), requires compressed air to enable process operations and for use by instrumentation. Process Air is a requirement of the current safety case governing Thorp and which states process air provision must be returned to service within 24 hours following failure.

The installed system currently providing this compressed air has been identified as coming to the end of its effective operational life during a maintenance survey and a complete replacement of the existing compressor systems in Thorp is required. Parts of the current system have suffered failure due to the degraded condition of the existing compressors, however, the complexity of replacing the entire system means it cannot be delivered immediately.

A temporary, back-up solution is therefore required that will act as per the installed system in fault conditions. It is essential that this temporary solution is compatible with the installed system to meet the requirements set out in the Operational Safety Memorandum ("OSM").

The temporary solution that is substantiated for use in line with the Operational Safety Memorandum is 3 off diesel-powered air compressors supplying air to the process air header. These will be rented from the existing supplier to ensure compatibility with the current system and supporting arrangements.

(b) the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation.

Any compatibility issues would result in the safety case for Thorp not being met meaning in turn Thorp could not operate. Such an impact on operations is clearly disproportionate given the temporary nature of proposed award.