Supply of Power Axles for the Victoria Line

The Direct Award Justification under the Procurement Act 23 Schedule 5;

The public contract concerns the supply of goods, services or works by the existing supplier which are intended as an extension to, or partial replacement of, existing goods, services or works in circumstances where-

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

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

While the original contract with Alstom allows TfL to use provided technical information for maintenance, repair, or overhaul, the details for the Power Wheel Set Axle are insufficient for Engineering to develop a comprehensive technical specification and test procedure. Consequently, TfL is engaging directly with Alstom for the manufacture and supply of these axles for the 09TS HOPL.

Using components that do not meet the correct specifications during the HOPL overhaul would lead to train failures, severely impacting service reliability, availability, and safety. Any unused on-condition components from this overhaul will support future needs and any casualty repair requirements.