The gate assets currently leased from Porterbrook are fully installed, operational and integrated across the station estate, forming a critical component of station operations, passenger flow management and revenue protection activities. The requirement is to secure the continued provision of these existing assets through an amendment to the current lease agreement, together with the associated maintenance and support services, to ensure uninterrupted operational performance. The proposed arrangement will extend the existing lease on a initial term of one (1) year, with the option to further extend on a 1+1 year basis.

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award The direct award to Porterbrook is justified under Schedule 5, Paragraph 7 of the Procurement Act 2023, which permits a direct award where goods, services or works are supplied by the existing supplier and a change in supplier would result in goods, services or works that are different from, or incompatible with, those currently in use, leading to disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance. The gate assets as leased from Porterbrook are already installed and operational across the station estate and form a critical component of station operations, passenger flow management and revenue protection activities. Replacing the incumbent supplier, Porterbrook, would require the removal, replacement and integration of alternative equipment and support arrangements, creating significant operational disruption and implementation risks. Commencing and concluding an activity of this nature can take 12 months.

Utilities