GWR procures a range of specialist hose assemblies and associated components to support the maintenance and continued operation of its rolling stock fleet and depot equipment. The requirement includes hose assemblies and associated fittings and components used across a range of rolling stock engineering applications. The supplier may also be required to provide component identification, technical support, manufacture or assembly of replacement hoses and responsive delivery where operational requirements arise.

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award The requirement relates to specialist hose assemblies used within GWR's existing rolling stock fleet. AB Hoses currently supplies products that meet the relevant technical, compatibility and operational requirements associated with the existing equipment. For the relevant products, changing supplier or introducing an alternative product may require GWR to establish technical compatibility and undertake additional engineering assessment, testing and approval. Where this is required, a change of supplier could result in disproportionate technical difficulties, additional cost and delay, with potential impacts on fleet maintenance and availability. The agreement will be non-exclusive. GWR will therefore retain the ability to source products from alternative suppliers where suitable technically compliant alternatives are available and where doing so represents an appropriate commercial outcome. The agreement does not guarantee AB Hoses exclusivity over GWR's wider hose requirements. The direct award is therefore intended to provide an appropriate contractual mechanism for the continued supply of existing and compatible products from AB Hoses, while preserving GWR's ability to utilise alternative sources where appropriate.

Utilities