Procurement of Air Springs for 09TS

Location

Description

This direct award procurement is for the supply of the bogie air springs for the Victoria Line 09TS fleet. The air spring is a safety‑critical component forming the secondary suspension of the train, directly influencing ride quality, passenger comfort, dynamic stability, and compliance with the kinematic gauge under all operating conditions. The component was originally designed and manufactured by ContiTech to bespoke specifications provided by the train builder, Alstom. Its design incorporates proprietary rubber formulations and unique manufacturing processes that are protected as trade secrets and not available to third parties. As a result, only the original equipment manufacturer and its authorised distributor, Dellner Ferrabyrne Limited, can supply fully compatible parts. Procurement of genuine OEM air springs ensures technical compliance, mitigates safety risks, and supports the continued safe operation and maintenance of the Victoria Line 09TS fleet.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• None found

Legal Justification

Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights The award of this contract to Dellner Ferrabyrne Limited, the authorised distributor for ContiTech in the UK, is justified on the basis of exclusive intellectual property rights and the unique, proprietary nature of the component. The 09TS Bogie Air Spring was specifically designed and manufactured by ContiTech for the Victoria Line 09TS Fleet, in accordance with bespoke technical requirements provided by the train builder, Alstom (formerly Bombardier Transportation UK Limited). The detailed design incorporates trade secrets, including proprietary rubber formulations and unique manufacturing processes for the auxiliary spring and air bellows. This confidential technical information is not available to third parties, making it impossible for alternative suppliers to produce a fully compatible product. Any deviation from the original design would compromise safety-critical parameters, including ride quality, passenger comfort, dynamic stability, bogie rotational stiffness, steering, and derailment risk. To ensure operational safety and compliance, genuine OEM parts manufactured to the original specifications must be sourced. By procuring through Dellner Ferrabyrne Limited, Transport for London guarantees that the air springs supplied are authentic OEM components, manufactured to the required standards, thereby safeguarding technical compliance and the continued safe operation of the Victoria Line 09TS fleet.

Other Information

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