WAN Circuits

Location

Description

Provision and continuation of UK Wide Area Network (WAN) services for XC Trains Ltd. The services comprise BT Ethernet Connect UK, Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, Multi Service Business Access (MSBA), and IP Connect Global, delivering WAN connectivity between data centres, offices, operational depots and remote sites across the UK. The services include managed MPLS connectivity, resilient access circuits, point‑to‑point leased lines and Short Haul Data Services (SHDS), together with associated network equipment and support. The existing network architecture, resilience model and site connectivity will be retained, with agreed incremental upgrades where required to meet current operational needs. The direct award ensures continuity of critical network services, avoids disruption to live rail operations, and maintains compatibility with the existing network architecture.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• None found

Legal Justification

This direct award relates to the continuation and temporary extension of existing WAN services delivered by the incumbent supplier, BT. The services are embedded within XC Trains' live operational environment and are technically integrated across multiple sites and systems. For technical reasons, a change of supplier at this point would require significant network re engineering and transition activity, creating unacceptable risks to service continuity. The direct award is therefore necessary to ensure continuity of critical services and is limited to a temporary extension and partial replacement of existing services only. This temporary arrangement enables XC Trains to maintain operational stability while allowing sufficient time to plan and undertake a future competitive procurement in line with the Procurement Act 2023.

Other Information

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