Scope
Reference
WS2723490010
Description
The justification for awarding the proposed contract in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 is a Direct Award for the provision of upgraded OEM assets and software of Two (2) Cab Simulators on each of the Central and Victoria Lines. This is required to maintain operational continuity and mitigate risks associated with ageing hardware and unsupported operating systems.
This upgrade is essential for Transport for London to ensure simulator reliability, reduce maintenance overheads, and avoid costly and disruptive failures. The contract supports Business as Usual (BAU) training operations and aligns with long-term asset management strategies.
This direct award is justified under Schedule 5, Paragraph 6 of the Procurement Act 2023, as the goods and services required must be compatible with existing equipment and systems.
6. The following conditions are met in relation to the public contract:
(a) due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, only a particular supplier can supply the goods, services or works required, and
(b) there are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services or works.
Total Contract Amount is circa £450,000 excluding VAT.
Contract 1. Central Line and Victoria Line - Cab Simulator Upgrades
Supplier
Contract value
- £450,000 excluding VAT
- £540,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 12 January 2026 to 11 January 2027
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 48140000 - Railway traffic control software package
Contract locations
- UKI - London
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The Central and Victoria Line Cab Simulators are proprietary assets originally developed and maintained by Sydac, and the proposed upgrades including hardware replacement, software migration to Windows 11, and integration with the existing Ogre Vision platform must align with the current simulator architecture and operational environment.
Due to the bespoke nature of the simulators and the technical dependencies between legacy and upgraded components, only Sydac can ensure full compatibility and continuity of service.
Supplier
SYDAC LIMITED
- Companies House: 05848364
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQWW-9352-VGRY
C/O Womble Bond Dickinson (Uk) Llp Oceana House
Southampton
SO15 1GA
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ32 - Southampton
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Central Line and Victoria Line - Cab Simulator Upgrades
Contracting authority
Transport for London
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHMT-6197-NWNZ
5 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
United Kingdom
Contact name: Samuel Ward
Email: samward1@tfl.gov.uk
Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham
Organisation type: Public authority - central government