Scope
Reference
WS2730501331
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.
Contract 1. Supply of Air Springs for 09TS Victoria Line
Supplier
Contract value
- £6,200,000 excluding VAT
- £7,400,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
13 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 13 February 2026 to 30 October 2028
- Possible extension to 30 October 2029
- 3 years, 8 months, 18 days
Description of possible extension:
If for any circumstances, the supplier has a delay in the delivery of the goods
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 34000000 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation
Contract locations
- UKI - London
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
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.
Supplier
DELLNER FERRABYRNE LIMITED
- Companies House: 00971894
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVBN-5839-GYMH
Fort Road
West Sussex
BN17 7QU
United Kingdom
Email: sales.lit@dellnerpolymer.com
Region: UKJ27 - West Sussex (South West)
Contract 1. Supply of Air Springs for 09TS Victoria Line
Contracting authority
London Underground Limited
- Companies House: 01900907
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWJB-7544-VZCL
5 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
United Kingdom
Email: JavierMestre@tfl.gov.uk
Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
Transport for London
Summary of their role in this procurement: Transport for London is procuring on behalf of its subsidiary London Underground Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHMT-6197-NWNZ
5 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
United Kingdom
Email: JavierMestre@tfl.gov.uk
Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham