Scope
Description
This procurement is a direct award to Hitachi Energy UK Limited for the support and maintenance of PDH/XMC telecommunications hardware and its management systems, which are critical for Network Rail's signalling and electrification operations. The contract covers 24/7 remote and technical support, repairs, service management, and professional services, ensuring operational continuity and safety.
Contract 1. XMC Support 2025 - 2030
Supplier
Contract value
- £2,344,938 excluding VAT
- £2,813,925 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
24 November 2025
Contract dates
- 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2030
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract includes options for additional professional services beyond the included support hours, and a contract change threshold to allow for increased node volumes or unforeseen requirements. These options can be used if business needs change, such as requiring extra engineering support or if the number of supported devices exceeds forecasts, ensuring flexibility and continuity of service.
CPV classifications
- 50330000 - Maintenance services of telecommunications equipment
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Key performance indicators (KPIs) have not been separately set for this contract because all relevant service levels and performance metrics are comprehensively defined within Schedule 1 (Specification) of the contract. The Service Level Agreement (SLA) included in Schedule 1 sets out clear, measurable standards for service delivery, response times, and performance expectations, ensuring robust monitoring and management of supplier performance throughout the contract term. As such, the inclusion of additional KPIs would duplicate the existing SLA metrics and is therefore not required
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
Hitachi Energy UK Limited is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and holds exclusive intellectual property rights over the XMC transmission equipment and the associated UNEM management platform. As such, only Hitachi Energy can provide the required support services, software updates, and repairs for this critical infrastructure. No alternative supplier can legally or technically deliver these services without infringing proprietary rights, and there are no reasonable alternatives available. This direct award is therefore justified under the "intellectual property or exclusive rights" exemption
Supplier
Hitachi Energy UK Limited
- Companies House: 02985756
Alpha Tower, 22 Suffolk Street
Birmingham
B1 1TT
United Kingdom
Email: contact-us@hitachienergy.com
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. XMC Support 2025 - 2030
Contracting authority
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNZN-9524-VCQJ
Waterloo General Office
London
SE1 8SW
United Kingdom
Email: jack.barlow@networkrail.co.uk
Website: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government