GWR - Hose assemblies, associated fittings and components

The requirement relates to specialist hose assemblies used within GWR's existing rolling stock fleet. AB Hoses currently supplies products that meet the relevant technical, compatibility and operational requirements associated with the existing equipment.

For the relevant products, changing supplier or introducing an alternative product may require GWR to establish technical compatibility and undertake additional engineering assessment, testing and approval. Where this is required, a change of supplier could result in disproportionate technical difficulties, additional cost and delay, with potential impacts on fleet maintenance and availability.

The agreement will be non-exclusive. GWR will therefore retain the ability to source products from alternative suppliers where suitable technically compliant alternatives are available and where doing so represents an appropriate commercial outcome. The agreement does not guarantee AB Hoses exclusivity over GWR's wider hose requirements.

The direct award is therefore intended to provide an appropriate contractual mechanism for the continued supply of existing and compatible products from AB Hoses, while preserving GWR's ability to utilise alternative sources where appropriate.