Crossrail

Crossrail invites bidders for master systems assuror and master systems integrator
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date 19 December 2008
source Crossrail
type Press release

Crossrail today published OJEU procurement notices inviting bids for a Master Systems Assuror and Master Systems Integrator. Both OJEU's are complemented by a pre-qualification information pack

The Master Systems Assuror (MSA) will be responsible for providing services to manage and assess application of Systems Assurance. This is applied to the development of computer-based rail control and communication systems to ensure they conform to requirements, prescribed standards and regulations - ensuring they are fit for purpose and accepted for operational use.

A Master Systems Integrator (MSI) will be appointed in recognition of the significant challenges which Crossrail has in integrating complex computer-based rail systems delivered through an extensive supplier base and including systems operated by existing infrastructure operators. The MSI will apply engineering processes, establish an integrated system architecture and manage the many system interfaces and inter-dependencies. Responsibilities shall include undertaking independent integration tests.

Commenting on the development, Dr Graham Plant, Crossrail Programme Director, said: 'This is another step forward in building the Crossrail team as we prepare to move towards the construction phase of the project. The Master Systems Assuror and Integrator will each undertake a complimentary range of activities and responsibilities throughout the Crossrail programme, helping us deliver an integrated, world-class railway.'

Crossrail gained parliamentary approval in July 2008. On 5 December 2008, a deal worth up to £350m was finalised with the City of London Corporation, making Crossrail a wholly owned subsidiary of Transport for London. Lord Adonis, Transport Minister and Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, also announced the signing of a series of core funding and governance agreements that will underpin the project.

Ends

Contact:
Jonathan Baggs, Media relations, Crossrail: 020 3229 9552
jonathanbaggs@crossrail.co.uk

Notes to editors:

Procurement
Main construction of Crossrail will begin in 2010 and Crossrail has been undertaking a selection process for the programme partner, project delivery partner and design framework agreements which will oversee the project management, design and construction elements of Crossrail. Short listed consortia and companies for the competitive tender process for its programme partner, project delivery partner and design framework agreements were announced on 22 August 2008.

Programme partner - current status

Crossrail announced on 25 November 2008, the three organisations that have been short-listed for stage two of the programme partner tendering process. The short-listed tenderers for stage two are Bechtel, Legacy 3 - a joint venture between Parsons Brinckerhoff, Balfour Beatty Management and Davis Langdon, and Transcend - a joint venture between AECOM, CH2M Hill and Nichols Group. Stage two tenders are due to be returned during December 2008 and an announcement about the appointment is expected in early 2009.

Project delivery partner - current status

An announcement about the shortlist for the project delivery partners was made on 22 August 2008. The five companies invited to tender for the project delivery partner are:

* Legacy 3 a joint venture between Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd and Balfour Beatty Management Ltd
* Bechtel Limited
* Laing O'Rourke Holdings Limited
* Flare - a joint venture between Fluor Ltd, Ove Arup & Partners Ltd and E C Harris LLP
* A joint venture between Capita Symonds Ltd and NNN Ltd

Design Framework Agreements - current status

An announcement about the 12 firms who have secured Design Framework Agreements was made on 9th December 2008. The chosen firms will have the opportunity to compete for packages of design work on the Crossrail project, including work on tunnels and shafts, stations, and railway systems. The frameworks will run until the completion of the Crossrail scheme.

The successful bidders were: Aedas Group Ltd, Atkins Ltd, BDP Ltd, Capita Symonds Ltd, Halcrow Group Ltd, Hyder Consulting (UK) Ltd, Jacobs Engineering U.K. Ltd, Mott MacDonald Ltd, Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd, Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd, Scott Wilson Railways Ltd, and WSP UK Ltd.

About Crossrail

The Crossrail Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2008 which gave the powers to build the railway. On 24 July 2008, Cross London Rail Links Ltd (CLRL) was appointed the lead Nominated Undertaker for the delivery of the railway. The project continues to be the joint responsibility of Transport for London and the Secretary of State for Transport as Sponsors.

Crossrail will run 118 km from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 21 km tunnels under central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. It will bring an additional 1.5 million people within 60 minutes commuting distance of London's key business districts. When Crossrail opens in 2017 it will increase London's public transport network capacity by 10 per cent, supporting regeneration across the capital, helping to secure London's position as a world leading financial centre, and cutting journey times across the city.

Crossrail's £15.9 billion funding package was announced by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown on 5 October 2007. Royal Assent was achieved on 22 July 2008. CLRL was appointed nominated undertaker for the construction of Crossrail on 24 July 2008.

Preparatory works for Crossrail will begin in 2009 with main construction starting in 2010. It is scheduled to open for service in 2017.

Railhub Archive ::: 2008-12-19 CRO-001