Provision of Station Handheld Radios

Description

Provision of handheld radio communications equipment and associated network coverage services across stations and depots within the South Western Railway (SWR) network. The requirement supports secure and reliable operational communications across the railway, including communications required for operational safety, security and the effective day-to-day management of stations and depot activities.

Key facts

Procedure

Direct award

Lots

1

Contact

ProcurementandContracts@swrailway.com

Contract period

13 Nov 2026 → 31 Oct 2027

Value incl. VAT

£662k

Category

goods

Awarded suppliers

• CAPCOM LAND SEA AND AIR COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED · GB-COH-03465685 · UKJ36, GB

Ground given for limiting competition

The buyer’s own stated reason for awarding without open competition, as published. Their assertion, not a finding.

The original agreement was awarded in 2025 as a below-threshold contract for the provision and maintenance of handheld radio communications equipment and associated network services across South Western Railway stations and depots. At the time the contract was awarded, its estimated value was below the applicable procurement threshold. The 2025 agreement was structured to provide continuity of the existing radio communications solution and expressly catered for two further annual extension periods, together with the ability to hire or purchase additional and replacement handheld radios where required during the life of the arrangement. These requirements were therefore contemplated and provided for when the original contract was established and do not represent a new or materially different requirement. The additional and replacement equipment is required to maintain the operational radio estate, including replacing units that become damaged, obsolete or unavailable and providing further radios where operational requirements necessitate them. Replacement and additional equipment must remain compatible and interoperable with the established radio infrastructure and associated network coverage arrangements. Radio communications are a critical component of operational safety and security across SWR stations and depots. The continuation of the existing arrangement, including the provision of compatible additional and replacement equipment, supports uninterrupted access to secure and reliable communications and therefore contributes to the safe and efficient operation of the railway. The proposed direct award consequently relates to the extension and partial replacement of an existing requirement already catered for within the 2025 contractual arrangement. The original contract was below threshold when awarded. The current procurement position reflects the continuation of those pre-existing contractual provisions and is being addressed transparently now that the cumulative value of the arrangement, including the proposed continuation, falls within the above-threshold regime.