The London Underground Bakerloo lines' signalling systems are controlled by dual Hewlett Packard A Series systems which range in age from approximately twenty five to thirty five years' old. The systems are supported by a team of Company engineers with the experience and knowledge to carry out first and second line support and repair. The Company also has an inventory of spares for the systems held in store which with suitable testing can be released for signalling system and control repair.
The proposed support contract will ask the Contractor to provide a remote third line support service for testing and fault finding, repair and replacement as instructed by LU Bakerloo Line signal engineers. Support shall be triggered by LU sending a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to the Contractor. LU's requirement is historically made on an irregular time-to-time basis usually at least twice a year although in such old systems historical performance is not necessary an indication of the future failure pattern. The RFQ's will cover several types of requirement including repair and calibration of hardware, response to technical query requiring a written response, supply of replacement hardware, a requirement for training and an annual obsolescence report.