Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is a government agency that formulates and implements transport policy, administers various concession and licensing schemes, and undertakes a range of transport related service and infrastructure projects.
In 2017 TfNSW initiated a Digital Systems (DS) Program to implement advanced signalling and train control systems across Sydney’s rail network as part of the NSW Government More Trains, More Services program.
For this engagement we provided advice to TfNSW and monitored the various procurement processes used, the first to engage with the rail industry and other interested parties more generally, and then to procure a range of specialised advisory and technical services.
Initially we monitored two main procurement activities, firstly for Transaction Management Services to manage key DS Program procurement processes, and secondly for a Systems Integrator to facilitate the technical DS implementation itself.
The Transaction Management Services procurement was conducted as a two-stage process comprising an initial Request for expressions of Interest (RFI) and then an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for short-listed suppliers from the RFI.
Due to time pressure the Systems Integrator (SI) procurement was conducted as a single stage two-part process comprising an initial Stage 1 Request for Proposals (RFP), without pricing, followed by a Stage 2 RFP for short-listed suppliers, including pricing.
Because of the central role the SI would play in the DS implementation, technical and commercial alignment workshops were conducted with each short-listed supplier. This included, a series of behavioural workshops, facilitated by an organisational psychologist. These were discrete day-long interactive workshops involving problem solving exercises for DS Program staff working together with proposed staff from each short-listed supplier.
Separate independent procurement exercises were conducted to select an Independent Safety Assessor, Technical Management Resources, Integration & Timetable Assurance, Systems Engineering Resources, Cost Advisory Services, Communications Support Services, Stakeholder Management Services, Commercial Advisory Services (Technology), and General Advisor Resources.
We were also involved in the development of ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) processes to select Timetable Management System (TMS) and Trackside Equipment suppliers.
An overall Probity Management Plan for the DS Program was developed and maintained. Probity control measures were put in place for incumbent consultants and contractors working with the DS Program and with other related TfNSW and Sydney Trains projects.
We reviewed all tender and process documentation, including probity controls, assessment plans and reports for each procurement process conducted. We attended all site meetings, tender evaluation meetings, supplier interviews, negotiation processes, alignment and interactive workshops, and monitored the conduct of participants.
We checked that every participant in evaluation or assessment processes signed a Confidentiality Agreement and Conflict of Interest Declaration appropriate to their role.
Where necessary or requested we provided written ad hoc probity advice on issues arising during procurement processes. Probity Reports were prepared at key milestones for each procurement process.
Our engagements on multiple DS Program procurement processes extended from September 2017 to May 2019.
In 2018, the NSW Government allocated over $800 million towards the first part of the Program, involving developing, testing and validating Digital Systems on parts of the T4 Line, from Sutherland to Cronulla and from Bondi Junction to Erskineville.
