Project Background
With the rapid development of mobile communications technology and expansion of operational data requirements due to growth in sensor and control systems, a market-led train radio replacement proposal by a Vodafone-Nokia consortium, was presented to VicGov.
Providing a safety critical replacement train radio in an operational environment, is vastly more complex than green-field delivery, with each implementation stage required to pass a mandatory safety case and integrate with existing legacy services. Importantly, the Melbourne rail network operates 24hrs and includes interfaces with freight, regional and interstate service communications. Requirements included use-cases extended to emergency services, buses and trams whist ensuring VFM to enhance Vodafone’s mobile footprint and 4G services capacity in a complex competitive stakeholder environment.
On behalf of the State Government, Innova resources undertook the technical assessment and supported the commercial assessment. The project ran over 3 stages (2-4) across 3 years, following DTF MLP guidelines. The project included detailed technical, commercial assessments and financial modelling of the proposal from the vendor, development of a VFM report (Stage 3), a public sector comparator, and full business case to prove uniqueness and VFM (stage 4). The project also included a procurement strategy with commercial principles in stage 3 and a detailed RFP process in Stage 4.
Innova worked with all stakeholders and government rationalising telecommunication assets to extract greater VFM. We identified and elaborated State policy decisions driving safety and operational outcomes for mission critical communications. These elements underpinned government advice and Project Governance, informing a holistic DTF business case across all use cases and expected benefits realisation.
H
How Innova Helped
Identification and development of clear problem and scope definitions, boundaries, objectives and stakeholder roles and responsibilities and demarcations, co-dependencies, and interfaces. Early accountability and stakeholder buy-in of implementation plans and milestones as per defined governance framework.
Structured system engineering processes across multiple technology and operational domains developing requirements specifications and integrated cross-organisation schedule. Configuration control, issue management and responsibilities were developed.
A safe and robust end-to-end solution accomplished, identifying cost of State works, solutions, industry and carrier involvement and technology integration with competing interests in a complex multi-stakeholder environment.
Achieved Outcomes
A compelling business case was developed to guide technology vendor, mobile Carrier’s and the State to an acceptable low risk investment proposal. The project was one of the most complex MLPs VicGov has ever received. Detailed due diligence was required to validate the costs and benefits and develop the business case. The project outputs were high quality investment analysis and a business case which was submitted to the Expenditure Review Commitee.
Agreement reached on a complex set of requirements that were synthesised into work packages against a ell-defined procurement model and scalable solution set. Market sounding was undertaken to ensure that the MLP presented a unique VFM proposal to VicGov and a comprehensive multi-criteria options analysis undertaken Additional revenue models were identified to enhance the Benefits Cost Realisation and whole of life investment A number of procurement and operating models were identified and risk assessed. All risks, assumptions and constraints including dependencies to other VicGov projects were identified and assessed as part of the lifecycle considerations and deliverability. Detailed financial analysis was undertaken against the developed phasing of the proposal including financial viability, sustainability and risk profile of the vendors.
Negotiated proposed service agreements in advance to better inform cost and risk profile of operating models. Technical recommendations and risk analysis for operations and whole of life system management with defined integration and migration path solutions for both Capex and Operations was completed and additionally immediate obsolescence challenges were identified and a resolution path recommended minimising the potential to impact public transport operations.