Thank you for your email received by us on 30 May 2017 asking for copies of the original tender documentation released to bidders for the Service Desk contract that was awarded to ATOS and is due for renewal on 16 March 2019. I am sorry for the delay in responding.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
Please find attached copies of the majority of the documentation that was sent to bidders in relation to the Service Desk procurement.
In accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply a copy of the Service Requirements, which would detail the bidders detailed response to various aspects of our IT related major incident reporting systems for example because this information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 31(1) (Prevention and detection of crime).
In this instance the exemption applies as disclosure of the information you have requested would provide insight into how we manage IT based incidents including the prevention and detection of cyber attacks and the success or failure of attempts by persons unknown to unlawfully access or disrupt our information networks, which are critical to the operation of London’s transport system. The London transport system is a critical piece of national infrastructure and as such we employ rigorous safeguards to protect it from cyber attack. Like other organisations we are subject to regular attempted cyber attacks. These attacks are unlawful under the Computer Misuse Act, and whilst the motive is not always apparent, we are aware of the risk to critical national infrastructure that may result from a successful attack.
We consider that releasing this information would be likely to prejudice our efforts in managing our robust software systems and the incidents that arise, such as the prevention and detection of future attacks that would undermine our ability to safeguard the London transport network.
The use of these exemptions is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance we consider that there is greater public interest in safeguarding our information systems and protecting the integrity of the London transport network.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
Information Governance
Transport For London
