The first contract, valued at £4.3m, covers the design of the high speed rail systems for Phase 1 of the project, from London to West Midlands.
The second contract, valued at £3.7m, covers the design of modifications to the existing Network Rail systems at key interface points such as Euston, Old Oak Common and the West Coast mainline.
Throughout this process they will work closely with HS2’s systems engineers, civil and structural engineers and environmental specialists as well as Network Rail.
The preliminary designs will be used to inform the hybrid bill documents that are due to be submitted to Parliament by the end of 2013.
It brief includes design of the track, the overhead catenary system, signalling systems, power distribution and telecommunications.
It also includes the design and management of M&E services, including tunnel ventilation and lighting and operation and maintenance.
HS2 timeline
2013: Consultation on the environmental statement based on the environmental impact assessment (EIA). Environmental surveys start in 2012.
End of 2013: Hybrid Bill starts process through Parliament.
2015: Target date for Royal Assent for the hybrid bill, containing legal powers to construct HS2.
2017-2025: Construction period (starts and ends at different times and at different points along the route.)
2024-2026: Commissioning and testing of Phase 1, from London to the West Midlands.
2026: Phase 1 of line opens to passengers.