Award

AI Computing Facility

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

28 Apr 2025 at 08:49

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Southampton has completed the procurement process for an AI Computing Facility, specifically requiring 4 R760xa systems with Nvidia L4 GPUs, ensuring compatibility with existing university systems. This procurement falls under the industry category of servers, classified under CPV code 48820000. It utilised a selective procurement method through a call-off from a framework agreement, relevant for the location SO17 1BJ, Southampton, England. The procurement process culminated in awarding the contract to Dell Corporation Limited, valued at £101,996. The tender process was completed by 3rd April 2025, with the contract period running from 15th April to 29th May 2025.

This procurement presents opportunities for businesses that specialise in high-performance computing systems, specifically those capable of providing advanced server specifications and warranties. It would be well-suited for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in integrating and managing complex server infrastructures, particularly those with experience in maintaining compatibility with existing computing facilities. The strategic partnership with academic institutions like the University of Southampton can enhance visibility and credibility in the technology sector, paving the way for potential future collaborations.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

AI Computing Facility

Notice Description

The University of Southampton requires 4 R760xa systems and as many Nvidia L4 GPUs as possible with servers meeting the following specification. There must be a maximum of 8 GPUs per server. * CPU - Minimum of 12 threads per GPU, either Intel or AMD with minimum clock speeds of 2 Ghz normal, 3 Ghz boost * RAM - 10GB per thread * 800GB Minimum Solid State Fault Tolerant storage for OS, RAID 1. * 7.68TB Minimum Read Intensive NVMe storage for local dataset storage * Backplane - PCIe version 4 or above * Redundant power supplies * Remote server management that must include KVM over IP with console redirection and control. * 1x Infiniband Mellanox ConnectX-6 Single Port HDR * 1x 25GBase-T NIC for login traffic * 1x 1Gbe NIC for management traffic * Keep your own disk * 5 Year next business day onsite warranty * 1x 5m 25gbs Twinax cable for each server The system must be compatible with the 3 existing R760xa systems the University already has. A 5 year warranty period must be included.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-ddf3a535-20e5-474d-9ccb-a3662fe84806
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/77fe1fe2-4c28-42e6-81a7-94a17d51bbc5
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a framework agreement
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

CPV Codes

48820000 - Servers

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£101,996 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£101,996 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Apr 202510 months ago
Submission Deadline
3 Apr 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
14 Apr 202510 months ago
Contract Period
14 Apr 2025 - 29 May 2025 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SOUTHAMPTON
Postcode
SO17 1BJ
Post Town
Southampton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ32 Southampton
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Southampton
Electoral Ward
Portswood
Westminster Constituency
Southampton Test

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

DELL

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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