Award

Wafer Scale Engine Processors

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

17 Jan 2025 at 15:20

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has concluded the procurement process for the acquisition of Wafer Scale Engine Processors, classified under the supercomputer category (CPV code: 30211100). This contract involves the purchase of four wafer scale processors, a coolant distribution unit, and includes hardware supply, delivery, installation, along with three years of support, warranty, and maintenance. The procurement follows a limited method without prior publication due to the absence of competition for technical reasons. The contract was awarded to Cerebras Systems for a total value of USD 5,246,388 and was signed on 20 December 2024. The equipment will be used for large-scale training problems and inference tasks specific to the university's needs.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialised in supplying cutting-edge supercomputing hardware and associated support services. Companies experienced in providing high-performance computing solutions and with a capability to deliver turnkey projects involving delivery, installation, and long-term maintenance would be well-positioned to pursue similar contracts in the future. The specific requirement and technical nature of the Wafer Scale Engine highlight a niche market where technological uniqueness can be a strong competitive advantage, underscoring the potential for growth in the specialised supercomputing segment.

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Notice Title

Wafer Scale Engine Processors

Notice Description

Purchase of 4 wafer scale processors and coolant distribution unit. Purchase includes supply of hardware, delivery, installation and 3 years' support, warranty and maintenance from install.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Purchase of 4 wafer scale processors and a coolant distribution unit. Purchase includes supply of hardware, delivery, installation and 3 years' support, warranty and maintenance from install.

Procurement Information

Competition is absent for technical reasons, but only where no reasonable alternative or substitute exists and the absence of competition is not the result of an artificial narrowing down of the parameters of the procurement. The Cerebras Wafer Scale Engine is a unique technology which is designed specifically for the large-scale training problems and inference tasks the University of Edinburgh will utilise this equipment for.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04d456
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/001747-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

30 - Office and computing machinery, equipment and supplies except furniture and software packages


CPV Codes

30211100 - Super computer

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£5,246,388 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jan 20251 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
20 Dec 20241 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Suzanne Toole
Contact Email
suzie.toole@ed.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

CEREBRAS SYSTEMS

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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