Notice Information
Notice Title
Extending High Speed Broadband Framework Agreement
Notice Description
Procurement The Welsh Government (the "Authority") is conducting a procurement to establish an open framework (the "Framework") to deliver the Extending High Speed Broadband ("EHSB") project. Once the Framework is established, the Authority intends to award a series of call-off contracts (following individual competitive selection processes), that will provide grant funding to telecoms suppliers to cover the "gap" in costs that are required to deliver superfast connections to communities / premises in Wales that would not otherwise be served by commercial operators under normal market conditions, due to the high infrastructure cost of building connections to those "hard to reach" communities / premises. Grants made under the call-off contracts are out of scope for the purposes of VAT. Coverage The Authority's 2022 open market review identified that around 84,000 premises within Wales did not have access to superfast download speeds (at least 30Mbps) exacerbating the digital divide. Ofcom has previously stated that a subset of these (around 10,000 premises) do not yet have access to at least 10Mbps. Despite the efforts of the telecommunications industry and public sector interventions, there are still premises in Wales that do not have access to at least superfast broadband speeds. The Authority has therefore developed the EHSB project to address this gap and provide fast and reliable broadband to those premises. Whilst the Authority is confident that the number of premises without superfast download speeds has drastically reduced since the 2022 open market review (as the scope of commercial and other public sector deployments, including Project Gigabit, have become clearer), the Authority anticipates that the number of premises that are currently in scope of the Framework is in the region of 29,000 premises. The current, indicative list of eligible premises that are anticipated to be in scope for the Framework will be subject to refinement/update during the duration of the Framework (for example, to reflect any premises which may be addressed by other interventions). The premises that are in-scope for each call-off contract will be confirmed in the relevant request for proposals issued under the Framework. Additional Information The Authority expects the Framework will have two lots. The first lot will be for projects that require the installation of broadband network infrastructure to 1,000 premises and over. The second lot will be for projects that require the installation of broadband network infrastructure to under 1,000 premises. Suppliers are permitted to apply for either or both lots. The Authority expects the first Framework will commence early 2026 with the first call-off contract under the Framework being awarded shortly thereafter. The estimated total value set out in this notice is in respect of all call-off contracts that may be awarded under the Framework. At this stage, it is an estimate only and is in no way guaranteed or final. The associated tender documents for this opportunity contain more specific information. The dates and total duration for the Framework and any call-off contracts referred to in this notice are also estimates and for illustrative purposes only.
Lot Information
Installation of broadband network infrastructure to 1,000 premises and over
Lot 1 will be for projects that require the installation of broadband network infrastructure to 1,000 premises and over
Options: The indicative term of each framework within the Open Framework will be as follows: * Framework one - two years (with an option to extend Framework one by up to one year); * Framework two - three years (with an option to extend Framework two by up to one year); and * Framework three - three years (subject to any optional extensions that the Authority may implement for Framework one or Framework two).
Installation of broadband network infrastructure to under 1,000 premisesLot 2 - will be for projects that require the installation of broadband network infrastructure to under 1,000 premises.
Options: he indicative term of each framework within the Open Framework will be as follows: * Framework one - two years (with an option to extend Framework one by up to one year); * Framework two - three years (with an option to extend Framework two by up to one year); and * Framework three - three years (subject to any optional extensions that the Authority may implement for Framework one or Framework two).
Planning Information
To express an interest in this market engagement exercise, interested organisations should e-mail EHSB.Framework@gov.wales by 17:00 on 5th May 2025. Once the deadline to express an interest (as set out above) has passed, participating organisations will be sent a copy of the draft contract via email and be invited to submit written feedback on the draft contract. Participating organisations will then have seven days in which to provide their feedback to the Welsh Government. The format for this market engagement exercise will be consistent for each participating organisation. Participation in this market engagement exercise is not a requirement for future progress in the procurement process and details of the outcome from the exercise will be made clear in the associated tender documents related to the opportunity, once these documents are published.
Notice Details
Publication & Lifecycle
- Open Contracting ID
- ocds-h6vhtk-0507e1
- Publication Source
- Find A Tender Service
- Latest Notice
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063081-2025
- Current Stage
- Tender
- All Stages
- Planning, Tender
Procurement Classification
- Notice Type
- UK4 - Tender Notice
- Procurement Type
- Framework
- Procurement Category
- Services
- Procurement Method
- Open
- Procurement Method Details
- Open procedure
- Tender Suitability
- SME, VCSE
- Awardee Scale
- Not specified
Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)
- CPV Divisions
32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
51 - Installation services (except software)
64 - Postal and telecommunications services
-
- CPV Codes
32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
51000000 - Installation services (except software)
64000000 - Postal and telecommunications services
Notice Value(s)
- Tender Value
- £70,000,000 £10M-£100M
- Lots Value
- £70,000,000 £10M-£100M
- Awards Value
- Not specified
- Contracts Value
- Not specified
Notice Dates
- Publication Date
- 8 Oct 20254 months ago
- Submission Deadline
- 26 Nov 2025Expired
- Future Notice Date
- 28 May 2025Expired
- Award Date
- Not specified
- Contract Period
- 1 Feb 2026 - 30 Jan 2034 Over 5 years
- Recurrence
- 2028-02-01
Notice Status
- Tender Status
- Active
- Lots Status
- Active
- Awards Status
- Not Specified
- Contracts Status
- Not Specified
Buyer & Supplier
Contracting Authority (Buyer)
- Main Buyer
- LLYWODRAETH CYMRU / WELSH GOVERNMENT
- Contact Name
- Gemma Martyn
- Contact Email
- gemma.martyn@gov.wales
- Contact Phone
- +443000258886
Buyer Location
- Locality
- CARDIFF
- Postcode
- CF10 3NQ
- Post Town
- Cardiff
- Country
- Wales
-
- Major Region (ITL 1)
- TLL Wales
- Basic Region (ITL 2)
- TLL5 South East Wales
- Small Region (ITL 3)
- TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
- Delivery Location
- TLL Wales
-
- Local Authority
- Cardiff
- Electoral Ward
- Cathays
- Westminster Constituency
- Cardiff South and Penarth
Further Information
Notice Documents
-
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063081-2025
8th October 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017125-2025
25th April 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)
View full OCDS Record for this contracting process
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.
{
"tag": [
"compiled"
],
"id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0507e1-2025-10-08T08:29:10+01:00",
"date": "2025-10-08T08:29:10+01:00",
"ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0507e1",
"initiationType": "tender",
"parties": [
{
"id": "GB-PPON-PQYQ-3841-BHTP",
"name": "Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government",
"identifier": {
"scheme": "GB-PPON",
"id": "PQYQ-3841-BHTP"
},
"address": {
"streetAddress": "Seilwaith Digidol / Digital Infrastructure",
"locality": "Cardiff",
"postalCode": "CF10 3NQ",
"country": "GB",
"countryName": "United Kingdom",
"region": "UKL22"
},
"contactPoint": {
"name": "Gemma Martyn",
"email": "gemma.martyn@gov.wales",
"telephone": "+443000258886"
},
"roles": [
"buyer"
],
"details": {
"url": "http://gov.wales",
"classifications": [
{
"scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
"id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
"description": "Public authority - central government"
},
{
"scheme": "UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS",
"id": "GB-WLS",
"description": "Welsh devolved regulations apply"
}
]
}
}
],
"buyer": {
"id": "GB-PPON-PQYQ-3841-BHTP",
"name": "Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government"
},
"planning": {
"milestones": [
{
"id": "engagement",
"type": "engagement",
"description": "To express an interest in this market engagement exercise, interested organisations should e-mail EHSB.Framework@gov.wales by 17:00 on 5th May 2025. Once the deadline to express an interest (as set out above) has passed, participating organisations will be sent a copy of the draft contract via email and be invited to submit written feedback on the draft contract. Participating organisations will then have seven days in which to provide their feedback to the Welsh Government. The format for this market engagement exercise will be consistent for each participating organisation. Participation in this market engagement exercise is not a requirement for future progress in the procurement process and details of the outcome from the exercise will be made clear in the associated tender documents related to the opportunity, once these documents are published.",
"dueDate": "2025-05-05T23:59:59+01:00",
"status": "scheduled"
}
],
"documents": [
{
"id": "017125-2025",
"documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
"noticeType": "UK2",
"description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
"url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017125-2025",
"datePublished": "2025-04-25T16:09:11+01:00",
"format": "text/html"
}
]
},
"tender": {
"id": "C118/2024/2025",
"legalBasis": {
"id": "2023/54",
"scheme": "UKPGA",
"uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
},
"title": "Extending High Speed Broadband Framework Agreement",
"description": "Procurement The Welsh Government (the \"Authority\") is conducting a procurement to establish an open framework (the \"Framework\") to deliver the Extending High Speed Broadband (\"EHSB\") project. Once the Framework is established, the Authority intends to award a series of call-off contracts (following individual competitive selection processes), that will provide grant funding to telecoms suppliers to cover the \"gap\" in costs that are required to deliver superfast connections to communities / premises in Wales that would not otherwise be served by commercial operators under normal market conditions, due to the high infrastructure cost of building connections to those \"hard to reach\" communities / premises. Grants made under the call-off contracts are out of scope for the purposes of VAT. Coverage The Authority's 2022 open market review identified that around 84,000 premises within Wales did not have access to superfast download speeds (at least 30Mbps) exacerbating the digital divide. Ofcom has previously stated that a subset of these (around 10,000 premises) do not yet have access to at least 10Mbps. Despite the efforts of the telecommunications industry and public sector interventions, there are still premises in Wales that do not have access to at least superfast broadband speeds. The Authority has therefore developed the EHSB project to address this gap and provide fast and reliable broadband to those premises. Whilst the Authority is confident that the number of premises without superfast download speeds has drastically reduced since the 2022 open market review (as the scope of commercial and other public sector deployments, including Project Gigabit, have become clearer), the Authority anticipates that the number of premises that are currently in scope of the Framework is in the region of 29,000 premises. The current, indicative list of eligible premises that are anticipated to be in scope for the Framework will be subject to refinement/update during the duration of the Framework (for example, to reflect any premises which may be addressed by other interventions). The premises that are in-scope for each call-off contract will be confirmed in the relevant request for proposals issued under the Framework. Additional Information The Authority expects the Framework will have two lots. The first lot will be for projects that require the installation of broadband network infrastructure to 1,000 premises and over. The second lot will be for projects that require the installation of broadband network infrastructure to under 1,000 premises. Suppliers are permitted to apply for either or both lots. The Authority expects the first Framework will commence early 2026 with the first call-off contract under the Framework being awarded shortly thereafter. The estimated total value set out in this notice is in respect of all call-off contracts that may be awarded under the Framework. At this stage, it is an estimate only and is in no way guaranteed or final. The associated tender documents for this opportunity contain more specific information. The dates and total duration for the Framework and any call-off contracts referred to in this notice are also estimates and for illustrative purposes only.",
"items": [
{
"id": "1",
"additionalClassifications": [
{
"scheme": "CPV",
"id": "32000000",
"description": "Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment"
},
{
"scheme": "CPV",
"id": "51000000",
"description": "Installation services (except software)"
},
{
"scheme": "CPV",
"id": "64000000",
"description": "Postal and telecommunications services"
}
],
"deliveryAddresses": [
{
"region": "UKL",
"country": "GB",
"countryName": "United Kingdom"
},
{
"region": "UKL",
"country": "GB",
"countryName": "United Kingdom"
}
],
"relatedLot": "1"
},
{
"id": "2",
"additionalClassifications": [
{
"scheme": "CPV",
"id": "32000000",
"description": "Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment"
},
{
"scheme": "CPV",
"id": "51000000",
"description": "Installation services (except software)"
},
{
"scheme": "CPV",
"id": "64000000",
"description": "Postal and telecommunications services"
}
],
"deliveryAddresses": [
{
"region": "UKL",
"country": "GB",
"countryName": "United Kingdom"
}
],
"relatedLot": "2"
}
],
"value": {
"amountGross": 70000000,
"amount": 70000000,
"currency": "GBP"
},
"mainProcurementCategory": "services",
"aboveThreshold": true,
"techniques": {
"hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
"frameworkAgreement": {
"isOpenFrameworkScheme": true,
"method": "withReopeningCompetition",
"type": "closed",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details.",
"openFrameworkSchemeEndDate": "2034-01-31T23:59:59+00:00"
}
},
"lots": [
{
"id": "1",
"suitability": {
"sme": true,
"vcse": true
},
"contractPeriod": {
"startDate": "2026-02-01T00:00:00+00:00",
"endDate": "2034-01-30T23:59:59+00:00"
},
"status": "active",
"title": "Installation of broadband network infrastructure to 1,000 premises and over",
"description": "Lot 1 will be for projects that require the installation of broadband network infrastructure to 1,000 premises and over",
"value": {
"amountGross": 60000000,
"amount": 60000000,
"currency": "GBP"
},
"awardCriteria": {
"criteria": [
{
"type": "quality",
"name": "Technical - Quality",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details.",
"numbers": [
{
"number": 50,
"weight": "percentageExact"
}
]
},
{
"type": "quality",
"name": "Technical - Social Value/Sustainability",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details.",
"numbers": [
{
"number": 10,
"weight": "percentageExact"
}
]
},
{
"type": "cost",
"name": "Commercial",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details.",
"numbers": [
{
"number": 40,
"weight": "percentageExact"
}
]
}
]
},
"selectionCriteria": {
"criteria": [
{
"type": "economic",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details."
},
{
"type": "technical",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details."
}
]
},
"hasOptions": true,
"options": {
"description": "The indicative term of each framework within the Open Framework will be as follows: * Framework one - two years (with an option to extend Framework one by up to one year); * Framework two - three years (with an option to extend Framework two by up to one year); and * Framework three - three years (subject to any optional extensions that the Authority may implement for Framework one or Framework two)."
}
},
{
"id": "2",
"title": "Installation of broadband network infrastructure to under 1,000 premises",
"description": "Lot 2 - will be for projects that require the installation of broadband network infrastructure to under 1,000 premises.",
"status": "active",
"value": {
"amountGross": 10000000,
"amount": 10000000,
"currency": "GBP"
},
"awardCriteria": {
"criteria": [
{
"type": "quality",
"name": "Technical - Quality",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details.",
"numbers": [
{
"number": 50,
"weight": "percentageExact"
}
]
},
{
"type": "quality",
"name": "Technical - Social Value/Sustainability",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details.",
"numbers": [
{
"number": 10,
"weight": "percentageExact"
}
]
},
{
"type": "cost",
"name": "Commercial",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details.",
"numbers": [
{
"number": 40,
"weight": "percentageExact"
}
]
}
]
},
"selectionCriteria": {
"criteria": [
{
"type": "economic",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details."
},
{
"type": "technical",
"description": "Please refer to the Invitation to Participate for further details."
}
]
},
"suitability": {
"sme": true,
"vcse": true
},
"contractPeriod": {
"startDate": "2026-02-01T00:00:00+00:00",
"endDate": "2034-01-30T23:59:59+00:00"
},
"hasOptions": true,
"options": {
"description": "he indicative term of each framework within the Open Framework will be as follows: * Framework one - two years (with an option to extend Framework one by up to one year); * Framework two - three years (with an option to extend Framework two by up to one year); and * Framework three - three years (subject to any optional extensions that the Authority may implement for Framework one or Framework two)."
}
}
],
"communication": {
"futureNoticeDate": "2025-05-28T23:59:59+01:00"
},
"status": "active",
"procurementMethod": "open",
"procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
"coveredBy": [
"GPA"
],
"submissionMethodDetails": "This procurement process is being conducted electronically on the e-tendering portal eTenderwales (\"Portal\"). The Portal can be accessed via the following link: https://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk/home.html The first person from your organisation to use the Portal will be required to register on behalf of your organisation (\"Organisation\"). Registration involves accepting a User Agreement, and providing basic information about your Organisation and about the user (\"User\") performing the registration (\"Registration\"). The User who performs the Registration becomes the \"Super User\" for the Organisation. On registering on the Portal the Super User will be required to select a username and will receive a password. The password will be sent by e-mail to the email address that was specified in the User Details section of the Registration page. In order to log in to the Portal please you will need to enter your username and password. Note: If you forget your password then please visit the homepage and click \"Forgot your password?\" Registration should only be performed once for each Organisation. If you think that someone in your Organisation may have already registered on the Portal then you must not register again. Please contact the person who Registered (i.e. the Super User) in order to arrange access to the Portal. Contact the Helpdesk via the Portal immediately if you are unable to contact the Super User (for example if they have left your Organisation). Note: If your Organisation is already registered on the Portal then you must not make any additional registration. Please contact the Helpdesk to gain access to the Portal. How to locate the Invitation to Participate in the Framework (\"ITP\") on the Portal: Once logged in you must click on \"ITP's Open to all Suppliers\" The etender references for this procurement are: Project 59871. The Qualification envelope for both lots can be found under ITT 118529. The Technical and Commercial envelopes for Lot 1 can be found under ITT 118526. The Technical and Commercial envelopes for Lot 2 can be found under ITT 118527. Click on the title to access summary details of the contract. If you are still interested in submitting a tender, click the \"Express an Interest button\". This will move the ITP from the \"Open to all Suppliers\" area to the \"My ITP's\" on the home page. You will then see the full details of the ITP in the qualification, technical and commercial envelopes along with any relevant documents in the \"Attachments\" area. Should you have any questions in relation to the ITP, please use the \"Messages\" area within the Portal to contact the Authority directly - Please do not contact the named person set out in this notice.",
"submissionTerms": {
"electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
"languages": [
"en",
"cy"
]
},
"tenderPeriod": {
"endDate": "2025-11-26T12:00:00+00:00"
},
"enquiryPeriod": {
"endDate": "2025-11-05T12:00:00+00:00"
},
"awardPeriod": {
"endDate": "2026-01-20T23:59:59+00:00"
},
"documents": [
{
"id": "conflictOfInterest",
"documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
"description": "Not published"
},
{
"id": "063081-2025",
"documentType": "tenderNotice",
"noticeType": "UK4",
"description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
"url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063081-2025",
"datePublished": "2025-10-08T08:29:10+01:00",
"format": "text/html"
}
],
"hasRecurrence": true,
"recurrence": {
"dates": [
{
"startDate": "2028-02-01T23:59:59+00:00"
}
]
}
},
"language": "en"
}