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Framework for Applied Science Technology Engineering Requirements (FASTER)

Met Office

This public procurement record has 8 releases in its history.

Award

18 May 2026 at 18:29

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

08 Apr 2026 at 10:09

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Tender

22 Oct 2025 at 10:14

UK4 - Tender Notice
PlanningUpdate

13 May 2025 at 15:03

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

13 May 2025 at 14:58

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
PlanningUpdate

07 May 2025 at 14:27

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

02 May 2025 at 09:15

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

01 May 2025 at 10:44

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Met Office, based in Exeter, has completed a procurement process titled "Framework for Applied Science Technology Engineering Requirements" (FASTER), which focuses on securing services up to a value of £57,000,000 including VAT. This framework is designed to facilitate the acquisition of industrial and academic expertise to support the Met Office's initiatives in weather and climate science application. The procurement, conducted as an open procedure, was initiated in April 2026 and is anticipated to last potentially until 2034, with multiple stages of reopening for new entrants. The first reopening is expected by September 2028. The principal category of this procurement involves research and experimental development services, to be delivered across the United Kingdom. The contract was officially awarded in May 2026, with a gross amount of £10,944,000 for the period starting from 24 April 2026.

This tender provides significant opportunities for both large and SME businesses that specialise in technology-driven scientific research and development. Companies with strengths in applying scientific knowledge to real-world environmental challenges are particularly well-suited for this framework. It offers a platform to collaborate with the Met Office and contribute to the cutting-edge development of climate and weather solutions. With reopening phases planned twice during the framework, there is a sustained opportunity to engage and benefit from subsequent phases, promoting continuous innovation and wider participation. The participation of diverse academic and industrial partners enhances networking and collaboration opportunities, potentially driving business growth through shared expertise and cutting-edge solutions.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Framework for Applied Science Technology Engineering Requirements (FASTER)

Notice Description

A services framework. The FASTER will be the principal mechanism by which the Met Office seeks to secure skills and capacity from Industrial and Academic Institutions in support of the delivery of Met Office requirements relating to the application of weather and climate science. FASTER covers the use of scientific techniques and knowledge alongside technology solutions to explore and understand real world questions and challenges experienced by customers and end users of our weather and climate information and subsequently develop mitigation approaches and prototype solutions.

Lot Information

Observations

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

Prediction and Projection

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

Post Processing and Analysis

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

Production & Customer Delivery

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

Customer Experience

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

Planning Information

Met Office is about to commence market engagement activities to shape its thinking relating to sourcing the Framework for Applied Science Technology & Engineering Requirements (FASTER). The Proactis EOI stage, through Proactis will go live on the 9 May 2025. Any interested suppliers are asked to register their organisation on Proactis if they haven't already https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=9a809f0c-262b-f011-8136-005056b64545 Suppliers need to register their interest by pressing the EOI button once the EOI is live (7 May). There will be an on-line event via MS Teams on 5 June 9am -12 Noon to provide an overview of the Framework requirements. This will also be a chance for suppliers to ask questions. All Q&A will be submitted through the Proactis Portal. Once an EOI is submitted please provide via the Proactis messaging system who will be attending from your organisation (up to 2 representatives) or by completing the box in the form and sending the form back to us through Proactis. This session will be run via MS Teams. If for any reason you cannot make the session we will collate an anonymised transcript and Q&A and make this available to all interested suppliers through the Proactis Portal. The intention is also to have a Face to Face event in the Autumn 2025. Exact details of this will be issued in due course through the Proactis Portal.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-050b18
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045551-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

73300000 - Design and execution of research and development

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£45,600,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£45,600,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
£9,120,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£9,120,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 May 20263 months ago
Submission Deadline
3 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
31 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
1 Apr 20264 months ago
Contract Period
24 Apr 2026 - 23 Apr 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
2028-09-01

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Met Office
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX1 3PB
Postcode Area
Exeter
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Pinhoe
Westminster Constituency
Exmouth and Exeter East

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
42
Supplier Names

AFRY Soulutions UK Ltd

Advai-Ltd

Aeris-UK Limited

Aspinall Instruments

Assimila Limited

AtkinsRealis Limited

Axion Solutions Ltd

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence

CACI Ltd

CU Services Ltd

Cambridge University

Cirrus Software Solutions

ESRI (UK) Limited

Fraser-Nash Consultancy Ltd

Fullwood Engineering Ltd

HR Wallingford

Hitch Marketing Limited

Imperial College Projects Limited

Individual

JBA Consulting

Lancaster University

Menapia Ltd

Montvieux Ltd

National Oceanography Centre

Northumbria University Business and Enterprise

OpenWeather LTD

Ove Arup & Partners Ltd

Oxidian Ltd

SLR Consulting Ltd

Sayers and Partners

The Alan Turing Institute

UCL Consultants

University of Birmingham

University of Exeter

University of Leeds

University of Plymouth

University of Reading

University of Southampton

University of Surrey

VE3

Voltitude Ltd

WX Labs Ltd

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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